Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Placement Exam (1)
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[Skills]
[Dark Shadow Barrier (Legendary)]
It doesn't become more efficient just because you use it in the dark.
Description: (Active) Creates a barrier made of dark shadows to defend against enemy physical attacks. (Cooldown: 10 seconds)
I gazed contentedly at the skill window.
It had been a while since I'd acquired a new skill, so I decided to test it out.
'[Dark Shadow Barrier].'
Wooong—.
A thick purple protective shield formed around me.
'It's not really any different from black magic.'
Black magic operates mana in a fundamentally different way from regular magic.
That's why wizards who could use both magic and black magic were rare.
Even those wizards typically had much higher proficiency in one, using the other merely as support.
But since I'm just a skill-clicker, perhaps?
Even this advanced black magic activated so naturally and perfectly, just like regular magic.
The casting speed was practically instantaneous.
However.
'Mana consumption... as expected, it's pretty high.'
As befitting a skill with outstanding physical defense, it continuously drained mana.
Of course, this was something I'd anticipated.
I invested all my remaining stat points into mana.
Unlike standard strategies that allocated points to vitality, this decision allowed me to boost mana even more, which is crucial for a wizard.
The [Skeleton King's Jewel] tucked inside my academy uniform was also steadily supplementing my mana.
[Mana: C+ (40)]
With this, my mana reached C+.
It became the most impressive stat among mine.
This should let me maintain [Dark Shadow Barrier] for dozens of seconds at full mana capacity.
On top of that, the [Skeleton King's Jewel]'s supplementary effect boosts black magic power when used.
Thanks to this, the barrier's defense was slightly stronger than usual.
Moreover.
'[Dark Shadow Barrier] pairs well with [Unstable Amplification] too.'
Amplifying [Dark Shadow Barrier] with [Unstable Amplification] pushes the defense to unimaginable levels.
To the point where it could withstand even Karen unleashing her ultimate move at full power.
Essentially, against any 1st Year opponent within normal limits, it's invincible physical defense.
That said, it came with a corresponding penalty.
The barrier's duration shortens drastically from sustained to a mere instant.
So it can block only one attack.
But hey, one is still one.
I was about to test an amplified barrier with [Unstable Amplification] too.
[Warning! Diligent behavior detected!]
The system popped up like a ghost to stop me.
"You're using skills alone when you're not even in combat? You're trying to 'train,' aren't you?!"
It scolded me like that.
"Sigh, fine, I get it. I'll just sleep then."
I dispelled [Dark Shadow Barrier] and obediently lay down on the bed to sleep.
***
Friday morning, during roll call.
"Silence. Morning roll call will now begin."
Professor Kate started roll call in her usual cold professional mode.
Surprisingly, I was listening attentively.
Normally, I'd be spacing out or sleeping, but not this time.
There was a good reason for it.
"...Starting today, for the next week, we will begin 'Practical Sparring Placement Week.'"
Kate's businesslike voice echoed through the classroom.
"During this period, you will spar once a day against cadets from the seven combat departments. These results will be a key factor in determining your first official rank, so give it your all."
Her explanation was familiar.
It was exactly the tutorial dialogue from when the practical sparring system was first introduced in the game.
In the game, you could cram all seven battles into one day, but here in reality, it was limited to once per day.
And as soon as she finished speaking, a new quest window appeared before my eyes.
[A main quest has been generated!]
[Chapter 1. The Start of Ranks]
Goal: Win lazily during Practical Sparring Placement Week.
Reward: ??? (The more victories, the better the final reward!)
Current Victories: 0/7
'As expected, it popped up.'
The first main quest.
That was why I'd bothered listening to morning roll call.
How I handled this would greatly affect the main storyline, making it a very important quest.
The content was the same as in the game, just with the added condition of 'lazily.' I was used to that by now.
'I need to win as much as possible.'
I already had the quest from Professor Kate to reach S-Rank within the semester....
To aim for S-Rank, I had to rack up as many wins as possible during this placement week.
"During Placement Week, all other classes are canceled so you can focus solely on sparring. Instead, special classes to improve interpersonal combat skills will be held daily. Cadets interested should participate."
Huh? Canceled classes? Special classes?
This was new information not in the game.
"That special class or whatever, it's not mandatory, right?"
I whispered to Yuria beside me.
"Yes? Oh, yes. It's not required, but... most cadets will probably attend. Not just professors, but famous external instructors will be guiding us directly."
Yuria answered, then giggled as she looked at me with an all-knowing expression.
"Hehe, but Jeron will probably skip it and rest anyway, right?"
"...."
Busted.
Yuria knew me too well now.
"Oh. Jeron. So, how'd that important thing go?"
"Hm? Oh... that? Yeah, it worked out fine."
It was an excuse I'd made up to build sloth by slacking off, but she remembered it.
Since I'd actually bought [Dark Shadow Barrier], the goal was achieved.
"Thanks to you. Appreciate it."
"I'm glad...!"
Yuria congratulated me sincerely.
Then, in a slightly quieter voice, she asked.
"S-So... you don't need that 'help' anymore, then?"
"...?"
"Um... helping with meals."
'Ah.'
I was momentarily speechless.
She meant the feeding thing.
I pondered for a bit.
I remembered the thrill from yesterday's lunch, when Yuria and Arthel fed me.
Of course, the thrill came from earning sloth. No misunderstandings.
Anyway, it had been pretty sweet, so part of me wanted to ask for more.
However.
"Nah, I'm good now."
I said it was fine.
No matter what, asking her to keep feeding me was too much. We weren't some cringey couple; we were just normal friends.
'No justification, that's the issue.'
Yesterday, I had the flimsy excuse of an 'important matter,' but reusing that would be pushing it.
Occasionally making up excuses to ask would be best.
Like wrapping my arm in a cast or something.
Or go all out—pretend all my limbs are broken and use a wheelchair?
No, at that point, it'd go beyond sloth into something else.
"...Ahaha, I see. That's good then."
As I thought that, Yuria gave a slight smile.
But for some reason, she seemed a bit disappointed. Was it my imagination?
'Probably my imagination.'
No reason for it anyway. I brushed it off.
"The matchups for this afternoon's spars are posted on the bulletin board at the front of the classroom. Check them yourselves. Dismissed."
As soon as Professor Kate finished, students swarmed the bulletin board.
"Jeron! Let's go check too!"
Yuria tugged at me, but I yawned and declined.
"...Nah, I'm good. Doesn't matter who it is."
Honestly, I was curious.
But to maintain my slothful image, I lazily propped my chin and stayed put.
[Sloth +10!]
"Wow. That was totally something you'd say, Jeron."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Anyway, even if I didn't go, good ol' Yuria would check and tell me. Perfect delegation.
A moment later, Yuria returned.
"I checked the matchups! I'll be facing someone named Kane from the Martial Department!"
She said.
Since I didn't recognize the name, it seemed like a straightforward first opponent.
"But your opponent seems really strong."
Yuria said with a worried look.
"Victor Priesel from the Martial Department. He ranked 20th in the entrance exam."
'Victor Priesel....'
The name immediately brought the guy to mind.
An A-Rank character from the Martial Department.
Not quite a main or side character, but a named NPC with decent screen time.
'Normally, placement exams pit you against weaklings first, but Victor right off the bat?'
Sparring opponents were supposed to be random, but in the game, they were somewhat fixed.
Looks like reality made it truly random.
"His entrance exam rank is below Kaiser, but he's especially strong in PvP. I've heard his name a few times too."
Yuria said worriedly.
'A tricky opponent, sure.'
Victor had a 'analysis' gimmick, countering based on stats and skills. Annoying style.
'But the opponent is me?'
Even so, I'd faced him countless times in the game.
I mentally compared my cards to his.
The answer was obvious.
"Okay. Analysis complete. I'll win."
I said, stretching lazily.
"What exactly did you analyze...."
Yuria sighed at me like I was hopeless.
[Sloth +20!]
***
Same time, Martial Department classroom.
Victor Priesel stared at the name and ID photo on the matchup sheet.
Snow-white hair and drowsy purple eyes on a beautiful young man.
'Jeron Airgia....'
One of the famous cadets at Stella Academy lately.
Already classified as a person of interest and analyzed.
'Quite the flashy record.'
Defeated Kaiser Fireheart in 3 seconds with reflection magic.
Saw through the Headmaster's illusion.
Severing magic shown in class, etc.
'Definitely not someone to underestimate.'
But that was it.
No need to get cold feet.
Victor concluded coolly.
He double-checked the weakness section on his personally compiled Jeron Airgia analysis list.
Weakness: Excessive sloth.
Jeron had never been sighted at the training grounds.
Slept through every class, always hanging out with pretty girls. No spars since Kaiser.
Thus, presumed to lack proper experience against true martial artists.
Also, a consistent bad habit: never moving a single step in any combat situation.
'A fatal flaw.'
It didn't seem like a strategic stance like a stand-still mage; just too lazy to move.
Fine against other mages, maybe, but suicide against a martial artist like him.
Jeron was clearly the genius type.
He might grow to beat Victor later.
'But not in this fight.'
The slothful can't beat the prepared.
Victor smiled confidently.
Strategy against Jeron was clear.
Charge at the start, no chance for reaction. Then overwhelm with combos.
He'd probably panic and crumble.
However.
One potential variable.
If Jeron had some ultimate defense spell hidden....
'Ha, that's ridiculous.'
Victor deemed that possibility very slim.
Would a 1st Year, enrolled for just a week, have three signature spells?