Glenn chuckled and responded, "Well then, you can truly say that I'm lucky." Cedric, ever perceptive, noted, "I'm sure you were also hoping for this, right? As soon as you got into my class, your aura increased a bit. I think you gambled on that, didn't you? Your trait has something to do with boosting yourself based on outcomes you're betting on, right? This one seems permanent but less powerful than the boosts you received during your battles. It seems that temporary ones give more power, but permanent ones can be stacked, right? But I'm sure there's a catch."
Glenn, somewhat taken aback by Cedric's accurate analysis of his trait, confirmed in his mind that Cedric had correctly identified the Master Gambler trait. However, he chose not to reveal additional information. Instead, he complimented Cedric, saying, "Well, you really are as smart as you are strong. I thought you just memorized every textbook for the theoretical test, but I see that it's true knowledge." Cedric simply nodded, and their conversation continued with various small talks.
As they concluded their meal, placing their trays back at the serving counter, Cedric and Glenn expressed their gratitude to Chef Oscar for the dinner. Making their way back to their respective rooms, Cedric bid farewell to Glenn, who headed to his own quarters. In the solitude of his room, Cedric devoted the remainder of the night to meditation, deepening his connection with mana and preparing for the challenges that awaited him within the academy.
The following day, Cedric followed his routine, taking a bath, getting dressed, and heading to the dining area for breakfast. This time, Chef Oscar was not serving; instead, an assistant named Susie greeted Cedric. With a warm smile, Cedric introduced himself, "Hi Susie, I'm Cedric, the leader of the Alpha class. Nice to meet you." Susie, a bit flustered, replied, "Hello, nice to meet you, Cedric," and guided him to his seat.
As Glenn joined them, he engaged Cedric in conversation, "Hi Cedric, what spirit beast do you think you'll summon in today's class? Looking at your strength, I'm sure you'll at least summon a unique-grade beast. For me, I'll be happy as long as I get a rare one, but getting an epic one would be really great."
Cedric contemplated Glenn's question and responded, "Strength does play a factor, but it's also about compatibility. Even if you get a strong one, if it's not compatible with you in the long run, you will suffer." Glenn nodded in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom in Cedric's words. He added, "You're right, but everyone hopes to get the best, don't they?"
Cedric, with a mischievous wink, suggested, "You should bet that you will get an epic-rank summon." Glenn hesitated for a moment, the consequence of failure weighing on him. Cedric, unaware of the specific drawback of Glenn's ability, sensed his hesitation and decided to encourage him further. Doubling down, he asserted, "Trust me, and you will see." Glenn sighed but eventually nodded, feeling a strange compulsion to follow Cedric's advice. He made the bet, utilizing his unique ability, and awaited the outcome with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Cedric and Glenn prepared for the summoning class.
As the Alpha class, led by Cedric, made their way to class, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Alex's Beta class. The atmosphere became tense, with Alex challenging Cedric's claim to summoning the best spirit beast that day. Alex, with a smug confidence, declared, "I will be the one to summon the best spirit beast today."
Unfazed, Cedric nodded, and Glenn, always ready for a challenge, chimed in, "Are you willing to bet on that?" Alex retorted, "Yeah, because I'm absolutely sure that I'm superior to this bastard." The insult irked Cedric, and with a determined glare, he retrieved his Dragon Tooth Spear, named Percival, and declared, "Your family specializes in the spear, right? Here's a spear made from adamantium with the tip crafted from a blue dragon tooth. I will bet this. What do you have?"
The students from both classes were taken aback by the sight of Cedric's exceptional spear. Even Glenn seemed surprised. Panicking, he questioned, "Are you really confident about this, Cedric?" Cedric nodded, his gaze fixed on Alex, waiting for the Beta class leader to reveal his bet.
Alex produced a necklace adorned with an ornament resembling a dragon. Confidently, he explained, "This is a dragon armor made about 500 years ago. It was crafted with the goal of protecting its wearer from dragon breath and increasing physical capacities. So, I think it has the same value as your spear." Alex, driven by greed for Cedric's remarkable weapon, presented an item of seemingly equal worth, attempting to ensure Cedric couldn't back out.
However, a voice from Cedric's group interjected, providing crucial information. "Cedric, you can't use this armor unless you have dragon blood in your veins. These armors were made for dragon beastmen to create a special force, but due to their low count, it was later abandoned. It needs a stronger vitality to bear the armor's power." The revelation about the armor's restrictions caught both Alex and Cedric by surprise.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Alex realized his bet had lost value, and Cedric had the right to refuse it. Cedric acknowledged the dwarf, named Taner, with gratitude, saying, "Thanks, Taner, for the information." Turning back to Alex, Cedric announced, "Okay, I'll accept the bet, so don't go back on your words when you lose."
Alex chuckled confidently, retorting, "It's you who should be concerned about losing." The two classes then proceeded together to the Spirit Garden, where the summoning class would unfold, tensions and stakes high between Cedric and Alex.