Yoshino Aruven had to think of a way to escape from this awkward situation. So he tried diverting the conversation into something else. He said,
"Is that… heat manipulation?"
This was perhaps similar to the mirage happening in the desert. By controlling the heat around her, the female lieutenant could bend the refraction of light to produce a stealth-like effect.
"Huu, you understood the principle behind it in one go."
Alshura Soura admitted. Her shoulders dropped down. Perhaps she did not expect to be found out that easily?
Good! Yoshino clenched his fist secretly. He was close to escaping the woods now. He just had to continue his tactic. He explained,
"That was only because I had met Mink before. Her outstanding mind manipulation skill was unforgettable. That was why I was able to deduce the effect you might have synthesized."
"It's still frustrating though."
Soura pouted upon hearing his analysis. Yoshino tried to console her,
"I was not able to detect you with my [Scanner] if that will make you feel better."
"Hmph."
"Which would imply that you used that [Heat Shroud] in combination with a Master Core Skill. Could it be that the Tier 2 skill you spoke of is your main passive?"
Combining the effects of skills with different Tiers was really difficult. It was similar to making two different vehicles run at the same speed.
For example, a bicycle and a motorcycle. One could either try to speed up the bicycle or slow down the motorcycle. Or try to make both compromise to a certain speed.
Whichever the case may be, the feat would require impressive control. Thus this was meant to be a compliment.
However,
"Rargh! Shut up already, I'll incinerate you!"
Soura stormed inside unit number 209. She then slammed the door shut. That was probably a sign that the conjecture was on the spot.
Yoshino scratched his head. Perhaps he overdid the analysis there? Well, at least he avoided an awkward situation. He was about to walk towards his own unit.
But then, the door of unit 209 opened a little.
"Get yourself ready for tomorrow. Don't be late!"
Soura reminded. She then quickly closed the door.
Yoshino smiled upon hearing that she was concerned of him. He was about to head to his unit.
But then the door of unit 209 opened a little once again.
"You're still a pervert!"
Soura slammed the door afterwards. There was even a clicking sound this time. It was probably locked for real now.
Yoshino smiled wryly. He never got out of the awkward situation from the very start.
***
All the participating students had gathered around the open field arena.
"So many students!"
Soura exclaimed upon seeing the sheer volume of participants.
"This is a renowned university, this number is actually low."
"Low? These students were brave enough to challenge the event. They are all probably in Tier 2!"
Yoshino replied when he saw her surprised expression. It was met with disbelief though. So he further explained,
"How many Tier 2s do you think the university admits every school year? How many of those do you think qualified to the Inner Part in their first try?"
"Huu, except for you though. You're still at Tier 1."
"Let's just go find our teammate."
Yoshino rolled his eyes when Soura made fun of him. He wished that no one else heard that.
The University of Saint Benevolent had adopted a teaching system to aid the aspiring students on their cultivation path. This was called The Meister Curriculum.
The curriculum was divided into two categories; the general and the specialized courses.
The general courses were about the subjects and techniques that were common-ground to all the six Main Classes of [Roku Shiki Online]. This also included the subjects that remained relevant after the world transmigrated. Science, Mathematics, Economics, and Liberal Arts were some of the examples. Elective courses also belonged to this category.
USB had arranged their students to take their general courses together regardless of their Class. This was the reason why Yoshino Aruven and Steven O were classmates even though they have different Main Classes.
On the other hand, specialized courses pertained to the techniques that were unique to each Main Class. Students could also learn profound courses such as Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Commerce in this category. One could also further develop their respective Classes into something more unique to their preference.
However most of the specialized courses were only taught at the Inner Part of the University. This was the reason why students who aspire to improve their cultivation further were eager to get their qualifications.
Around three thousand students had participated today. What was the probability that there was someone among them who might get triggered upon hearing that a mere Tier 1 dared to take the same challenge?
Yoshino shivered upon this thought. He guided Soura away from their previous location as fast as he could.
Fortunately, the two classmates had agreed upon which place they should meet. After a few minutes of searching, he was able to see Steven O ahead of them.
"Greetings."
"Good morning."
"Goo... erm, gree… rargh, good morning!"
Soura seemed confused when O and Yoshino greeted the other differently. Perhaps she did not know which one she should follow. In the end, she chose the latter.
Yoshino smiled upon seeing this. He then introduced Soura and O to one another. The good-natured Healer offered a handshake. The female lieutenant was surprised with his manner of speech. She shook hands with him nonetheless.
"Aren't our team a little unbalanced?"
Soura could not help but notice this detail.
Their three-man team was comprised of a Mage, another Mage, and a Healer. At first glance, this would look like a team with two ranged attackers plus one support. This was not a bad team set-up at all.
However, this was not the actual case. Yoshino was not the typical Mage. Basing from his Master Core Skill, he was a buff specialist. His only attack skill was [Void Fang]. And it was actually a weapon skill not his own.
Soura on the other hand was no doubt an attack-type Mage. Unfortunately, her high-damaging skills were currently restricted. And basing on the [Heat Shroud] she had shown yesterday, her usable skills focused more on the defensive side.
And then there was O. He was supposed to be the Healer of the team. Although he might possess some offensive-type skills, it would not be appropriate to make him do all the work. He was just helping out, why would they abuse his good will?
"So basically we have three supports with no carry. Great set-up."
Yoshino just noticed this detail as well. He could not help but comment sarcastically.
Soura snapped upon hearing this. She said,
"Rargh! Why did you not consider this when recruiting members?"
"I did! A Healer is important to any team. And besides, I thought your usable skills are offensive-type too! You were supposed to be our main attacker!"
"Hmph, I have no plans in becoming a glass cannon. That's why I'm trying to rediscover new aspects now."
Soura hummed upon hearing the excuse. She did have the right to chose whichever skill she developed. Having good versatility was better than being a one-trick pony.
Yoshino understood this. But he was still not mature enough to accept it. He argued,
"You should have told me that earlier!"
"Like how thou should have talked to me earlier?"
Yoshino rolled his eyes when O made his comment. He could not tell the Healer to piss off. He owed the guy that much. What he could do though, was shut himself up.
"Haha, a pretty interesting team you have assembled here, Yoshino!"
Benjo Roxas said as he approached the three. Yoshino smiled wryly upon seeing the mage-merchant. How did he find them that easily amongst the crowd?
He greeted the approaching male student,
"Roxas, you really came."
"Is this the merchant you told about?"
Soura asked when the newly arrived student was in front of them. Yoshino was about confirm this. But Roxas was faster. He greeted,
"A pleasure to meet you Miss Alshura. I hope the uniform I provided suits you well?"
"Huu, it's fine I guess."
Soura answered. She turned from side to side to show that the uniform fits well on her. In fact, she really looked good on it.
Roxas smiled. He seemed proud of his work. He then turned to face the Healer. He said,
"And Mister O, I never thought you would participate today."
"Yoshino asked for help. I was considering on qualifying for the Inner University anyway."
"That I agree. The Outer part is too restricting for a man of your talents."
"Forsooth."
O replied with the greeting. After the two exchanged pleasantries, Roxas then turned towards the young man at the middle. He said,
"I gather you have already told your teammates about our deal?"
Yoshino did not mind being greeted last. Nor the fact that his initial greeting was ignored. He was planning on preaching the merchant here anyway.
Saying things like trust was essential for the team or what not. But he then thought that he would probably be ignored again. So he decided to keep it short. He smiled confidently and said,
"Of course."
"Excellent! Then I will look forward to your exciting performance this day."
Yoshino furrowed his eyebrows. He did not like what he just heard. He inquired,
"You mean, you're not going to help?"
"Obviously, did you ever see a quest-issuer who would do the 'quest' himself?"
"…"
Yoshino was speechless when he heard the confirmation. He was wrong with his analysis of their team dynamics. They actually had three support and one carry. The 'carry' here though meant 'carried weight'.
Soura saw his expression. She became troubled by this. She then asked,
"Is this my fault?"
"Yes it is."
Yoshino readily answered. This made the female lieutenant pout. Meanwhile, O was about to reprimand him from saying this. However he smoothly added,
"But it's a fault I'm willing to carry any time."
"Hmph!"
Soura hummed angrily. She turned away from them. But Yoshino could swear that he saw her crack a smile before turning. Just a little though.
O raised a thumb up. His supposed reprimand became a nod indicating respect. Apparently he approves this kind of chivalry.
"Now, now, enough chit chat. The opening ceremony is about to begin."
Roxas called out to the three. He then pointed their attention towards the stage.