In the intricate world of [ Dragon's Heart ], the first part of the protagonist's journey would be entering the most prestigious academy known in the empire and to the world.
Holy Land Academy, which was the short term "Holy Land", a well established institution where all the nobilities and royalties from all the nations were gathered around and study together in their desired paths during these three years.
The history of Holy Land was started when the ancient empire was mysterious fallen in a midst of a war with the demons beast.
It is said that the real purpose of the holy land was to prevent any similar calamity to befall to any nation in the current timeline for which they sealed countless holy relics in the heart of the academy itself.
One particular holy relic would be such as the [ Black Sacred Knightframe ], and the
[ Chronos's Tear ].
[ Chronos's Tear] is a secret item in the game which was mentioned by the principal during the entrance ceremony.
[ Black Sacred Knightframe ] is a powerful ancient silhouette mech which was known to be "Ancient Empire's Destroyer" as it is said that in ancient text, this mech was the cause of ancient empire's mysterious demise.
However this mech's origin was a highly confidential and it was been tightly lipped between the holy land administration and the ambrosian royal family which had known to be connected to the ancient empire royal family.
In the game, during the Princess Scarlett's storyline, she was corronated to become as the crown princess that will inherit the throne. For which she take oath in front of the ancient mech.
Currently, this ancient mech was held in sacred altar within the Academy's combat arena which were held mainly for mech combat and the ceremony for sacred knightmech.
The "Sacred Knightmech" is a advance class of "Knight Runner" class.
Anyway, why I have mentioned all of this.
Well... this was related to my next mission as it's clear now that my priorities needed to shift.
Instead of being entangled myself in the protagonist's journey, I could focus solely on altering my own fate.
Which means that I can just sit by and watch how the protagonist does proceeds in the main scenario from now on, as it has nothing to do with me.
Since my main journey was very different from him.
[ Mission: Attend the Class ]
[ Sub Mission: Evaluation Exam ]
[ Status Info: ]
[ Name: Corrin Ashfallen ]
[ Race: Human ]
[ Origin: Nobility ]
[ Class: Knight ]
[ Level: 20 ]
[ Strength: C ] [ { 20 / 50 } ]
[ Intelligence: D ] [ { 15 / 50 } ]
[ Power: D ] [ { 10 / 50 } ]
[ Skill: C ]
[ Agility: D ]
[ Endurance: D ]
[ Luck: 0 ]
[ MOV: 163 ]
[ ATW: 55 ]
[ Skill Info: ]
[ Dominion's Order (Unique) ] [ Locked ]
[ Effects: Absolute Order ]
[ Effects: 90% stat reduction ]
[ Description: Effects may vary depending on how strong is the Host's will ]
[ Shadow Movement ( Martial Arts ) ]
[ Temperal Stance ( Martial Arts ) ]
[ Heat Seeker ( Martial Arts ) ]
[ Fierce Strike ( Martial Arts ) ] [ { 4 / 5 } ]
[ Buff info: ]
[ Aim Up ] [ { 3 / 5 } ]
[ Special Traits: ]
[ Crazy Heart ]
[ Description: Evil people will have tendency to be drawn towards you, certain liking or more ]
[ Ring Weapon Info ]
[ Void Lord Ring ]
[ Sword of Corruption: Siegfried ]
[ Description: Host only. Evasion +15 Defense+6 when manifested by the host. A dark sword. ]
[ Ring Weapon's Equip Info ]
[ No Magic Stone Detected ]
[ Stun Stone ( Skill Stone ) ]
[ Attack Stone ( Buff Stone ) ]
[ Overview: A person who's destined to be brings happiness to others and surrounded by happiness ]
Looking at my own stats, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief.
And it seems the system had returned my levels, a welcome relief after it's previous teasing antics.
With a total of 45 stat points at my disposal, a courtesy of the thirteen levels gained from the previous event, I wasted no time in allocating them to my almost D-rank stats.
Recognizing the importance of strength, power, and intelligence needed for my desired class, I decided to invest 20 points into strength, 10 for the power stat, and lastly the remaining 15 points went for the intelligence stat.
Despite the investment, I didn't immediately feel a significant change.
Reflecting from my previous encounter, I realized that in able for me to level up quickly was engaging more through combat, and defeat more enemies was imperative.
It was a revelation that dawned on me during the engagement with the terrorist, considering my hometown had far away from danger ever since I was transmigrated to this world.
Perhaps if I was engaged in hunting monster while guiding the protagonist in saving my favorite, I would have leveled up sooner.
In the game, the protagonist's leveling up system was intricately tied to his encounters and training sessions.
I had mistakenly assumed that by engaging in similar activities, I could level up faster and efficient.
However, the reality reminded me once again that I wasn't the protagonist of this world.
It was a bitter realization, but nevertheless I learned from those mistakes as I slowly immersed myself into this world.
As the staff member took the stage above us where the ancient black mech lies behind him as he take his announcement.
"I know that all of you are quite excited, so let's us now proceed to the practical evaluation test. The evaluation method will be explained shortly. For all of the first years, please remain here. Different types of practical exercises will be conducted from each department."
This test would determine our class placement within the Holy Land Academy.
While this institution boasted about its academic achievements, it was the specialized fields that truly showcased its glory and legacy.
From the legendary mechmasters to the history-shaking mages, from the revered saints to wiseful sages, the holy land academy prided itself on exceptional talents.
When the protors begun to line us up individually along the sides of the colossal gymnasium, I noticed that although the general department students were seperated from us, there remained a considerable number of students staying despite the segregation.
"There really are a lot of us, huh."
"Yeah... like way more women than us guys, you know?"
Ah I almost forgot mentioned about that, nice save Daike.
In the holy land academy, the ratio between males and females had tipped their scales a bit favoring towards the women. And I meant that in entirety of the academy, both students and staffs.
It is said from anyone that's the academy's norm ever since from the very beginning, but its actually mention about it in the game that its all because of a very high casualty-rate towards the men during the war against demon beast.
So yeah... you could probably say that Holy Land is almost a girl's paradise.
Sigh... I'll be completely honest – I'm not thrilled about this exam at all. The thought of emberrassing myself is enough to make me cringe.
Not at least I make my best that I can with my skills that I painfully mastered, while my D-rank stats were kind of average, but that won't do much against these students most of whom probably boasted a C-rank stats.
And let's not forget my absolute lack of luck that is still remain at actual zero.
Let's just hope that my Zero luck wouldn't actually bring me towards my deathflag.
As the certain creepy old man with a long pointy nose once said with the number zero that, it's empty but it holds a infinite number of possibilities.
Haha.... Despite gaining some reputation from my previous exploits, I suppose it's time for me to get a little bit serious.
"Alright everyone, please stand-by as your seniors come forward."
As the announcement came from the middle-aged woman rang out, prompting us all to line up obediently.
Just like in the game, our task for this evaluation exam was for us to face off against our seniors, while the proctors will be the one to evaluate our performance.
Looking at the students in front of me, I could see the utterly surprise and shock written all over their faces. Some of them were visibly trembling with nervousness — I couldn't hardly blame them.
The stands for a known fact that it's quite practically impossible for a first year to beat a senior, except for the powerhouse type heroine, Luna Silverblade.
Even me when I played this mission, it took me a ton of retries and countless hours of grinding in the prologue chapter just for me to able to beat them.
As someone who played this game, facing against myself to a senior at my weakened self proved to be a very challenging feat.
Not to forget that beside me right now, whom have been itching for a tough brawl against the seniors.
"Let's see how far I surpassed my limits."
"I just hope to get a chance with lady senior."
"It's that really been thinking, you lustful OAF!!!"
It's seemed they have gained some confidence in their potential from our previous exploits.
Especially when you already had faced a older enemy with both strength and combat experience backed them up, even for a standard enemy mob.
"First years! just come forward as I call your name, okay."
Haah.....
Let's get ready for rumble tumble.....
A simple effort of courageous display would do just fine for now, at least I could managed to land a single hit against a senior that the system would conclude as mission cleared.
"Corrin Ashfallen."
Hearing my name firstly called by a female proctor, I was surprised.
Isn't supposed to be alphabetically arranged?
Well, I don't really mind. Being the first one would practically set a standard.
Though its somehow making me put into a midst of the limelight.... one that I have to be really serious.
Or is it someone had deliberately choose me, it could probably be it.
Thanks to my previous exploits, I have tons of attention from the other high nobility, which some of them was actually even offered me a position as someone's attendant.
I flatly refused them all though it didn't actually stop, that some senior give me pierced glares.
But at least I should see whom be against with, right?
"Bring home a bacon, Rival!"
"Show them what really happened to those lunatic terrorist against you."
(Don't make me even more stand up than already is!!!)
I nodded back at them as I making my way to the front, I stepped onto the prepared five by five stage floor.
"Corrin Ashfallen, from the knight department, is that correct?"
"Yes."
Nodding my head at the teacher as she checked something on her paper, before nodding on her own.
Walking on towards the center of the stage, my nervousness got the better of me....
I wonder who my opponent is, hoping that it's someone strong that could bring me a challenge.
"Alicia Meletes, you may enter."
"....H-huh?"
Upon hearing the announcement, I couldn't help but mumbled in surprised.
I didn't heard that wrong, right?
Alicia Meletes?
Why am I facing off against my favorite heroine? Of all things?
And wasn't she a mage?
Did the teacher make a error on her paper?
But she did clearly read out on the paper, so should've been a clear indicator...
What's going on?!?
"Hehe~ little brother, found you." Alicia greeted me with her iconic smile and laughter, recognizing me.
"Hello, Senior." I greeted her back.
"hmph! hmph! you supposed to call me big sis." She insist, pouting her mouth.
"....."
Damn.... Why her pouting to be so cute!
Why I always stumbled upon her?
Is the gods are clickbaiting me?
"Hey~ little brother, are you listening to me?"
(Yes, I hear you clearly, just awestruck by your cuteness...)
haah... That I would wish to say that to her openly, but that would make me a weirdo.
"Gaia to Little brother~ are you in still there? Hellooo~"
"Alicia Meletes, you're delaying the test."
"Ah, I'm sorry." She apologized, bowing her head as she realized there were other students waiting.
"Well then, let's get this going, shall we? Little brother~"
I nodded back at her, waiting for her to get to a starting position.
But is it just my eyes play tricks on me or did her smile just..... maybe it's just my imagination.
...
The moment she returned to her starting position, gazing onto the young man before her – the person that she trying to meet ever since they first met at the floating ship.
She only wanted to asked something from him that was very dear to her heart, yet seemed her fates was playing coy everytime they meet each other.
And now that her chance was already in front of her, she waste no time to seize the opportunity.
"Little brother, I know that you're strong, so I won't hold back, okay?"
Taking her first move as she quickly raised her scepter, aimed towards the young man.
Crackle.....!
"Flare Explosion!"
Boom!!!
As the smoke coming from her explosion spell was hazing her view, suddenly Alicia sensed of oppressing aura.
(He's behind me!)
"Quick step!"
Alicia immediately stepped up making some distance away from him, however.....
"Martial Arts: Fierce Strike!!!"
The young man's swift movements had covered the distance, rendered her unable to make a opening against him.
His swift sword strikes were fluid and precise as he pushing her into a tight corner.
(I need to create an opening!)
Omit!
Alicia tapped her scepter onto the ground, leaving behind a magic circle which the young man stepped into.
Boom!!!
He fell into one of her earth trap spell, a opportunity in which she make a distance away from the young man.
(His knowledge about magic was incredible)
Alicia admitted.
His swift sword attacks had a underlying purpose, as he make an effort for her to lose concentration to her magic casting.
When she about to cast a simple spell it's usually takes around five seconds of preparation, and depending on how stronger the spell was casted, longer the preparation to take.
And somehow the young man was able to exploited that known fact which she caught off guard.
Especially, didn't expect that the young man to be ring weapon user which was rare for a first year to have acquired.
Which make Alicia almost believed at first, that the young man was actually a mage slayer class as his attacks were specifically effective against mages.
However, she already had a first-hand experience in engaging a mage slayer once – one of which she would have been died on that day but, thanks to her saviour that she was alive till this day.
Since that day, she make a effort in her weakness such as movement magic and trap magic to counteract against mage slayers.
As her gaze landed on the young man once more, as she preparing another spell.
"Gaia Mine!!!"
Alicia casted a level 3 earth trap spell, instantly surrounded herself with a countless magic circles randomly like a minefield.
The tension in the air grew palpable as the young man advance towards her, each deliberate step measures a level of cautiousness belying his silent demeanor.
Both of them held their breaths, bracing for their inevitable confrontation.
"Martial Arts: Shadow Movement!"
The young man takes the initiative, swiftly avoid the magic circle like he was memorized where she had set them.
As the same time, his changing shift from one position to other makes him hard to read his intention.
Boom!!!
However, he failed to avoid her mine, a opportunity she would exploit his weakness as she already prepared a spell.
"Frost Prison!"
Alicia casted a level 3 Ice trap spell, as the ice swallowed the young man until his movement was ceased.
(I finally caught him!)
Confirming her spell caught him as she finally take a breath, suddenly...
Crack....!
"Martial Arts: Heat Seeker!!!"
The young man breaks the ice prison as he lunged at her, with his ring sword was close to her throat.
(How did he escaped?)
Alicia was shocked, as she stumbled upon the sword was her throat, triggered her natural ability.
"Limit Ability: Raia Up."
Crackle...!
"Omit: Lightning bullet!!!"
....
What had just happened.....?
Before I had time to react, a red flashed covered my vision and with it came a searing pain in both my stomach and back...
"Puwahh!"
Coughing up blood, my hazy gaze stared back at the stage.
.....Ah I see, I must have triggered her limit break just now.
This feeling.... am I on a wall right now?
The rough and thorny feeling behind me was enough to render me useless, I could feel my flesh had been pierced through by the shattered bones.
Crackle....! Crackle...!
Streaks of red electricity filled the air, indicating where the attack came from.
"Hu – wawawa? I-I'm so sorryyy!" Alicia apologized as she quickly ran over towards me....
Fuck, I'm losing consciousness....
Looking at the teacher's face, I knew that I was bound to get a low grade.
But at least to I witnessed the result of my earlier intervention to my favorite's fate of death.
She seemed to have learned movement and trap magic, probably learned from her previous event.
But, still wasn't even a fight... one which I could able to win anyway...
The last thing I see was the fucking system screen blocking my favorite's concerned face.
At least let me see her.....
[ Sub Mission: Evaluation Exam ]
[ Mission Cleared! ]