Chapter 92
Chapter 92
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Entry into Prynar Academy
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The absence of the new instructor Dre...
...did not cause much of a stir.
It was only natural, really.
The only ones waiting for him were acquaintances who knew Dre or students who had bet on him.
Most people had come to see the renowned professors with their illustrious achievements or the genius students who might one day stand alongside them.
Aside from a few students, the qualification exam proceeded on schedule.
In the midst of it all, Gold—who could be called a bystander to this situation—thought of his brother, who was probably fast asleep in bed by now.
'Sorry, brother. But this is for the best.'
Repelt had argued that there was no need for this, but Gold pushed forward anyway.
The reason was Dre's current condition.
Gold had sharp instincts.
And those instincts were telling him that Dre's physical state was far from normal.
'It's only natural. After taking that many hits from a dragon on the level of a catastrophe, there was no way there wouldn't be a price to pay.'
Brother... Dre wasn't showing it, but Gold knew he was hiding something.
According to Gold's instincts, it didn't seem too serious, but even Dre didn't know how to fix it—that kind of feeling.
He didn't want to let someone in that state step out here.
If he wasn't in perfect condition, he'd become a laughingstock...
Gold couldn't bear to see Dre ridiculed.
Gold knew.
Even if Dre possessed more power than they imagined, if he stayed at the level of their fantasies, he'd immediately become a target of mockery.
That was the perception of Outsiders and the strictness toward instructor qualifications.
No need to look far—Gold himself held that mindset.
The difference was that he believed Outsiders could be understood and had different dispositions, so he made the effort.
And at the end of that effort, Gold met Dre.
'Time is needed.'
Time to shed the yoke of being an Outsider and improve perceptions.
Normally, time alone wouldn't solve it, but the power of the Hart Clan made it more than possible.
If necessary, he'd mobilize authority and wealth to change perceptions.
It made his blood boil, but since it was for Dre, El would gladly help too.
There were plenty of ways to gain recognition as an instructor through skill, without this exam.
So Gold hoped his brother was deep in sleep.
To ensure that, he'd overcome his guilt and slipped him a powerful sleeping pill.
In truth, Dre had overslept due to his own habits, and Prynar's blessing made the pill ineffective...
'Powerful Outsiders are immune to poison-based effects, but even so, full immunity is rare. Please, just sleep soundly today.'
As long as it lasted until the exam ended, that was enough.
Of course, he'd pay the price for acting on his own.
He'd use all his power to create an event that would boost Dre's reputation.
With the Hart Clan's influence, it was entirely feasible.
Thinking that, he glanced at the dragon corpse, pitiful compared to Prostia.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Yes. Those who arrived late due to the recent decision may still participate if they arrive within the time limit. Otherwise, they will be marked as no-show. The announcer's words, amplified by magic, echoed through the hall.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Now, let the qualification exam begin! The rules are simple! Behold this terrifyingly powerful and sacred creature beside me! The pinnacle of monsters! This corpse nullifies all magic, divine powers, and martial prowess—it's the ultimate embodiment of defense!! Quite the exaggeration.
Gold thought so.
But the majority agreed.
It wasn't even a true dragon, just a lesser wyrm like a drake, which could reflect most magic like a mirror.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ If you cause a 'meaningful change' to this corpse within the 5-minute time limit, points will be awarded based on the change! The judges are all of you distinguished guests here! The announcer swept his proud gaze over the seats.
Seated there were influential figures he couldn't even approach normally—like royalty from a kingdom or patriarchs of the Ten Great Families, more prestigious than any crown.
At this moment, they were all equal.
Student or VIP, everyone had an equal vote.
This was Prynar Academy, where he worked.
A place where even giants had to bow.
Feeling his chest swell with pride, the announcer finished his explanation.
The people in the hall nodded at the rules.
A meaningful change.
A fairly fair method.
Not all instructors specialized in combat, after all.
Of course, destruction was flashy and thus scored higher inevitably.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Her Majesty Queen Eniris, the lady of this nation, has graced us with her presence! Thank you! The lights, which had been focused only on the corpse, suddenly illuminated the podium as well.
Members of the royal family or their attendants had come to bless the event.
Eniris, seated in the most prominent spot, waved her hand.
The sight made countless men and women's hearts flutter.
But Eniris's eyes weren't on her adoring subjects—they searched for a specific person.
'Where's that child?'
To be late at a time like this.
Eniris nearly chuckled to herself, a fond smile tugging at her lips.
And then, the announcer signaled the true start.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Well then, our first examinee is... Oh! Could this be the top contender for first place?! The announcer made a fuss.
And rightly so.
In the center of the exam hall, striding confidently under the lights, was an instructor exuding refined, gentlemanly noble dignity.
It was Vice Head Professor Alfred.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Vice Head Professor's entrance! This man is... "Leman."
As his name was called, the surprised announcer looked over, and Alfred spoke with a hint of irritation.
"Quiet."
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Yes, sir. Leman was a scholar of renown, welcomed anywhere outside the academy, but before Alfred, he was like a mouse before a cat.
Laughter erupted briefly in the hall.
But only briefly.
Everyone held their breath under the black power emanating from Alfred.
The lights had come back on, but no one noticed.
His black power was that captivating.
Alfred Aureus.
In his mid-thirties, he held the rank of Igula, the highest for practical mages.
Among Igulas, he was recognized as a top-tier, eternal genius.
He mastered all magic but favored darkness above all.
Darkness magic, often seen as ominous and reviled, flowed from him like a serene night.
Black darkness surged, blanketing the hall and extinguishing the lights like deepest night.
In combat, the entire domain of darkness would be Alfred's attack range.
Some admired it; others felt chills.
The darkness enveloping the room suddenly coalesced into forms.
Weapons shaped like armaments bombarded the dragon corpse like missiles.
Boom! Kaboom!
The exam hall's automatic defense system activated, shielding the audience from the shockwaves.
In the warlike spectacle... the dragon corpse remained unscathed.
Blue streams of mana, proof of its defense system, swirled like a storm from its skin.
Black darkness and blue light harmonized.
In the fairy-tale splendor, the audience was speechless.
"My god."
"As expected of an adult dragon... Even a corpse withstands such monstrous attacks without a scratch."
"Beautiful."
Defensive power that sent shivers down spines.
His pride wounded, Alfred's eyebrow twitched.
For a moment, the darkness concentrated into a massive drill.
Dozens of meters in diameter, it plummeted like a meteor onto the corpse... and Alfred, who had cast silently throughout, finally chanted.
A spell of concentrated impact.
Kaboom!
Splat!
Waaaaaaah!!
The audience cheered at the spectacle before their eyes.
His attack had bored a massive hole through the dragon corpse!
But Alfred gritted his teeth. He wasn't satisfied.
"...Tough."
Glancing irritably at the instructors—specifically Blurt—the dragon corpse was suddenly pristine again.
"Huh?!"
"It regenerated?!"
Even an unconscious corpse regenerating? Another absurd display of vitality left everyone speechless.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Incredible! That's Professor Alfred! And that's an adult dragon!! At this level, it's invincible, right?! But there's still 4 minutes left— "I'll stop here."
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Pardon? Yes? "Wasting more time."
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [...] Without another word, he turned and exited with the same impeccable poise—no one would think him a quitter; it was dignified and graceful.
The stunned audience soon grasped the meaning of his words and erupted in cheers.
He'd admitted his power couldn't do more to the corpse!!
That was the adult dragon corpse Head Professor Blurt had so proudly saved.
The epitome of defense that even Alfred had given up on!
Of course, there had been meaningful change enough for a high score.
'Heh heh heh. How's that, Alfred?'
Blurt grinned smugly at his arrogant junior.
Of course, if Igulas like Alfred or Emily went all out, they could handle a mere corpse.
They were mages who could fight live dragons.
But that would require power to raze the entire exam hall—impossible here.
Knowing that and withdrawing cleanly was respectable, even from a junior.
'But that Yedre guy... Tch tch.'
A parachuted Outsider who couldn't even win favor by arriving early and preparing? Overslept, no doubt, Blurt thought pityingly—and unfortunately, it was true.
'Or maybe wise. Skipping the exam preserves his untainted fame, building a long career welcomed anywhere.'
An honorable death, so to speak.
Classic mortal thinking—Blurt just chuckled.
He happily watched his juniors.
There were still many promising ones.
He wasn't obsessed with talent like the vice principal, but watching geniuses was pure joy.
Next was Yapuno.
The martial artist unleashed fierce power, relentlessly striking the dragon.
As flashy as Alfred... but he couldn't make much meaningful change.
After chipping a single tooth, he seemed satisfied and forfeited.
That alone qualified him as an instructor.
Of course, the tooth wriggled and regenerated in a second.
The following instructors attacked using their specialties.
They entertained the audience's eyes but achieved no meaningful change.
The instructors bit their lips in frustration.
Beyond the heavens.
Such words were the ultimate humiliation for those who'd lived hearing them.
The next was the witch Emily.
"Masteeeer!"
Ashita, deflated by Dre's absence, called out to the witch with reverence.
Not just Ashita—her students here and there chanted her name.
"Hm."
The witch caressed the dragon corpse for a while, then stepped back and closed her eyes.
Flash.
A magic circle appeared beneath her, and above her head, the witch's crown—the magic crown, proof of ultimate magical attainment.
Countless runes flickered and vanished.
Magic experts gasped at the insane formula.
To laypeople, it was just a fancy circle like the others, so they stayed silent, merely impressed.
Four minutes passed.
Enough time for tense watchers to yawn.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Miss Emily! One minute left...? The announcer's anxious voice tried to hype the mood, but even after 30 more seconds, the witch slowly raised her delicate hand.
Her hand touched the dragon corpse lightly.
And then.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [Kuaaaaaaaaah!!] "Gyaa?!"
"Eek?!"
Those yawning from boredom recoiled in shock and awe.
The roar cracked the defense system.
The prone dragon had bolted up, roaring and unleashing dragon fear!
"What?! Was Malakia alive?!"
"Ngh..."
As everyone instinctively sought escape routes, the dragon froze.
Even in death, it had exuded majesty; now, it was godlike.
Then it bowed politely to the audience.
"Huh? Just now..."
Finally, they realized.
This was the witch Emily's power.
The dragon collapsed like a puppet with cut strings, but the hall was in a frenzy of cheers.
"Kyaaaa!!"
"Professor Emily! Take me!!"
Cheers. Cheers. Cheers.
Ashita too.
"Kyaaaa! Masteeeeer!!"
"Whoa. Professor Emily is amazing..."
"To think she'd animate a dragon corpse."
Repair and animation, not destruction.
Emily's specialty.
The truly meaningful change furrowed Alfred's brow and drew a good-natured chuckle from Blurt.
Repair amid everyone's focus on destruction. Dramatic change.
Clearly the highest score so far.
The remaining instructors sighed.
After this spectacle, the audience's standards would be impossibly high.
In the end, only the divine priest Mullin, servant of the gods, offered anything mildly interesting afterward.
As enthusiasm waned, Professor Blurt urged his ace event: the genius students.
Some from the Ten Great Families among them.
Blue mana streams from the dragon's defense system whipped wildly.
"Pour it on! Pour it on!"
"Let's do focused fire!"
"Hey Gold! Don't hog it... Gyaa!"
Unlike instructors, they attacked in groups.
The sudden event ended after about ten minutes.
Notable results from the Ten Great Families' heirs, as expected.
El. Gold. Clarit.
They pierced the dragon skin instructors struggled with, but looked dissatisfied.
"Um... Is a dragon really that tough?"
"......"
Returning to her seat, Clarit couldn't answer Ashita.
The same impossible scene replayed in her mind as in Ashita's: a flame sword slicing dragon hide like tofu...
Meanwhile, a scruffy-haired swordsman student in the corner yawned.
He'd participated but quit quickly.
He knew it was pointless.
No expectations, but this was ridiculously tough.
'So this is a dragon...'
He'd entered the academy on sword talent, but his skills couldn't scratch that lizard's hide.
Such creatures existed.
How did humans dominate the world with things like that around?
"Wow, really tough."
"Instructors are impressive."
Blurt's event worked well.
Advertising geniuses while re-emphasizing the dragon and instructors' prowess.
The scruffy student thought amid it.
'That new instructor, Dragon Slayer, right...? He beat that?'
Murmurs arose here and there.
"That new guy, Dre? Dragon Slayer, yeah?"
"Even Dragon Slayers are probably bluffs."
"Bluff? Obviously a rumor."
Everyone doubted the rumors.
Gold, pleased with his score and renewed fame, frowned at the mood.
Not Blurt's intent, but satisfying.
Emily wore an inscrutable expression.
And another event.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ This time, a special invitee: the top-ranked Outsider himself! Continent Sword Gang Geonil! Give him a hot welcome with applause! Top-ranked Outsider.
Outsiders generally had poor reputations, but top ranks were different.
They were formally recognized by this world as 'Transcenders from Another Realm,' special guardians...
Among them, Continent Sword Gang Geonil was a household name.
Amid high interest, the black-clad Gang Geonil entered and flashed a V-sign.
"Ooh, that's Gang Geonil."
"But privileges are sealed—can he do anything?"
Indeed.
In Prynar Academy—or precisely, the floating island—Outsider privileges were sealed.
Meaning most of their power was lost... but top Outsiders didn't rely solely on privileges.
All watched as Gang Geonil gazed up at the corpse and assumed a stance.
Shing.
Drawing his sword, it blazed so brightly eyes couldn't meet it.
Swinging that would scar the continent.
Thus, Continent Sword.
Concentrating that power to a point.
"Haaap!"
Kuaaa!
The shrunken blade of light tore into the dragon corpse.
Blue mana from its scales resisted fiercely.
Briefly pushed back by magic resistance, the strike gradually... deeply... sliced into the torso.
Whoaaa.
Cheers filled the hall again.
Gang Geonil achieved what most instructors couldn't.
Those aware his power was mostly sealed raised their evaluation of top Outsiders.
Unatisfied, Gang Geonil struck until time nearly ran out.
He managed to sever the tail.
"Tch."
Amid applause and cheers, Gang Geonil felt bitter.
He wasn't privilege-dependent, but half his power was gone.
Conversely, he'd output half.
'I was serious, yet only the tail...'
It regenerated quickly anyway.
'Horns or claws? No chance...'
Even at full strength, could he handle one corpse?
A live dragon then?
Gang Geonil realized his road was long.
'Heh heh heh, perfect.'
Blurt's mouth nearly reached his ears.
Now—himself, the vice principal, the principal.
And the biggest event... Hero Kaiz.
Only five left.
If this succeeded, the academy's and his fame would skyrocket.
His magic resembled Emily's but differed.
Dissecting the corpse, Blurt discovered it recorded the magic used on it.
After long research, he could reproduce dragon magic—even on a corpse!
'Damn Alfred. This time, you're done.'
Blurt smiled contentedly, eyeing Alfred observing calmly and Emily puffing her pipe leisurely.
As Prynar instructors and Igulas, he'd show he was ahead.
No complaints, but one regret.
Another Igula, Glqum, had exceeded expectations by showing up but half-assed it, saying passing was enough.
Considering he usually skipped, it was a win.
Smiling warmly at Kaiz chatting brightly from afar, Blurt suddenly scowled.
'That Outsider Dre won't show. Just that level after all.'
He'd seemed confident betting or claiming to cut the principal's warp, but trash was trash.
'Said he'd leave the school? I'll make sure he keeps that promise... right?'
Then, a door opened.
The equipment entrance.
Who enters there during this sacred exam?
No—it's magically sealed. How?
As Blurt rose to yell at the anomaly...
"Dre?"
Queen Eniris murmured.
Wearing an amplification magic tool for later speeches, her words spread through the hall.
"Huh? Dre?"
"The new instructor, Dragon Slayer?"
"Why enter there?"
Entering Dre received no warm gazes.
Pouring cold water on the hot mood, his shabby, simple attire screamed mercenary or adventurer, not instructor.
Plus, sweat beaded his face from rushing.
"Th-that guy's the one."
Unfitting an instructor's dignity, Blurt considered ejecting him.
But Emily spoke first.
"Dre. Taking the exam?"
Everyone focused on Dre at the witch's amplified words.
His turn had passed.
No-show was standard. However.
"I'd like to see the Dragon Slayer's prowess."
Vice Head Professor Alfred's comment sparked students to rise.
Clarit and El.
"House Graize, as recommender, wishes to witness his power."
"...House Bliza agrees."
Blurt wanted to rage at students interfering, but momentum had shifted.
Gang Geonil casually draping an arm over Dre like pals drew curious stares: Is there something there?
'Fine. Came this far to show effort and beg pity votes? You'll regret it.'
Standing, Blurt shouted.
"His turn has passed."
"......"
In the hush, Blurt continued.
"...But!! Normally a no-show, but considering his effort to reach here, I'll grant special permission under my authority! The audience seems eager to see his skill too!"
Some clapped.
But pathetically small compared to others.
No expectations.
Just curiosity.
Under thousands of what are you? stares, Dre quietly approached the corpse.
Assistant Professor Leman neared for an interview.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ New instructor Dre! Why were you late? We waited anxiously! What happened? Dre answered curtly to the mic-thrusting banter.
"Overslept." Laughter rippled.
Ashita hung her head, wondering why she felt embarrassed; Mayal laughed awkwardly.
The announcer stiffened briefly but recovered.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Wow, bold! But why the equipment entrance? Staging? "Didn't know the entrance. That was equipment?" Comedy routine?
Friendly gazes flew; cheers of support and encouragement rose.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Hahaha! Great comic timing! Now, your ambitions... "Hey." Dre spoke annoyedly.
"When do we start?" ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [...Yes. Right now.] After trying to help, spat on.
Leman inwardly cursed Dre while smiling and retreating.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Begin! Rules are simple! Dragon in 5 minutes... "Destroy... right?" ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Uh... Yes! Not even listening fully.
Now pure comedy—some clutched bellies laughing.
Technically, destruction counted as meaningful change.
Besides, what could Dre do?
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Ready? Then commence... Oh, if you don't know when, shall I count to three? Leman's teasing joke left Dre puzzled; he nodded.
"Ah, sure." Puhahaha!
Laughter boiled over everywhere.
And.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Three... two... one! Begin! The moment the announcer signaled...
Slash.
A quiet whoosh echoed.
Dre held a longsword—drawn unnoticed.
No mana defense from the dragon skin this time.
That weak? Or didn't even connect?
"Hm... Excellent draw, but no power... Huh?"
Blurt, casually commentating, gaped.
His eyes on the dragon corpse.
As were everyone else's.
The dragon corpse.
The black dragon was vertically bisected.
Organs exposed; severed flesh mana surged to reconnect but burned away instead.
No regeneration.
"......"
"......"
"......"
Incomprehensible.
The hall fell silent.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Oh fuck.
Screwed?
Wrong way?
Reaction colder than expected.
No, anticipated from tardiness, but too much?
Audience eerily quiet—scary.
...Nah. Others did similar, right?
Too familiar, no cheers.
Yapuno mentioned pulverizing; maybe try that.
I'm new instructor.
Need flashier than veterans.
I thought of game skill: Heavenly Strike Slash.
Wide-area rapid draws. Basically, insane flurry slash.
"Hey..."
Blurt approaches. To scold, surely.
Hate getting chewed by gramps.
Grinned pleadingly for leniency, assumed draw stance.
Great, but needs stance—not practical.
"Dre? What are you... Wait, hold on!"
Ignored Gramps's frantic reach, drew.
Heavenly Strike Slash.
Splat. Splick splick splick splick.
Minced the dragon.
Blade sank too easily vs. Prostia—real dragon?
Only sinister whooshes in silence.
Heavenly Strike's charm is the end.
After rapid slashes, seconds later phenomenon.
Sword click sheathed at hip.
Kuaaaaa!
Corpse cracked into dozens, thousands; flesh confetti in air.
Shaaa...
Blood rain.
Puddles soiled floor.
Arms wide to audience, grinned triumphantly.
Shocked eyes.
I nailed it.
Proud!
Heh. Good showmanship?
“......”
“......”
“......”
...Why even quieter now?
What's wrong?
They were shocked... horrified, but no cheers—something wrong vibe strong.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Ding! Fuck, what now.
Quest or whatever, shut up...
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ ???? A god sends a message. I shall reward you. ...Huh? What?
What bullshit?
To top it off, weird voice now.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Thank... you... ? Who're you?
In the silence, I floated question marks over my head.