The blade of the sword gleamed as it was raised overhead. Frantic screams and shouts exploded from the adventurers. Before the weapon could fall, a four-legged ball of fluff appeared in a blur motion. Two rows of sharp teeth chomped down onto the youth's hand.
"Guaghhhhh! What the hell?" he roared out in pain, his weapon dematerializing in the same beat.
He shook his arm in a desperate attempt to unlatch the feral beast, but it absolutely refused to let go. He spun around, he forcefully slammed the creature into a desk, and he yelled, but nothing worked.
It was only after one of his companions pulled a dagger did Zephyr relinquish his hold and retreated into Daisuke's clothes. After angrily chugging a potion, the snob and his party promptly confronted the owner of the savage beast.
"You bastard! You've got some nerve!" the tank of the group, which was obvious by his large frame, exclaimed. "Who do you think you are, huh?"
"Have you any idea who you're dealing with?" a female mage added with a scowl. "This is Osten, a member of the Dragonsbane guild."
CHENG!
Osten placed his armored foot atop the bench just inches away from where Daisuke sat. He propped his elbow upon his knee and openly leered. "You have some nerve letting your shitty dog attack me like that," he began, his calm tone betraying the rage that boiled inside of him. "How do you plan to compensate me for this brazen assault?"
Daisuke remained silent. He didn't even cast his gaze in Osten's general direction. And the class knew exactly what would follow; because Osten's anger thickened to the point where it was almost palpable.
"Bring it out," Osten demanded darkly. "If you let me kill that mangy dog of yours, I'll consider letting this whole thing slide."
The entire room held their breath.
Daisuke continued to ignore them.
Finally, Osten snapped, his face red with fury. His armor clanked as he raised his arm, intent on backhanding the insolent bastard so hard the entire front row of his teeth would go flying.
At that moment, for the first time since the dispute began, Daisuke turned and acknowledged their existence. But it wasn't in a positive light. His eyes widened, the Eye of Verity making his pupils seem to ignite, and a dark and threatening energy rolled off his body like a toxic miasma.
Osten stumbled back, him and his two lackeys recoiling in fear—the entire class did. For a moment, everyone and everything was still, until Osten fell on his behind and broke the deafening silence.
DING!
[The active skill «Intimidate» has been acquired.]
[Intimidate]
Rank: Rare
Classification: Active Skill
Lvl: 1
Proficiency: 0%
The path to becoming a warrior yields many benefits.
Skill Effect:
▪︎ By exerting your aura, you possess the ability to instill paralyzing fear in targets whose Stats are weaker than your own.
Mana Cost: None
Skill Cooldown: None
Daisuke visualized drooping dog ears and a tail tucked between their legs as Osten and his party shamefully retreated to find seats. Amidst the class's excited chatter, the trio that had been targeted approached—a male and female Beastkin, accompanied by a youth garbed in a healer's gown.
"That was pretty impressive," the male Beastkin remarked, his chest puffed out confidently while his legs trembled like leaves in the wind.
It makes sense that they'd still be terrified, Daisuke observed calmly. They almost got beheaded, and that jerk was pretty serious about doing it too. After all, this is just a game.
What Daisuke failed to factor in was that the Wolfkin, in reality, was still affected by his own Intimidate skill but attempted to conceal it. Everyone did.
"T-Thank you," stammered the girl, her face blue. "Y-You really saved us back there."
The healer tried to force an appreciative smile while hugging his staff tightly, but it was hard to summon any gratitude when his life had just flashed before his very eyes. His complexion was as pale as a sheet of paper.
Daisuke brushed aside their presence, even as Osten shot him a fierce scowl. However, Zephyr's furry head popped out of his shirt with a friendly "Arf," almost as if greeting them on his behalf.
Color returned to the girl's face, and her eyes widened and glittered like stars. But before she could ask to pet him, the ambiance of the classroom changed as two individuals with a distinct presence entered.
Daisuke watched as the trio shuffled back to their seats. Normally I would be upset that Zephyr caused a scene, but I can't complain since I got a pretty great skill in return. Still, he surreptitiously stole a glance at Osten and his party. I have a feeling this won't be the end of those three.
"Settle down, everyone," a commanding voice resonated from the front of the classroom. Its owner, a middle-aged man with blond hair, exuded an air of authority. "My apologies for the delay. I am Baldin, the Guildmaster. Since I've kept you all waiting, let's get straight to the matter at hand.
In light of the increasing number of casualties among young adventurers, the guild has decided to implement significant changes to our screening process for new applicants."
Whispers fluttered through the assembly.
"From what I've heard," said a youth to another in a hushed tone, "quite a few poor children have joined the guild only to get gobbled up by monsters."
"Even if the children are from the slums," said another, "I can see the guild's competence being called into question if enough of them are killed."
Reflecting on the challenges he faced in Dusthaven, Daisuke furrowed his brow. He had serious doubts that the deaths of impoverished children were the driving force behind this reform.
It was probably triggered by some economic or political agenda, or perhaps due to the injury or death of a noble's child. Daisuke found it bewildering that individuals as young as twelve were considered adults in this world.
Though, I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this system is derived from the ancient customs of the real world.
"Adventurers play a vital role in our society," the Guildmaster continued with conviction. "They are the impenetrable towers standing between us and a world overrun by chaos and monsters.
As the monster population and the threat they pose continues on the rise, the guild has taken it upon itself to ensure that every adventurer is not only capable of defeating monsters and surviving in the wild but also contributing as well-rounded members of society.
Allow me to introduce Professor Liam Michael Bayley," he said, gesturing to the older gentleman beside him who offered a polite wave. "Professor Bayley will be conducting a written examination covering language, arithmetic, deduction, and analytical skills to assess your educational level.
Afterwards, you will then undergo a practical and field test. Based on your performance in these examinations, you will be placed into classes suited to your academic aptitude.
You may also recognize some familiar faces among your homeroom teachers as our clerks from the front desk will be leading these classes."
"Really? That's awesome!" — these and similar comments echoed among the students.
The Guildmaster raised his hand, stilling the crowd. "This part is crucial, so pay close attention: adventurers who perform poorly on this examination will be required to enroll in the guild's academy until they demonstrate readiness for independence.
We understand that many of you are the primary breadwinners for your families and must work to make ends meet. With that in mind, everyone will be assigned to arranged parties while completing manageable quests assigned by designated guild clerks.
Yesterday, we had you all seek accommodations at local establishments, but the construction of the dorms was officially completed today. You will now be assigned rooms for the duration of your lessons."
Several hands shot up.
"Please, go ahead," the Guildmaster encouraged.
"What happens if we don't perform well and also refuse to enroll?" a female adventurer inquired.
"It's not compulsory to undergo the screening or enroll in the academy, but if you're found unfit to be an adventurer, your ID… in other words, your license, will be revoked."
Another young girl raised her hand.
"Yes," the Guildmaster acknowledged.
"What if I want to retake the exam after receiving training from a personal trainer?"
"That's acceptable, but there will be a fee for retaking the exam."
"And what about the dorms?" a young man inquired. "Is boarding free?"
"No," the Guildmaster replied.
And there it is, Daisuke mused, a frown creasing his features as his expression grew lethargic. There's no way they're just helping people out of the goodness of their hearts; there had to be an incentive—and, of course, it all came down to money.
Guildmaster Baldin raised his hand again, hushing the animated crowd. "A small fee will be deducted from the proceeds whenever you complete a job. These funds will be utilized to cover food, lodging, and the operational costs for the academy. If that is all for questions, then I will hand you over to Professor Bayley.
Oh, just one more thing," he added, his sharp gaze settling on Daisuke almost immediately. "Haxks, I received your recommendation from Thalia. It's always a pleasure to encounter individuals with such sharp minds."
The man's words were sincere, but as his aura reared its head like a venomous snake, it became quite clear they were laced with something entirely different. But against the targeted waves of bloodlust, Daisuke returned his gaze unflinchingly.
DING!
[You were subjected to a mental attack. Αφινίτη's Blessing has countered the threat and preserved the sanctity of your mental state.]
"Oh-Oh?" the Guildmaster stroked his chin in amusement before taking his leave.
"Eh?"
"What was that all about?"
"Do they know each other?"
Osten clenched his teeth in irritation as the entire class cast curious glances toward Daisuke. Even Professor Bayley couldn't resist stealing a curious glance before he reintroduced himself and initiated the examination.