Nate made his way toward the banner marked 'C,' where a sleazy-looking middle-aged man stood. After a few minutes, the man seemed to remember he was supposed to be doing something.
"Oh hey, so I'm Paul, and I will be conducting your exam," he said, before leading them to a small training area filled with straw dummies. In a laid-back tone, Paul then explained that each student just needed to go up one at a time and showcase their talent.
Nate's emerald eyes narrowed as he observed the other candidates. A young sorceress conjured orbs of water that danced like celestial bodies around her, each striking a dummy with precision. Nearby, a burly lad hurled massive boulders, his earth magic shaking the ground with every throw.
"Showtime," Nate murmured as his turn came. He stepped into the arena, feeling the weight of expectation settle on his shoulders. With a swift movement, he summoned two illusionary copies of himself. The trio moved in perfect harmony, weaving between each other in an intricate dance, confusing the onlookers with their feints and synchronized strikes. The dummies shook as the blows landed one after another.
As Nate executed his illusion technique, he felt a surge of power, as if his magic was evolving. A notification appeared in his vision:
[New Skill Acquired: Dual Illusion Mastery (Rare)]
Description: Control two separate illusions simultaneously for more dynamic attacks and enhanced misdirection.
Nate's heart raced with excitement. This is incredible, he thought, marveling at how quickly his skills were developing. He couldn't help but wonder what Sam and his family back in the village would think if they could see him now.
The crowd watched in awe as Nate's combat demonstration concluded, melding finesse with raw magical talent. Even Paul, the instructor with the perpetually bored expression, gave a nod of approval before gesturing toward the next challenge.
"Obstacle course. Let's see if you can handle the real test."
Nate's heart raced as he sized up the monstrous obstacle course. A wall of rope nets stretched high into the sky, muddy trenches lay hidden beneath deceptive foliage, and balance beams promised painful falls to the unwary.
"Five seconds!" Paul barked. "Four! Three! Two! One! Go!"
Nate leapt into action, diving into the sandpit, his body rolling to absorb the impact. Grit filled his mouth as he spat out the coarse grains, but he didn't stop. With determination driving him, he reached the towering wall, hands gripping the rough rope as he pulled himself upward. His muscles screamed with effort, but he hoisted himself over and dropped down on the other side.
Next came the stone path, each rock requiring nimble footwork to avoid the small projectiles that whizzed by. Nate dodged and weaved, his agility tested to the limit. He barely missed a few strikes, but his momentum carried him through.
The swinging logs followed, their rhythmic swaying designed to knock him off course. Nate moved swiftly between them, his reflexes sharp as he ducked and rolled past each one.
The final sprint lay before him, the finish line just in sight. With his lungs burning and legs aching, Nate pushed himself, leaping over hurdles with renewed vigor. He crossed the line and collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath, but a victorious smile played on his lips.
Another notification appeared:
[New Passive Skill Acquired: Agility Mastery (Normal)]
Description: Enhanced proficiency in acrobatic movements and speed.
Two new skills in one day, Nate thought, a mixture of pride and disbelief washing over him. The academy is already pushing me beyond what I thought possible.
"Congratulations," Paul muttered, clearly bored with the entire process. "You survived."
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Nate stood tall, feeling the ache of a body pushed to its limits. But before he could relax, Paul handed out slips of paper for the final test—a treasure hunt.
Nate unfolded his parchment and froze. His task was as bizarre as it was dangerous.
Steal the panties of Professor Jodi.
The absurdity of the task hit Nate like a punch to the gut. His stomach churned as he read the task's dangerous rating: 100/10. This wasn't a joke.
[New Quest Acquired: Panty Raid Madness]
Description: Steal the panties of Professor Jodi. Difficulty: 100/10.
Reward: 1x Level Up, Stealth Mastery Skill, Title: Smooth Criminal.
Failure: Prepare for public humiliation… or worse.
Nate blinked in disbelief. This was madness. Steeling himself, he decided there was no turning back now. If the academy wanted to throw him into a high-stakes test like this, he'd rise to the challenge. What would Sam think of this? he wondered briefly, before pushing the thought aside. He needed to focus.
He waited until the evening, gathering intel on Professor Jodi's quarters. The building was secluded, reserved for high-ranking faculty, and shrouded in powerful wards. He cast Illusion Cloak over himself, feeling the comforting hum of magic as it rendered him nearly invisible to the untrained eye.
As he slipped into the room, the scent of jasmine filled his nostrils. He moved silently, his eyes darting toward a dresser where the forbidden garment might be hidden. But just as his fingers brushed the handle, a cold voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Looking for something?"
Nate turned slowly, his Illusion Cloak dissolving as his concentration faltered. There, standing by the door, was Professor Jodi, her eyes sharp behind her glasses.
[Notification: Stealth Mastery Failed]
"Please, Professor Jodi, this isn't what it looks like," Nate stammered, thinking quickly. "Paul set me up for this task as part of the test—check the note in my pocket."
Jodi's brow furrowed as she pulled the note from Nate's pocket. As she read through it, her expression shifted from suspicion to frustration. "Paul and his games," she muttered under her breath. With a sigh, she flicked her wrist, releasing the magical binds that had caught Nate in place.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood today," she said, rubbing her temple. "Next time, try not to get caught up in Paul's schemes. Consider this test over."
Nate exhaled in relief, grateful that things hadn't escalated further. "Thank you, Professor," he said, bowing his head. "I'll make sure to be more careful."
"Good," she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Now get out of here before I change my mind."
As Nate hurriedly left the room, a notification appeared before him:
[Quest Completed: Panty Raid Madness]
Reward: 1x Level Up, Stealth Mastery Skill, Title: Smooth Criminal.
He couldn't help but chuckle, though a sense of embarrassment lingered. He'd completed the test—albeit in the most awkward way possible.
With the quest complete, Nate focused on the new title.
[Title Acquired: Smooth Criminal]
Description: This title is awarded to those who successfully navigate dangerous, delicate, or mischievous missions with skill and charm, all without getting (completely) caught. It grants the bearer enhanced stealth, increased persuasion in tricky situations, and an aura of mysterious allure that can sway or distract unsuspecting individuals. Be careful, though—this title may also draw unwanted attention from those who prefer order over mischief.
Effects:
+5% to stealth-related actions.
+5% to charisma in persuasive conversations.
Increased likelihood of attracting attention (both positive and negative).
Nate stared at the title's description for a moment, taking it all in. The boost to stealth and persuasion would certainly come in handy, but the part about drawing attention worried him slightly. He let out a sigh, knowing the academy would likely throw more insane tests at him in the future.
As he made his way back to the dormitories, Nate couldn't help but reflect on how much his life had changed in such a short time. From a simple village boy to an academy student with rare skills and bizarre titles, it was almost too much to process. He wondered what challenges tomorrow would bring and how these new abilities would shape his future at the academy.
Just then, he spotted Gwen in the corridor. She looked exhausted but satisfied, likely having completed her own set of tests.
"Hey, Gwen!" he called out, waving. As she turned to him, Nate felt a subtle shift in the air around him. Was this the effect of his new title?
Gwen's eyes widened slightly as she looked at him. "Nate? You look... different somehow."
Nate grinned, a mix of pride and sheepishness on his face. "Let's just say it's been an interesting day. How about you? How did your tests go?"