The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the academy's expansive training field, where the rhythmic clash of wooden swords echoed through the air. Dust swirled in the wake of heavy footfalls, stirred by the intensity of the sparring match taking place at its center.
Tael and Geld stood opposite each other, their bodies already glistening with sweat from the grueling exchange.
Geld, a broad-shouldered young man with powerful arms, swung his massive wooden sword in a heavy arc. The force behind it sent a gust of wind outward, kicking up dust as it crashed down toward Tael.
But Tael was fast.
He twisted his body, his thin blade angling just right to absorb the impact, the collision sending a sharp crack through the air. His feet skidded slightly across the dirt, but he held firm, gritting his teeth as he pushed back against the weight of the blow.
Geld smirked. "You're getting better at blocking," he said, stepping back and rolling his shoulders.
Tael, catching his breath, wiped a bead of sweat from his brow before glancing around. "Luke's usually here training with us."
Geld lifted his sword onto his shoulder, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe he's preparing for his Battle Tactics Practical Test."
Tael blinked, lowering his guard slightly. "Ohh? Who's Luke's Battle Tactics instructor?"
Geld took the opportunity to lunge forward. "I heard it's Professor Euric," he said mid-strike, swinging his wooden sword once more.
Tael's eyes widened in shock. "Professor Euric?!" he exclaimed, barely managing to parry the attack.
Their swords met with another resounding clash, but the impact forced Tael backward this time, his stance faltering.
"Are you sure it's Professor Euric?" he asked again, his tone almost disbelieving.
Geld pressed forward, maintaining his aggressive offense. "Yes. Why? What's wrong?"
Tael gritted his teeth, recovering his balance just in time to sidestep another heavy swing. "I've heard his classes are brutal—his grading even worse. Not only that…" he paused, tightening his grip, "he's the Guidance Counselor."
Geld let out a low whistle. "That does seem like a bad pull." He stepped back slightly, adjusting his stance before tilting his head toward the dormitory in the distance. His expression turned contemplative as he muttered, "I wonder if Luke is preparing for the test?"
The wind rustled the training field as the two resumed their sparring, their blades clashing in rapid succession, each strike sending out bursts of dust and tension.
____________________________
In Luke's Dorm
____________________________
In the dimly lit dormitory, Luke sat cross-legged on his bed, his gaze locked onto the glowing interface floating before him. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the Golden Clicker System, its ethereal light casting shifting shadows along the walls.
"I've been buying Autoclickers for a low price and using them before I sleep," Luke muttered, tapping his fingers on his knee. "If it wasn't for the fact that I'm only able to buy three maximum and use one at a time, then I would be rich in 'Clicks' by now."
The translucent screen flickered, revealing his current stats:
[ STATUS ]
NAME : LUKE
PHYSIQUE : 281
MANA : 229
'CLICKS' - 153,209
SKILLS - FLOWTHREAD - GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT
- SERENE FLOW - GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT
- AZURE STEPS - GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT
- SHIFTING EDGE - GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT
- PHYSICAL ENHANCEMENT - GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT
- STRIKING TIDE - GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT
- BELLOWING STEPS - GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT
- ARCANE STEPS - BASIC
PASSIVE SKILLS - CALM MIND
- 6TH SENSE
Luke rubbed his chin, his brows furrowed in thought. "The upcoming Battle Tactics Test—the first test of the year—is coming up soon. Based on everything we've been learning about armies and war strategies, I doubt it'll be a simple one-on-one duel."
He exhaled deeply, leaning back against the headboard. "Either way, I would've loved to save up for that 'Skill Combiner'... but that's just me breaking my fingers off at this point."
His eyes drifted back to the interface, narrowing slightly. "If only there was an auto-generator.But if there were, then there wouldn't be a need for these five- or ten-minute Autoclickers."
Luke let out a tired sigh, closing his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again. "To be poor in this aspect..."
Shaking his head, he shifted his focus. "Speaking of..." He reached forward, his fingers stretching toward the air. A shimmering golden rift tore open before him, revealing a gateway into his personal inventory space.
Stepping through, Luke was instantly greeted by an overwhelming sight. Mountains of gleaming equipment stretched out before him, their metallic surfaces reflecting the golden glow of the dimensional storage. Skill books stacked high in teetering piles, spilling over onto heaps of shimmering gold Zilas and various forms of currency from this world. Artifacts, weapons, and armor lay scattered in organized chaos, relics of previous encounters and system rewards.
"I really need to organize this one day," Luke muttered, stepping over a pile of ornate daggers before nearly tripping on an enchanted bracer.
Without hesitation, he dove into a heap of tomes and scrolls, shoving aside an intricately designed sword and tossing a stack of unread manuals over his shoulder. Dust swirled in the air as his frantic digging sent artifacts tumbling down like an avalanche.
"Here! Found it!" He emerged, triumphantly holding a single glowing scroll.
"The skill... 'Persuasion.'"
A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips.