Chapter 24 - Portal

When a gap large enough for easy entry was finally open, Ethan and the others could finally see what lay on the other side of the door.

It was something they hadn't expected: a blue-coloured portal.

"So you're trying to say that we opened one entrance just to come across another entrance?" RageHeart posed aloud to no one in particular. He and the rest gazed at the watery blue surface of the portal before them.

The portal was only a few metres away and was accessible via a rocky pathway.

This situation grew even stranger because the interior of the palace they had anticipated was nowhere to be found.

The reality they encountered didn't align with common sense, but then again, the whole situation they were in was far from logical as well.

"Though it's different from what we expected," Ethan remarked, his face displaying a peculiar expression as he observed the portal a short distance away. He added, "it doesn't deter us from our initial objective."

Upon hearing Ethan's words, both RageHeart and Mia nodded in agreement, though Mia's agreement held a touch of hesitation.

Ethan wasn't finished speaking, though, as he opened his mouth to continue.

"Before we head inside, though, let's make sure we're prepared, since we don't know what to expect on the other side," Ethan stated.

Ethan then mentally called out his status while allowing the others to attend to their tasks in the meantime.

Since no one voiced opposition, Ethan assumed they were in agreement and that his statement made sense.

Setting this aside, another thought occupied Ethan's mind – how swiftly he and the others were adapting to their circumstances.

They were all still grappling with their actual situation despite everything they had witnessed.

The concept of a portal leading to another place had only existed in fictional entertainment, yet everyone seemed to accept it as reality.

The ease with which they were adapting concerned Ethan, making him ponder whether this tutorial ground existed for this very purpose.

Ethan didn't want to dwell too heavily on such matters, however, and shifted his attention to the blue panel displaying his status before him.

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Status Name: -Aurora-

Level: -1-

Class: -Mage-

Experience: -18-/-100-

Attribute Stats:

- Strength: -13-

- Agility: -14-

- Intelligence: -17-

- Constitution: -11-

Attribute Values: Strength: 1.3, Agility: 1.4, Intelligence: 1.7, Constitution: 1.1

Attribute Points: -0-

- Coins: -0-

- Active Quests:

- [Survive the tutorial grounds]

- Inventory:

- [Level 1 Low Common Grade Staff]

- [Level 1 Low Uncommon Grade Health Potion x1]

- [Level 1 Low Uncommon Grade Mana Potion x1]

- Skills:

- [Analyse]

- [Loot]

- [Level 0 Mana Ball]

- [Level 0 Mana Missiles]

- Abilities:

- Friend Status:

- Friendling List-

- Map:

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System Notification:

- [10 Exp Gained]

- [You have slain a {Normal Grade}Level 1 Undead Knight]

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After briefly scanning his status and ensuring he hadn't overlooked anything, Ethan proceeded to the system notification section to revisit the details of the system blessing.

As he set his eyes on the notification he was searching for, a question flickered in Ethan's mind: "What exactly is this system, and what does it seek?"

Three notifications pertaining to the system caught Ethan's attention, and he began with the first one.

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[Who's faster?]

In an unfamiliar environment specifically designed to prepare you for what lies ahead after the tutorial, your ultimate goal is to survive and secure a chance at life beyond this introductory phase.

Within the confines of the tutorial grounds, numerous challenges will test your resilience and push you to overcome obstacles, ultimately strengthening you for what awaits.

During this time, the system will present various opportunities known as events, specifically designed to enhance the abilities of those who choose to participate.

Although voluntary, engaging in these events proves advantageous, as the rewards offered may shape the trajectory of your post-tutorial life.

---------

Perplexed about the system and its goals, Ethan read the second one after reading the first.

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[Who's faster?]

Can you take the system blessings first?

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While this was shorter than the last, it did not reduce the curiosity Ethan had for the system and its apparent 'blessings'

Then the third notification.

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[Who's Faster]

The System Blessings have descended.

As the inaugural event hosted by the system for the chosen ones in this new tutorial session, the rewards offered will far surpass most of the other event rewards that will follow.

Brace yourselves for a unique and formidable opportunity to enhance your strength and abilities.

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The second notification was shorter than the first, yet Ethan believed its content was equally important.

A couple of points stood out to him.

Firstly, the mention of a 'new tutorial session' triggered various thoughts, some of which were quite wild. Additionally, the notification highlighted the likelihood that this specific system event might have greater significance than subsequent ones.

"I need to treat this with greater seriousness," Ethan resolved, even though he was already taking the situation within the unfamiliar world seriously.

Dispelling the panels before him from his thoughts, Ethan turned his attention to RageHeart and initiated conversation.

"Are you ready?" Ethan sought confirmation, observing RageHeart knocking his gauntlets together with a slightly pained expression on his face.

Meeting Ethan's gaze with determination, RageHeart replied, "Whenever you are." Ethan acknowledged his response with a nod before shifting his focus to Mia.

"And you?" Ethan inquired.

Mia responded with a forced smile, replying, "Whenever you are."

Ethan noticed her expression but chose not to comment on it.

Avoiding prolonged eye contact with Mia, Ethan simply nodded in response before swiftly turning his attention towards the portal.

"Let's go," Ethan stated.

Ethan took the lead, passing through the palace doors.

RageHeart followed closely behind, with Mia trailing afterward.

Drawing his sword from his inventory as they neared the portal, Ethan took a deep breath without halting.

Gazing at the portal intently, he led the way through it, Mia and RageHeart close behind.

As the three of them successfully entered the portal, the palace doors promptly swung shut.