Chapter 5: Positioning Test (1)
During the three-day rest period granted by the test administrator, Lero Ro, Kalon decided to utilize his time wisely. The system had stored various techniques for him to learn, and he was determined to master them. Despite his newfound title as a Sword Master—which ensured no one could breach the three-foot perimeter around him—Kalon knew better than to grow complacent. The Tower was an unpredictable place, where relying solely on one skill could spell doom.
In his past life, Kalon had often thought of all-rounders as overambitious, spreading themselves too thin. But here, where life and death could pivot on the smallest weakness, he had to reconsider.
The first thing he did after parting ways with Tryllo and Squidshark was return to his room. Curiosity got the better of him, and he stood in front of the full-length mirror, inspecting his reflection. It had been a while since he last took a good look at himself. While changes were subtle to those who saw him daily, Kalon knew his body was different.
He stepped closer to the mirror, scrutinizing every detail. His height, once 182.3 cm, had increased to nearly 185 cm. His features had sharpened, his jawline now angular and defined. He ran a hand through his hair, which seemed fuller and healthier. Comparing his height against the wall mirror, he noticed he had to step back to fit entirely within the frame.
On Earth, Kalon had always dreamed of such physical transformation. He had tried everything to enhance his appearance, from chewing gum for jawline definition to exhaustive workouts, yet the results had always been underwhelming. Now, with the Tower's influence, his body had evolved beyond his expectations.
Removing his long-sleeved shirt, he inspected his upper body. His jaw dropped in shock. His lean frame, deceptively fragile at first glance, was now lined with defined muscles and abs. He turned slightly, marveling at his figure. "Unbelievable…" he whispered, a mixture of awe and disbelief in his tone.
Even his vision and hearing had improved. Once reliant on glasses to read, he could now make out the fine print on the snack labels by his bed from across the room. His hearing, too, was sharper, picking up the faintest sounds from the hallway outside.
Kalon shook his head, snapping out of his admiration. He headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, the warm water washing away the fatigue of the past tests. Once dressed, he made his way to the system space, determined to continue honing his skills.
Before immersing himself in training, Kalon placed a "Do Not Disturb" sign on his door. It was better to avoid unnecessary interruptions, especially as he planned to remain in his room for the remainder of the rest period. He thought briefly of Bam and Khun but decided against seeking them out. Bam needed time to recover, and Khun's guarded nature made him difficult to approach.
Rak, however, brought a smile to his face. The alligator's brash yet endearing personality reminded Kalon of a yandere heroine from a novel—tough on the outside, soft on the inside.
Gurgle~
As Kalon prepared to enter the system space, his stomach growled loudly. He frowned, placing a hand on his abdomen. "Did my increased strength also increase my appetite?" he muttered. Resigned, he decided to find food before continuing his training.
Minutes Later.
Bang!
Kalon stormed back into his room, his frustration palpable. His search for food had been fruitless. A memory surfaced in his mind, cutting through his irritation.
"Ah… That's right!" Kalon exclaimed, slapping one fist into his palm. "People in the Tower rely on shinsu to satisfy their hunger. But not everyone can control shinsu yet, so why isn't food provided?"
Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself. As a Sword Master, he couldn't afford to let such trivial matters anger him. Returning to his bed, he grabbed a caramel-flavored energy bar from the snacks placed nearby.
Kalon took a bite, and his eyes widened slightly as the sweet, rich flavor spread across his tongue. A soft hum of satisfaction escaped his lips, and he leaned back against the wall, savoring each bite. His expression softened, a rare display of genuine delight. "Hmm~ quite delicious," he murmured, finishing the bar in no time.
Wiping his hands with a tissue, Kalon closed his eyes. When he reopened them, he found himself back in the system space.
"Can I continue evolving the basic skills stored here?"
[Yes. The amount of time invested will directly enhance the techniques.]
A bright smile spread across Kalon's face. He was eager to continue growing stronger, knowing the Tower would only become more challenging from here.
Three Days Later.
The rest period ended, and Kalon stood among the other participants as Lero Ro explained the Tower's various positions. His curiosity was piqued as he wondered where he would be placed based on his performance.
When the golden list appeared on the screen, he scanned it for his name.
[Light Bearer]
Khun Aguero Agnis
Levin
Kalon
(Light Bearers are responsible for gathering, storing, and delivering crucial knowledge to their teammates, guiding them with the light of their Lighthouse. They are often the most support-oriented position.)
"Huh?!" Kalon's jaw dropped. How could he, of all people, be designated as a Light Bearer? He replayed the events of the Crown Game in his mind. There, he had advised his teammates like an old sage, strategizing as though he had foreseen the game's intricacies. And also during the Door Test.
He slapped his cheeks in frustration. "Look what happened now!" he muttered.
Despite his disbelief, Kalon approached Lero Ro for clarification. "Could there have been a mistake during the sorting? How could I possibly fit this position?"
Lero Ro's eyes narrowed slightly, though his smile remained. "Mr. Kalon, are you doubting the judgment of our test directors?"
"No, not at all," Kalon replied quickly, his voice steady despite the ranker's intimidating presence. "I was just curious since my team didn't participate in the Crown Game. When did the rankers have the opportunity to observe our abilities?"
Lero Ro's smile sharpened. "The rankers overseeing these tests are thorough, Mr. Kalon. Trust in their decisions."
Kalon nodded, though unease lingered. As much as he wanted to argue, he knew better than to question a ranker's authority openly. For now, he would have to accept his position...