The term "GENIUS" had always trailed Rose like a persistent shadow, casting her world in the dull hues of a mundane nightmare.
As she stood amidst the crowd, the air charged with anticipation, she could feel the weight of that word pressing down on her, shaping her perception of the world.
"Fire!"
The professor's command sliced through the expectant silence, and in response, a brilliant flash erupted from Rose's fingertips. It converged into a sphere of raw energy, crackling with power, before hurtling forth with a velocity that defied conventional understanding.
[Low level Light magic]
[Luminous bomb]
BOOOMMMM!!!!
The resulting explosion rent the air, bathing the colossal rock golem before her in searing light. In mere moments, what had once been a formidable opponent was reduced to a smoldering crater, its very essence consumed and melted by the ferocity of Rose's unleashed magic prowess.
The crowd erupted into a frenzy of astonished murmurs and gasps, their eyes wide with disbelief at the spectacle unfolding before them.
"Wow did you see that?"
"Amazing as expected of Miss Rose"
"Don't you think she's the true top student of our year?"
"Shhh… princess Snow might hear you"
"Oh yeah that's right…"
"Haha…. As expected of our generation's greatest magical genius something like this was only natural"
Amidst the cacophony of voices, Rose stood, a solitary figure amidst the tumult.
Despite the adulation being showered upon her, her expression remained unchanged, a mask of weariness overlaying her features.
Whether amidst the grandeur of the academy or the confines of her own home, she found herself perpetually disillusioned, her world painted in the dull hues of monotony.
To the outside observer, Rose appeared as the epitome of success, a shining beacon of talent and achievement.
But beneath the veneer of brilliance lay a soul weighed down by the burden of expectation, her extraordinary abilities serving only to deepen her sense of isolation.
"Rose Brilliance, time completion 1.5 seconds. Congratulations, Miss Rose, you have achieved the fastest record among all the first years in this exam," declared the professor, his voice tinged with a blend of awe and admiration.
Yet, for Rose, the accolades fell flat, mere echoes in the cavernous void of her disillusionment.
With each compliment heaped upon her, she felt the chasm between her and the world around her widen by the second.
Amidst the monotony and mundanity that enveloped her existence, Rose found herself trapped in a world devoid of color.
Everything around her seemed to blend into a monochrome landscape, where even the brightest of days held no vibrancy, and the darkest of nights lacked depth.
It was a world drained of life, where shades of black and white were the only hues she could perceive.
Entering such a prestigious academy had sparked a glimmer of hope within Rose's heart.
Perhaps here, amidst the halls of knowledge and the whispers of ambition, she thought, the world would regain its natural brilliance.
Yet, as the days passed, that hope dwindled, suffocated by the stifling familiarity of her surroundings.
The challenges presented to her seemed trivial, the victories hollow, for everything remained too easy, too mundane to stir her soul.
It had been scarcely a week since her arrival, but already Rose could sense the permanence of the ennui that surrounded her. She knew, with a certainty born of bitter experience, that the tedium would endure, unyielding to the passage of time.
For she alone understood the depths of her potential, the untapped reservoir of brilliance that lay dormant within her being.
With but a fraction of effort, she could surpass even the most esteemed figures within the academy, for none could hope to match the sheer magnitude of her abilities.
Not even Princess Snow White, heralded as a genius in her own right, could rival Rose's prowess.
Though it remained unspoken, the truth hung heavy in the air—Snow's elevated status as the top ranked student of the magic department stemmed not from her own merit, but from her royal lineage, a fact known to all who walked the hallowed halls of the academy.
The encounter with the self-proclaimed geniuses of the academy had left Rose disillusioned, her hopes of rediscovering the vibrancy she craved dashed against the stark reality of her monochrome existence.
That was why she had lost hope of ever meeting the colors she had lost.
But that was only until seeing the young man in front of her, like an explosion that exploded in a single direction, color emerged—a young man whose very presence defied the lifeless tableau that surrounded her.
With each step he took, Rose felt her heartbeat quicken, a flicker of anticipation igniting within her chest.
What was it about him that captivated her so? As he drew nearer, his form bathed in the vivid hues of vitality, Rose found herself drawn inexorably towards him, her curiosity piqued by the enigma he presented.
It was only when he stood before her, that Rose truly beheld the kaleidoscope of colors that danced around him.
Ignoring the lifeless bodies of the thugs he beheaded with that indifferent gaze of his…. His blue eyes stared at her very being.
Here, in the midst of her colorless world, he was he only one that was different.
".... Are you okay?"
His voice cut through the silence, a stark contrast to the monotony that had defined her existence for so long.
…..
After sending out proper letters to my family, I proceeded with my days as usual, training and preparing for the upcoming duo exams. Throughout the three days of immediate preparation, I finally acquired all the things needed to get stronger as fast as possible.
[Rock Flower] (Common)]
[Mandrake] (Rare)]
[Two-horned Sky Hog's Tusk] (Rare)]
[Old Gem in the Fountain] (Common)]
Haah... that Sky Hog's Tusk really did a number on my pocket.
Although it was just a rare item, it was still fairly expensive even for an A-class student like me, costing me 23,000 gems to buy it.
I feel like that merchant scammed me for some reason... well there's no use regretting it now.
The important thing is I got this item before the exam starts so my chances of surviving an encounter with a boss is relatively higher now.
If I didn't have prior knowledge of the location and spawn hints for Mandrakes, I'm pretty sure I would've lost all my remaining budget just to buy this screaming vegetable in my hands right now….
Fortunately, A-class students' dorms has noise cancelling magic from the inside so no excessive sound should get to reach my fellow neighbors.
Anyways after tucking he mandrake inside a pot, I fixed my broken eardrum as I drank a bottle of healing potion.
Then on the mirror. I looked at the suit I was wearing.
Although it was a fairly cheap suit, it was still nice to look at because of my face. I guess if there's one thing, I'm proud of being Riley, it's that I'm quite handsome.
There was a saying that beauty transcended material possessions, and in that moment, I couldn't help but agree.
'Confidence is the best accessory.'
I feel like I could still look handsome even if I dressed up in tattered clothes for some reason.
Today was Saturday, the exact date to get the legendary item I wished for.
Seo should be heading towards the Oresteia Gardens located near the SkyHigh auction house soon, so I better hurry up.
….
In the game, the auction gameplay was an optional event that players could partake in every weekend.
It added an extra layer of excitement to the gaming experience, but it also came with its risks.
Depending on how much you trusted your luck, a wrong move could lead to the dreaded game over screen flashing before your eyes.
One particularly infamous outcome was labeled as [Bad End no.4: Bottomless Luck]. It was a tongue-in-cheek scenario where, after losing all your money at the auction, your character met a rather grim fate—starving to death in the academy.
It was a stupid end, but it served as a stark educational reminder from the devs of the consequences of partaking in reckless gambling.
Though despite the potential pitfalls, the auction gameplay held significant value for savvy players.
Those who had mastered the game knew just how vital the auction house could be.
Whether it was early-game essentials or late-game powerhouses, the auction house was a treasure trove of indispensable items.
However, it wasn't always smooth sailing.
On certain days, literal billionaire giants would enter the fray, driving up prices and making competition fierce.
It was a high-stakes game where fortunes could change in an instant, and the looming threat of the game over screen was always present, lurking around the corner like a specter of doom.
Fortunately, the item I was currently vying for didn't come with a price tag that would require a small fortune—no millions or billions of gems necessary. With a cautious approach to my bidding strategy, I should be able to navigate the auction without emptying my coffers.
Remembering the crowd assembling for the auction, I noted three individuals in particular whom I needed to watch out for—they were known for their keen eye and deep pockets.
First was Goldkeeper Boseman, a shrewd investor with a knack for snatching up valuable items.
Then there was the formidable Master of the House of Lust, Liany, whose reputation preceded her as a fierce competitor.
And lastly, Clara Luminaria, one of the game's heroines herself, whose interest could easily drive up the bidding price.
As long as I could fly under their radar, I stood a decent chance of securing the item I desired.
With a quick glance at my pocket watch—10:30—I realized I had only an hour left before the auction hall doors swung open.
Time was of the essence, and I wasted no time in picking up the pace, weaving through the bustling alleyways of the academy with a sense of urgency propelling me forward.
Although I could've just taken a carriage and gone through the main road to get there, as a veteran of this game, I know certain alleyways that pretty much save you around 3-5 minutes of your time.
It might not seem like much to sacrifice for a comfy ride, but I didn't care, as I also considered this run as endurance training.
Though it doesn't really reflect on my stats, I can kinda feel my breathing stabilizing the more I practice jogging each day.
Seo is in Oresteia Gardens waiting for me, so approximately the two of us would get through the auction house around 11:20-11:25, which is more than enough time to find seats at the very back.
Quickening my pace, once more I was about to rush towards the ways to the garden, but then a commotion caught my attention.
"Gahahaha, this kid, why did you follow us here, huh?" a man with a large, burly stomach said as he looked at a student, with a loud luscious voice coming out of him.
"Do you want to experience pleasure that badly?"
The lecherous tone in the man's voice reverberated through the alley, accompanied by the raucous laughter of his three lackeys.
It was a scene straight out of a game and manga—a helpless student cornered by a gang of thugs.
Did I accidentally stumble upon one of the darker corners of the academy's underbelly?
Though I couldn't see the student's face, I could imagine the fear coursing through her veins.
While an average thug wouldn't stand a chance against students from specialized fields, those in the general class were more vulnerable to such threats.
'I don't like playing hero….'
But the sight before me stirred a sense of obligation—a duty to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
"Hey…" I called out, drawing the attention of the thugs.
Their curious gazes turned towards me, each uttering a mocking response in unison.
"Huh?"
"What do you want, kid?"
"Kekeke, do you want to join in on the fun as well? I don't mind boys too, you know?"
This disgusting mother fucker...
Haah.…. It was exasperating to encounter such narrow-minded individuals, incapable of stringing together a coherent thought beyond their base desires.
Do they not realize the gravity of their predicament, or were they truly that dense?
Shaking off their sneers and derisive laughter, I pressed forward, determined to intervene.
But as I took a step, my gaze fell upon the girl they were threatening and my feet stopped moving right in front of me was the last person I expected to see in this seedy alleyway.
'Rose Brilliance…'
What in the world was she doing here?
I had always known her to be a whimsical heroine always doing something that might seem fun, but this was beyond unexpected.
This was a scenario that never happened in the game.