The Chuunibyou Challenge.
It was so much more than fighting the Outers from Outerverse and saving the world from the monsters who wanted to destroy it—you know, the cool stuff.
No, this mission entailed more than that.
"We are on a quest to protect reality from the threats and potential harm caused by the Outers. However, all that is tied to repairing the Veil and making it stable." Lucy declared.
"Um, doesn't that make it the same thing?"
"No. Not exactly. We have three major assignments linked to our main objective. Only one has to do with fighting the Outers."
Matt wished they had told him all of this from the start. It kind of felt like they had scammed him into making his choice by withholding important information, and now they were capitalizing on his rash decision.
"Our group also seeks to repair the Veil by reducing the number of Exposed—either by erasing their memories or enlisting them as Enlightened. But, that isn't all. There's more…"
At this point, Lucy's expression turned dark. Her crimson eyes seemed to glow more fiercely, and there was a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"W-what's the matter?" Matt looked at everyone around him, and they all had the same serious expression.
Even the usually cheerful Violet was solemn, and the hyperactive Bee was completely docile. The sudden tenseness terrified him, but he chose to keep his wits about him.
"Our third mission is to combat rogue Enlightened ones who threaten the balance of the two worlds." Lucy's eyes narrowed on Matt as she said that, sending shivers down his spine.
"Know this, Matt Lewin, that there are certain people who desire the chaos that will be wrought by the Veil's collapse. I know of many who have chosen this route. Our group, however, seeks to put an end to their foolishness."
Lucy's expression contained both pain and resolve—Matt respected her for it. She was absolutely serious.
"The moment you choose to side with them, you become an enemy and I will not hesitate to eliminate you. Remember that."
Matt shivered even more upon hearing Lucy's warning.
"W-why would I even join them? I won't! I'm only in this to protect Reality and make sure the people I care about are safe! I gain nothing from destroying Reality!" Matt yelled.
His blue eyes contained enough resolve to convince Lucy's wary ones. She closed her eyes and ceased staring so intensely at Matt.
"Fine, I'll believe your words, Matt Lewin. However, you're getting ahead of yourself." The Loli walked away from him, now moving towards the exit.
She didn't stop moving, and her focus seemed far removed from her immediate surroundings.
"Wait! What now? I've chosen this path, so what now?"
"Ask Rose. I'm too busy to worry about all that." Lucy waved his questions away nonchalantly, her mind focused on more important things.
She then made her exit, disappearing behind the door.
"Tch. What's her deal." Matt grumbled in annoyance.
The least the girl could do was reply while looking him in the eyes—it was basic human courtesy.
Even though she was the president, and everyone was clearly subservient to her, her appearance was still that of a child. It made him feel weird when she acted rude and authoritative.
"Do not take it to heart. Believe it or not, the president cares about your wellbeing. That's why she came here personally and told you these things."
Matt's eyes slowly widened when Rose responded to his complaints. As usual, the redhead was grinning.
"You don't say."
"For real. The president is busy, you know? She doesn't have the time to meet every single Exposed or Enlightened that is brought into the Society. You should be honored." Bee stated excitedly.
"Yeah. This is actually my first meeting with her."
Violet added, blushing furiously. "I was so nervous."
"All in all, Matt, this means great things are expected of you. Don't shatter her expectations—and mine too."
To say Matt was surprised would be an understatement. Perhaps the right term would be, confused.
Why were they so particular about him? He knew the Enlightened were special, but what made him so different from everyone else?
"You displayed power well beyond the capabilities of an amateur. You were also able to destroy a C Class monster with one hit, according to Violet." Rose explained.
'A-ah, that's true.' He thought to himself.
"That's why you're receiving special treatment. You see, we have a Rank System here. People like Violet, Bee, and Shadow belong to the Novice category. I belong to the Master Rank. While you, you're in the middle. You're a Challenger—or, at the very least, you displayed that power."
"O-ohh…" Matt felt a hot sensation in his chest.
Why did he feel so proud of himself? He wished he had been conscious when the black flames manifested. He would have loved to see himself in action.
'With the way they're making this out to be a big deal, I must be really OP!' He unintentionally let out a grin.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself." Violet gave him a smug look.
"N-no. You're mistaken."
Matt's smile vanished, and his face became a blank slate. There was no way he would let Violet rub it in any further.
"Novice, Challenger, Master, Sovereign, Principality, Transcendent; those are the Ranks that exist. You're merely a step from the bottom."
When Rose put it that way, Matt realized he wasn't really OP. He was merely a little stronger than the weakest. That really sent his pride plummeting in despair.
"Don't look so down. It took nearly a year for Violet to reach her current state. You're even more powerful than that." It seemed she was trying to soothe his wounded ego, but the fact that Violet shyly looked away made Rose's words much more uplifting.
"But why? What makes me so special?"
"Who knows? Some Enlightened have more talent than others. Your Imagi and Magia must be impressive too. But enough about all that. It's time for your Exam."
The moment Rose mentioned this, Matt froze.
Everything thus far had been taking shape in Matt's head, though it took some time to digest. However, this jarring news made him flustered all over again.
"E-Exam?"
"That's right. Usually, you would be trained for some time before taking it. But, since you're so special, you'll be taking your exam alongside Violet and a few others."
Even though Rose was grinning, something about the gleam in her eyes told Matt she was dead serious. Also, what was with the dangerous vibe he was sensing?
The air around him suddenly felt heavy. He felt his bones clatter.
"Don't worry." Shadow suddenly touched Matt's shoulder while whispering. "You won't die."
"Eeeek!" Matt's soul almost exited his body upon hearing this.
"Don't scare the kid, Shadow." Rose chuckled. "Ah, before I forget, Matt, you're yet to check out your Status Window, right?"
Those words were familiar to Matt, and he had definitely read about them and seen them in anime. He had also been exposed to it very recently when he spoke to Gaia.
What were they talking about, though? It sounded as though he too had it, a System!
"S-Status Window?"
As soon as he said this, a glowing purple panel appeared in front of him. The information on it instantly shot through his head, and his eyes witnessed—for the first time—his very own System Information.
[STATUS WINDOW]
- Name: Matt Lewin
- Alias:
- Race: Enlightened Human
- Rank: Challenger (C Class)
- Class: Mage
- Level: 1
- Imagi: Void Dar'k
- Affinity:
- Magia Point: 100
- Items:
- Alignment: Neutral Good
[Additional Information]
Possessing the power of darkness and flames, the ability to consume all, this one shall rise above heaven's darkness and possess the hidden glory that lies in perdition. Do exercise caution and be wary, for this power of yours, may very well consume you.
[End Of Information]