Chapter 6: Positioning Test (2)
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"All of you gathered here will begin your training today, while the Wave Controller instructor will arrive two days later."
'Really?! Can you be more open about showing favoritism to the Irregular, Bam? Well, except for me, there's no one else in Regulars who knows this...' Kalon was daydreaming when Squidshark's voice snapped him out of his reverie.
"It looks like we'll be separated for some time," Squidshark said with a touch of melancholy.
Meanwhile, Tryllo was brimming with excitement at the thought of growing stronger and continuing his climb up the Tower.
"Okay then, I'll see you after class. Oh, and once you learn some moves from your respective instructors, let me see them in action too," Kalon said, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he addressed his teammates.
"Alright, same to you. I want to see what a Light Bearer is capable of," Squidshark replied before signaling Tryllo to hurry, lest they be late for class.
Tryllo, a lizard-like Regular, was naturally sorted into the Scout position. Meanwhile, Squidshark was chosen as a Fisherman.
As Kalon walked out, he saw two girls glaring at each other, their expressions sharp enough to cut through stone.
Androssi Jahad and Anak Jahad.
'Do they pick the most hot-tempered women from each family for the position of princess?' Kalon shook his head in disappointment and turned away. Unfortunately, his timing was terrible.
As Kalon tried to slip away unnoticed, both girls caught his movement, especially the subtle shake of his head. Their ire, already boiling over from their argument, now turned to him—a convenient target for their frustrations.
Androssi was the first to speak, her voice steeped in sarcasm.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Some nobody who thinks he can judge princesses of Jahad? What's with that face? Disappointed we're not kissing instead of fighting?"
Her lips curled into a predatory smile, daring him to respond.
Anak, more straightforward, stepped closer. Despite her petite stature, her presence radiated menace.
"What are you looking at? Say it to my face if you've got something to say—or are you just some coward who talks behind people's backs?"
Kalon froze momentarily under their combined glares. Raising his hands defensively, he forced a calm expression onto his face.
"It's not what you think. I was just... amazed. Yes, amazed at how passionately you both express yourselves. Truly admirable."
The air between them thickened as both girls narrowed their eyes in suspicion.
Androssi crossed her arms, smirking.
"Admirable? Sure. That's exactly what that look of disappointment meant."
Anak cracked her knuckles menacingly.
"If you're going to lie, at least try harder. I should break his legs for wasting my time."
Kalon realized he was treading on thin ice. These weren't ordinary girls—they were Princesses of Jahad. Combatants like them wouldn't hesitate to silence someone they found annoying. He decided to change tactics.
"Look, I didn't mean anything by it. Honestly. I'm just... tired. Fighting isn't my thing, and seeing you two so tense made me reflect on how far I still have to go."
Androssi laughed mockingly.
"So, you're a weakling. That explains a lot."
Anak, however, lost interest. Her glare softened slightly, more out of boredom than anything else.
"Tch. Pathetic. Not worth my time."
Seizing the moment, Kalon gave a polite bow and backed away.
"I'll leave you two to your... important conversation. Good day."
As he retreated, he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
Phew! That was close.
While Kalon wasn't necessarily afraid, he decided it was wise to stick to his assigned role as the team's brain. Playing the part of a timid strategist would allow him to grow without drawing unnecessary attention.
For the Light Bearer position, his instructor would be Lero Ro, who had directed all Light Bearers to "Position Test Class 3."
Kalon wandered the halls, searching for his classroom, until he spotted a blue sign that read Position Test Class 3.
Entering the room, he saw it was almost filled with other E-Rank Regulars like himself. Surprisingly, there were also Regulars from different positions present.
He recalled reading on a Tower of God forum that Rankers often had multiple positions, but he wondered if Regulars could train in more than one position before becoming Rankers. Looking around, it seemed possible.
Just as Kalon entered, Lero Ro stepped onto the stage at the center of the room.
"As you already know me, I won't waste time on introductions," Lero Ro began.
"First and foremost, to become proficient in any position, you must first be able to use Shinsu. To do that, you need to sign a contract with the Floor Guardian. Some of you may have already done so, enabling you to utilize Shinsu within the Tower."
"Turn your pockets visible and close your eyes. Then, say..."
[Contract with the Administrator]
Kalon followed the instructions. His Pocket displayed an unreadable language, the words moving too fast for him to comprehend.
[Contract complete]
As the ritual concluded, Kalon felt an invisible weight press down on him. The air around him shifted subtly, humming with a resonance that felt like the Tower itself was acknowledging him.
Shinsu, once an intangible force, now coursed through him. It pulsed in the air, interwoven with the fabric of the Tower, as if it had whispered secrets directly to his soul. His skin tingled as warmth spread through him.
For a brief moment, he felt invincible. His senses expanded, and his breathing felt enriched. But the euphoria was fleeting. The warmth subsided, leaving a persistent hum as a reminder that Shinsu was now a part of him.
"So, this is what it means to step into the realm of Shinsu," Kalon murmured.