[A/N: We've reached the end of pivot stone selection, finally! It took me longer than I expected on this part, but now I'm going to start a more interesting part -- hope you like it!]
[A/N II: This chapter is yet to be proofreaded. Please let me know of any grammatical errors you find.]
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Raw power.
Potential.
Knowledge.
Although raw power was valued above all else, knowledge was still an excellent weapon in that world.
However, its obvious limitations were as diverse and unexpected as possible, and that only held true for ordinary soldiers who couldn't wield Ether.
What's more, instead of having traditional specialized combat-oriented professions, the Orb of Knowledge opted for a different approach than the others.
It was completely different from the other Paths of Transcendence — the specialized professions and weapons used by its followers were intriguing to say the least.
"An elemental gauntlet, Ezran?"
Holding a kind of glove in his hand, a few seconds after he had grasped and absorbed the orb of knowledge, Ezran sank into thought.
His usual expressionless eyes, closely watched by the instructor and the other students, focused on the object.
'This must be useful.' thought the boy.
If he was remembering properly, that gauntlet in his palm acted like a gun.
Nonetheless, it was different, being more flexible, versatile and useful, even if it was despised by heroes and mercenaries.
'This thing uses a kind of capsule that stores magical energy.' Thought Ezran, smoothing the equipment.
First of all, unlike traditional firearm bullets, elemental gauntlets used 'magic bullets', which were basically bullets containing compressed mana.
Supposedly, its advanced ability made it capable of killing mid-stage Rank 4 monsters.
Anyway, by comparison, the most refined training saber that was said to cost $6 million could only defeat tier 4, low-stage creatures on average.
So, even with various disadvantages attached to it, the gauntlet and weapons were strong in their own right.
And for someone with 0 experience in real combat, apart from a few fights in their life, that was the best option.
Anyway, in Excedia, the heroes and mercenaries who could wield magical power would not choose the gauntlet or a firearm.
This was because, first, they were only used, mostly, by common people or for training.
And second, because magic power could not be applied to them as effectively as other weapons.
So, no matter how strong the user of those equipments was, they had a clear limit on potency and growth.
Perhaps, as Ezran theorized, it was precisely for this reason that the gauntlet was treated so lightly by everyone, who watched it scornfully, clutching other weapons.
It was nothing more than a mere training tool long obsolete, to be used only by the hapless incapables or beginners — that was what they most likely thought.
''It's not enough for the imbecile to ignore the Path of Purity, now he's going to choose that shit as his main weapon?''
''He's a complete retard, without a single doubt.''
People continued to mutter in the background, but Ezran didn't seem to mind, though honestly, his comments were nothing more than the purest truth.
When choosing a primary weapon, which would define their specialized profession later, the most important aspects were their origin, and that they should be compatible with the person's Path of Transcendence.
Not that, of course, an individual was necessarily obligated to choose a specific weapon and limit its scope to just that, but certain equipment made all the difference depending on the path chosen.
On the other hand, its origin, which was the second most important factor when choosing a primary weapon, determined the weapon's growth potential.
In short, the rank of a weapon could rise not only from the increase in raw power of its wielder, but mainly according to its rarity.
'For example, these gauntlets are essentially separated into four degrees: Innocence, Advancement, Awakening, or Magnum Opus.' Ezran stated internally, the information flowing like water in a river, inside his brain.
On the other hand, the swords, halberds, spears, whips and all other equipment there, of course, had much higher ratings, making them more valuable than the gauntlets.
If Ezran's memories weren't deceiving him, then they ranged from the numbers 1 to 9, but for some reason he couldn't remember their names at the moment.
But it was obvious that comparing a simple gauntlet or any pistol to a sword was foolish on anyone's part, on a planet that revolved around magic and swords.
That's because myths and legends had manifested in that world - that is, if only everything was going according to the explanatory passages of the LOTH universe.
The sword, as an ancient weapon that had been used in hundreds of thousands of important battles throughout human history, marking changes in the history of the world, had become an important piece to ascend in society.
Not only it, but also other weapons such as the whip, the saber, the spear and all those that referred to the distant past - in short, the older and more stories he had, the better it would be.
So evidently swords, spears, and other legendary items — like the Excalibur Sword, which would later be obtained by Qilin — were scattered around the world, just waiting for someone to find them.
But, naturally, these treasures could only be used by those who were proficient with the respective weapons.
Consequently, in order to protect what was left of their homes, the famous Residential Colonies, scattered throughout the globe, the heroes used to use older weapons.
It was important that they did, after all, the older they were, the more power they could achieve in their growth trajectory.
And furthermore, even if they hit an inevitable bottleneck in their growth, imposed by a kind of barrier of invisible potential, a high-quality, rarity weapon could help them advance.
They could still be strong, even if they were actually weak. Just be the bearer of a suitable weapon, and you could call yourself powerful.
The world was, frankly, very bizarre.
A troubled hierarchy in a world destroyed and ravaged by global threats, which have dominated the metropolises…
Who knew it would be weird, right?
''... Ezran.'' Instructor Winthers called out Ezran's name once more, before turning on the screen of his smart bracelet.
Not even squinting Ezran was able to see the information hidden by that device's information protection system.
That technology was truly impressive.
"Let me confirm one thing." The man went on, drawing attention to himself.
Ezran looked curious, but he was able to deduce what it might be, displayed in code form on the holographic screen projected by the device onto Winthers' wrist.
From the way the instructor was shooting discreet glances in his direction and the texts written in bullet points, in a strange language (probably coded to make it difficult for those who didn't own the device to understand), Ezran immediately knew what it was.
It was information about him.
The original owner of the body: Cadet Ezran del Razón Zebedee.
Information about the sleazy swordsman of the renowned and influential del Razón family.
"Didn't you use the sword?" Tilting his head slightly, the teacher asked. ''I had even heard that you were extremely capable with her. I was told you were talented.''
As expected from an extra and generic villain, completely expendable and who would be used as a cannon fodder from the start, Ezran was just a regular swordsman.
Though Luxxan, the current body consciousness, admitted that the original Ezran sounded like someone very glossy when it came to techniques and sword strikes.
Based, of course, on what he'd read in the LOTH chapters...
''No.'' replied the student.
Ezran shook his head up and down, determined.
Winthers tried to read the movements of the red-haired boy's expression, but found himself unable to — unlike what he'd expected, he was actually dealing with a guy almost as old as he was.
''Frankly, after some reconsideration, I've decided to change my weapon.''
Winthers frowned slightly, the people around him looking just as dissatisfied with the answer Ezran had given him.
Even Aaron, who didn't seem to mind paying attention to Ezran, was annoyed by the red-haired boy's series of idiotic choices.
''After joining Brivid?''
''Yea.''
Winthers didn't seem at all happy with Ezran's choice of main armament, let alone with the boy's choice of Path of Transcendence.
But somehow or other, he nodded with a slight frown on his face, almost forming a funny grimace.
''Well, whatever. This is a good thing. It just proves the point that cadets can make their own choices on Brivid." Winthers began. ''As I had said, the instructors did not interfere in any way. But that also means the responsibility falls on the cadets."
Totally engrossed in his explanatory monologue, Winthers moved on without hesitation, but the snorts of disdain among the students didn't stop for a second.
They were low whispers, but not so quiet that Ezran couldn't hear them from this distance.
That was why, with a little effort, he could hear them clearly.
''An elemental gauntlet? Is this guy crazy by any chance?"'
''What does this idiot intend to do by choosing a useless orb and a weapon that children use for training?''
''After all, why did he come to Brivid if he wants to be a mere mercenary?''
Their reactions were reasonable and justifiable — shouldn't the Brivid Academy be the cream of the crop for the elite of would-be heroes, scattered across hundreds of colonies?
They brought together only the best in each area, so why the hell had an asshole like Ezran managed to get into the Academy, only to play with everything and throw so many opportunities away?
First, he completely ignored the Pathway of Purity orb — also held by none other than Qilin himself — choosing the Pathway of Knowledge.
Now, against all they'd hoped for, had he abandoned his one advantage, which was his skill with a sword — appreciated by many, even if overshadowed by his other mediocre feats — to cling to a useless weapon?
'I didn't expect less. But I had no other option.' Ezran thought.
Before joining Brivid, cadets tested all types of weapons.
It was extremely necessary, so they could find the weapon that suited their respective desires and gifts.
You had to be proficient to get into that Academy — even if you were disappointing in intellect, as long as you excelled in some area of combat, you could get in.
But what did the current Ezran have to offer besides his prior knowledge of the world?
Literally pure and complete nothing.
To use a sword, a spear, or something similar it was essential that you had the gift or the technique to handle them without getting hurt.
Nonetheless, on the other hand, it didn't take any special gifts or skills to wield an elemental gauntlet.
It was just like a common revolver — you would just have to put your fingers on the trigger and fire.
It was simple and practical.
''Finishing what I'm saying, you can easily change the main weapon you chose today. And regardless of what you choose as a weapon or Path, you will go through the same training and testing."
Winthers closed his eyes, drawing air into his lungs.
''This means that your weapon's weaknesses and your Path of Transcendence will be your exclusive problem. There is a limit to what I can help you with during the first six months."
Opening his deep orange eyes, Winthers announced as he shot a pitying look in Ezran's direction.
'I understand…' The boy thought, sighing deeply. 'I just had no other choice.'
It was obvious he acted that way — everyone had been attending Military Academies since they were seven.
In other words, they were complete monsters who had been practicing slicing, slicing, breaking and shooting arrows for 10 long years of their grueling lives.
They were trained to be monsters as powerful as the hostile creatures they would have to face, so it made sense.
However, Ezran was the complete opposite.
He was different from everyone there.
He was an insignificant speck of dust that would have to adapt more than anyone.
In contrast to other novels where the character would conveniently receive useful memories, Ezran had not inherited his original version's memories and was far from a swordsman in the real world.
That is, he didn't even like sports — in his high school days, he'd suffered enough with physical education and the track team.
At the very least, he had some advantages that related to his various frustrations, experienced in his life on the original Earth.
That was why, even if that body possessed some sort of specialized gift with blades, Ezran couldn't risk it, and in the end, he could only choose a ranged weapon.
So, in addition to his Path of Transcendence — chosen based on the advantages he would gain in the long run — the two options were: a bow, or a gauntlet.
Real firearms were out of the question at that training ground — perhaps because they were considered ineffective for professional heroes.
''Well, now, we will assign you your rooms and your personal belongings will be sent there. After that, you're free to do whatever you want. Remember that regular classes will start in three days, next Monday.''
Finishing his entire explanation, after jotting something down in his virtual notebook, Instructor Winthers spoke while looking at Ezran with more pity than before.
His gaze seemed to imply something along the lines of 'Wasting your talent… how foolish…'
And so, under the watchful eyes of the group of protagonists and dozens of others, the pivot stone selection finally ended.
''Now, should I check my room?'' Excited, Ezran received an electronic bracelet from the professor, walking towards the exit door of that field.