>You get 300.000 Monster Diamond
> You get Hematite Gemstones (x1)
> You get Fragment of Life Miracle**(x1)!
*Congratulations! Crystallice Guild and Bain succeed defeating all Boss Monster on Dawn City Raid Mission!
**Collect three of it to gain the Secret of Legendary Recovery
After defeating the formidable Dreadspire, the final Undead elite, I inhaled deeply, then expelled a slow, cleansing breath, the tension finally releasing.
My gaze fell upon the quest's reward, and a singular item captivated me: Fragments of Life Miracles.
With this achievement, I'm already collect three Fragment of Life Miracles as it required for creating Secret of Legendary Recovery.
A vibrant, emerald luminescence erupted, signifying the fusion of these three crucial artifacts into a single, potent instrument—the key to my mother and sister's salvation.
>Combined Fragment of Life Miracle (x3)!
>You get Secret of Legendary Recovery Chalice* (x1)!
*Fill the chalice with the holy water on Abandoned Tower Dungeon to make miracle potion
The purportedly mythical recovery chalice, shaped like a sacred goblet, adorned the church.
Its description finally illuminated the path to crafting the miraculous elixir for my mother and sister.
With this chalice secured, my sights are now set on conquering the treacherous Abandoned Tower Dungeon.
Putting aside my triumph with the chalice, my attention shifted to the five hematite gemstones I'd painstakingly acquired.
I remember three of it were rewards of System's quest for surviving the Legendary Sorcerer's onslaught.
For two remaining; one achieved from the defeated Voidwalker, another from the slain Deadspire.
I anticipate these gems will unlock a potent new spell or maybe I can utilize it for raising my magician power base.
Great!
>Utilized Hematite Gemstones (x5)!
>Please choose how you want to utilize the gemstones:
>Generate Obsidian Sword Mastery*
*Enable the sorcerer to manifest flying magical sword blade
>Generate Magical Magnification**
**Enable the sorcerer to increasing magical output up to 300%
It took me few minutes for me to grasp the meaning of options offered by The System after I utilize Hematite Gemstones.
This is the first time I've been granted the privilege of selecting a growth spell.
And Obsidian Sword Mastery as one of the choice is very remarkable for me to growth, obviously.
I vividly recall the Legendary Sorcerer's awe-inspiring Obsidian Sword Mastery, a spell that unleashed a tempest of thousands of enchanted blades, obliterating the hydra dragon within the Sea of Ice Dungeon.
Its power, witnessed firsthand, dwarfed even one of my strongest attack spell; the Divine Thunder spell.
Yet, surprisingly, I find myself hesitant.
The Obsidian Sword Mastery, upon closer examination, appears to be a highly specialized arcane technique, focusing solely on conjuring magical swords.
This contrasts sharply with the versatility of a magician's scepter, capable of wielding the elemental forces of fire, thunder, ice, and wind.
While Obsidian Sword Mastery would undoubtedly grant me a new offensive ability, the crucial question arises:
What if its magical potency damage mirrors my existing spells?
Would this merely diversify my arsenal without enhancing my overall destructive capability?
Considering this, and reflecting on my past battles, I've concluded that strategic specialization is paramount.
Instead of acquiring new spells with comparable output, I should concentrate on maximizing the destructive potential of my current repertoire.
Though the Obsidian Sword Mastery is undeniably potent, I believe focusing on my existing spell to generate powerful magic damage output; high-yield spells offers a more impactful path to growth.
Consequently, I've selected the second option: Generate Magical Magnification.
>You choose Generate Magical Magnification!
>You capable to redefine your established spell!
It took a few minutes for me to understand the meaning of 'redefine of my established spell'.
As I checked the system, there's a sign of the list of my spell that I can redefine, which mean I can change it.
>Active Skill:
Lightning BoltGaia EndowmentDivine Thunder Fire StormLightning SparkBlade of FireQuicksandIce Javelin Frost BiteReturn to Earth
>Passive Skill:
Magic BarrierMana RegenerationHealth Regeneration The Eye of Sorcerer
ZephyrAizel
Looking at those System's notification, the attack skill and summoning skill are kind of skill I can redefine.
Since I choose to specialize my skill with Magical Magnification, I think it's best to redefine the Summoning Skill first.
I don't hate using summoning skill, it just I want to get myself focus on magical spell rather than rely too much on summoning spell.
>Redefine Zephyr!
>Please choose the Redefined Zephyr you want to use:
> Wind Walker*
*Enable to run fast
> Raging Tempest**
**Cleave targeted area with strong magical wind cutting
No doubt for this kind of option.
I choose Raging Tempest on my magic arsenal since it can targeted a wide area of attack with good magical damage and fast casting time.
Now my attention shifted on the remaining summoning spell: Aizel.
>Redefine Aizel!
>Please choose the Redefined Aizel you want to use:
>Fire Pillar*
*Strengthening Magical Barrier with Magical Fire Wall; can be expanded
(Requires Blade of Fire to be exchanged)
>Fire Arrow**
**Unleash powerful Magical Fire Arrow up to hundreds
Oh, it's a complicated choices for redefining Aizel.
At some point, Fire Pillar is quite good for strengthening my magical barrier, which I found is necessary since as a sorcerer who focused on Magical skill, I really need strong magical barrier as my main defense.
However, Fire Pillar skill require Blade of Fire spell to be merged for, which means it will eliminate Blade of Fire spell if I want to create Fire Pillar skill.
In the second choice, Fire Arrow is quite good choice for elevating my magician active skill since it relies on quantity of the output even with mediocre magical damage output.
Now, what I should choose?
As I contemplating myself, rethinking my aimed goal on the structure of my magician arsenal; to become magician who relies on magician skill but had good damage output.
Putting that in my consideration, the option I should choose is the first one: redefine Aizel into Fire Pillar.
Based on my experience, I understand Blade of Fire spell is useful and quite helpful for me to defeat those monster in a very short range.
But I oftentimes used it in terms of emergency situation, which is quite dangerous since it really took a risky act for engage in a very short range as a magician.
I believe it's far more worth to sacrifice Blade of Fire spell into Fire Pillar as I want to change my strategy for defeating monster in a safe range.
Since the Summoning Spell had been done redefine, now it's time to focus on my active magician skill.
>Redefine Magician Active Skill!
>Please choose the redefined Magician Active Skill you want to use:
>Mana Drain*
*Drain Enemies' Mana to restore Mana Power
(Requires one of Magician Active Skill to be exchanged)
>Fire Ball
(Requires one of Magician Active Skill to be exchanged)
*Strike enemies with explosive Fire Ball
The system's explanation solidified my conviction: Mana Drain and Fireball were crucial additions to my evolving magical repertoire.
My immediate task, however, was a difficult one: selecting two existing spells for replacement.
After a painstaking half-hour of deliberation, a decision crystallized: Quicksand and Lightning Spark would be sacrificed.
Although these spells had undeniably proven their mettle in dire situations, their utility was now obsolete given my unwavering commitment to pure spellcasting.
With resolute purpose, I replaced Quicksand with Mana Drain and Lightning Spark with Fireball.
The transformation was complete; the system promptly presented my revised, potent spell list.
>Active Skill:
Lightning BoltGaia EndowmentDivine Thunder Fire StormFire Ball Mana Drain Ice Javelin Frost BiteReturn to Earth Magical Magnification
>Passive Skill:
Fire Pillar
As far as I see, my magical repertoire has streamlined, prioritizing potent offensive capabilities over diverse spellcasting.
This focused approach, leveraging my current arsenal, has sharpened my strategic spellcasting prowess.
Simultaneously, I'm experiencing a surge of raw magical energy, an unexpected inflow of mana coursing through my veins.
This potent, escalating energy manifests as a newly acquired power, as confirmed by the system notification.
>Redefined processing had successfully complemented!
>The Magician Class evolved into: High Sorcerer!
>You get The White Robe of High Sorcerer (x1)!
Well, it looks like my decision to become Sorcerer who heavily rely on active magician skill had been fruitful!
I get new magical gear!
>White robe of High Sorcerer attuned!
>Magic damage output increased 50%!
>Magic defense output increased 50%!
>Mana Regeneration effectiveness increased 50%!
The White Robe of High Sorcerer, a surprisingly effective and aesthetically pleasing garment, felt remarkably comfortable.
Its simple elegance resembled a casual hooded cloak, a subtle yet sophisticated design.
While perfectly suitable for everyday wear, I've chosen to maintain a discreet, almost camouflaged appearance.
My magical attire remains my secret; I had no desire to flaunt my abilities.
Anyway, it was a good relief for these rewards!
As I looked at my accumulated monster diamonds in the Systems, it represent a substantial sum—sufficient for at least two or three years' expenses; covering more than I need and my mother and sister's medical bill.
As the sun's radiant glow pierced the building's windowless walls, I paused to check my reward on the System, savoring the breathtaking beauty of dawn after days of unending darkness.
Approaching footsteps announced visitors, though I sensed no malice.
My intuition proved correct; Bain and the surviving knights from Lance's raid party stood at the door.
"Sir Alstair! You've done it! You defeated those elite undead!" Bain exclaimed, his joy palpable.
Before I could respond, this jovial knight embraced me, his relief evident.
"Oh, God! I was so worried, sir! Facing the Voidwalker and Dreadspire—that was incredibly brave, incredibly risky!" He exhaled, shaking his head.
I chuckled. "I really remember ordering you to remain in the barracks with the wounded knights, didn't I?"
"O-of course, sir! But the Knight Application announced our victory! Dawn City is ours again! The nightmare is over! You're a hero, sir!" Bain declared passionately, gesturing to the assembled knights behind him.
"They insisted on personally thanking you, sir! They want to celebrate our triumph!"
The knights smiled, offering waves and nods.
Their relief was palpable; the mission's conclusion, though unexpected, liberated them from the moonlight's infernal curse.
Bain leaned in, whispering, "Lance is still confined to the barracks, sir. He's become dangerously volatile, so the other knights are keeping him secured."
Unsurprising, I mused inwardly, acknowledging Bain's report with a nod.
The mission's completion, regardless of its turbulent nature, marked the fulfillment of my System's quest.
My relief was immense; I could finally return home.
Suddenly, a woman's hushed, intimate voice—a silken caress against my ear—interrupted my thoughts.
"Alstair, I'm delighted..."
Before I could register her presence, her touch, light yet possessing, enveloped my hand.
Lisa.
Clad in the pristine armor of a Knight Healer, she stood before me, a vision of grace and healing.
Bain's inquiry, a low murmur, cut through the air.
"Sir, is this the healer who aided you in battle?"
Lisa, however, seemed to have anticipated his question, her response swift and confident.
"Indeed," she affirmed, her cheeks flushed a delicate rose. "We shared a night of profound intimacy, ensuring our mission's triumph. It was... unforgettable."
Bain's astonishment was palpable; his gaze darted to mine, questioning, curious.
I swiftly diverted the intensely personal exchange. "Enough. Let us return. Bain, ensure the entire surviving team follows, including that erratic Lance." My tone brook no argument.
"Yes, sir!" Bain responded, immediately springing into action, his obedience unquestionable.
***
Thirty silent minutes bled into each other as I sat beside my unconscious mother and sister, their forms still and pale in the sterile hospital room.
I clutched the Legendary Recovery Chalice, the key item I believed held the key to their recovery.
'One more step,' I vowed silently, 'Mother, Arlene, hold on. I'll bring you back.'
My contemplation concluded, I returned the chalice to the system inventory and rose, a resolute conviction settling in my heart, mind, and spirit.
The time had come.
My destination: the Abandoned Tower Dungeon.
My sole purpose: the acquisition of the Miracle Potion.
But first, a detour.
Avyanna awaited at the Knight Association headquarters; a guild evaluation ceremony since the Crystallice Guild had been rewarded for the successful Dawn City raid.
And, sadly enough, I should come to the ceremony because there will be a separated evaluation process for each knight.
To be honest, I inwardly groaned; such formalities were anathema to me, a tedious impediment to my mission.
As I'm on my way to the door, I just hoping those ceremonial and evaluation process is not that much wasting my time.
Opening the door, I was surprised by the elegant figure of Lisa, a brunette woman in a flowing blouse, bearing flowers, the kind typically offered to the sick.
"Lisa? How did you find me?" I asked out of curiosity before let her in.
"Intelligence gathering," she replied with a serene smile. "I understand your difficult situation, Alstair. May I offer my condolences and visit your family?"
Her grace and genuine concern disarmed me.
How can I say no to this?
"Of course," I replied, ushering her inside.
She bowed slightly before quietly replacing the wilted flowers beside my family's beds.
As she did, a subtle energy—a faint mana flow—emanated from the blooms, a fleeting yet unmistakable sensation.
The energy held no malevolence; it felt… benevolent.
"I've heard about your mother and sister's inexplicable condition," Lisa said softly, her voice a gentle balm.
"It must be harrowing. But you, a magician of extraordinary talent, possess the potential to resolve this, a challenge that even the Knight Association has yet to overcome. But you know, Knight Association is not that helpful as they should be. They even might disturb your effort, in worst case scenario, of course."
Her words, though simple, were filled with profound insight.
Looking at the past, where she had suffered depression, I never though Lisa can be this mature.
The observation struck me; her calm, her perceptiveness—a stark contrast to the mental anguish that had once threatened to consume her.
I found a strange solace in her recovery.
"For my family," I declared with unwavering conviction, "I will move mountains, Lisa. Even it means to oppose Knight Association."
Lisa smiled hearing my determination.
Despite my resolve, Lisa's apprehension resonated deeply.
She eloquently articulated the inherent risks: "The Knight Association, while unconventional, might resent being bypassed, especially by a low-ranking knight like yourself. Acting independently to save your family could perceived dangerous for Knight Association."
Her words held weight; I possessed a unique key to the Abandoned Tower Dungeon, usable only once.
Disclosing my plan to the Knight Association would likely result in them assigning a more powerful knight – a far cry from me, a C-rank knight teetering on the brink of global blacklisting.
"My family's safety transcends any Knight Association mandate," I declared, my tone unwavering.
"I will save my family with my own way and I confident with my capability."
I leveled a pointed warning at Lisa: "Don't misinterpret my resolve, Lisa. Your support during your struggles is invaluable, but obstruct my path, and you become my adversary."
A heavy silence descended, punctuated only by the intensity of our mutual gaze, a blend of apprehension and veiled threat.
Lisa's soft chuckle broke the tension.
"Of course not, Alstair. I wouldn't disturb your efforts, especially regarding your family's well-being. My intention was merely cautionary."
However, her concern deepened.
"Many knights had a strong hostility toward you, Alstair. Worse, they're aware of your family's vulnerability. Fueled by their spite, they might target your family, not you."
Her assessment was chillingly plausible, leaving me speechless.
"So, you'll help me?" I pressed, seeking clarification.
A subtle smile played on Lisa's lips as she glided toward me, her silver necklace glinting.
With a delicate touch, she removed it.
"Precisely," she whispered, halting before me.
"This necklace facilitates instantaneous magical teleportation to this location. I've placed a concealed alarm on those flower I just put in. If there's dangerous threat to your family, the alarm will warn you and enable to utilize the necklace. If you activate the necklace, it will allowing you to summon this teleport and arrive instantly."
Her revelation left me utterly speechless, profoundly moved by her unwavering support.
Lisa's hospital visit wasn't a casual affair; it was a meticulously orchestrated plan to safeguard my family.
The mana flowing from her flowers, connected to her crystal necklace, now made perfect sense—a sophisticated signaling system.
Astonishment overwhelmed me.
"Lisa, that was brilliant! Your plan to protect my family was truly exceptional," I exclaimed, genuinely impressed.
Intrigued, I questioned her dedication: "Why go to such lengths for my family?"
A smile played on her lips as she fastened her silver necklace around my neck. "Alstair," she explained, "it's your fault for saving me. You vowed to be the reason I continued my difficult life; this is my fulfillment of that promise." "
I assumed your offer of assistance was limited to the Dawn City raid," I countered.
"Oh, it's far more extensive than that," Lisa chuckled, her hands closing around mine, her gaze intense, hinting at an impending kiss.
But suddenly, the hospital door burst open, interrupting the charged atmosphere.
The earlier sounds of feminine delightful were instantly replaced by a shriek of utter disbelief of someone.
Avyanna stood in the doorway, her jaw slack, witnessing our embrace.
"What in the world are you doing, Alstair?!" she erupted, her fury immediate and intense.
Lisa and I stared at her in bewilderment.
"Who is she?" Lisa asked, her arm still around me.
"A friend," I replied smoothly. "She's Avyanna, leader of the Crystallice Guild. Avyanna, this is Lisa."
"Is there a problem, Avyanna?" I inquired, noting her furious expression.
"Nothing! I'm not upset or anything!" she retorted, averting my gaze.
Her anger remained inexplicable.
Avyanna, impeccably dressed in her business attire, entered, carrying flowers similar to Lisa's, even though those flowers lacking the intricate mechanisms Lisa had described.
"I thought you were on the way to Knight Association headquarters, Alstair!" she snapped, her voice laced with venom.
Her anger was baffling.
"I was, but Lisa surprised me with a visit," I responded calmly.
Avyanna remained unconvinced.
Her frustration was palpable, made Lisa speak up.
"Alstair was merely being courteous for letting me in before he go," Lisa interjected, seeming slightly surprised.
"Speaking of Knight Ceremonial in Knight Association Headquarter... I'm also headed there; we can travel together." She smiled, gently squeezing my hand.
"W-wait... you're going there too? Are you a B-rank Knight?!" Avyanna's disbelief was evident.
"An A-rank Knight Healer, actually," Lisa stated serenely.
Avyanna's jaw dropped.
"You're a Knight? An A-rank Knight?!" She was speechless, utterly stunned.
Avyanna eyed Lisa's claim about her A-rank Knight with profound skepticism.
She meticulously scrutinized the Knight's application, ultimately confirming Lisa's A-rank Knight status is true.
"Alstair," Avyanna demanded, her voice tight with urgency, "where did you meet her?"
"I—"
Lisa, ever the siren, smoothly interrupted, her arm a possessive snare around my hand.
"We met during the Dawn City raid. We shared a… memorable night, didn't we, Alstair?" Her tone dripped with innuendo.
Avyanna's shriek cut through the air. "You what?! Alstair! Explain yourself! What were you two doing?!"
"It was a recovery period," I responded, my voice flat, devoid of emotion.
Lisa's smirk was a cruel punctuation mark. "An unforgettable recovery period, to be precise, Alstair."
Avyanna, her grip on my other hand fierce, unleashed her fury.
"Alstair! You're Crystallice Guild's representative! This is unacceptable!" Lisa's response was laced with disdain.
"Such extreme guild rules? How… restrictive. What kind of organization stifles its members' personal lives?", Lisa questioning with playful manner.
"Silence!" Avyanna retorted, her authority strained. "I'm the guild leader! I dictate these policies!"
Their shrill, pointless argument continued, both women clinging to my hands like desperate vines.
The absurdity of their debate gnawed at me.
This petty squabble was consuming precious time.
"Enough," I declared, my voice edged with irritation.
"We're going to the Knight Association HQ. Now."
I forcefully free myself from their grasp, dragging them from the hospital room, propelling us toward the Knight's evaluation ceremony before this ridiculous display drove me to madness.
***
A dazzling spectacle unfolded in the Knight Association's grand hall as the ceremony commenced.
Hundreds of knights filled the chamber, seated in anticipation of the upcoming evaluations.
The proceedings began with a Guild assessment, rigorously scrutinizing each organization's mission performance.
Failure to consistently contribute to the crucial invasion missions resulted in harsh penalties for some guilds, potentially leading to demotions.
Conversely, exceptional performance paved the way for elevation in rank, accompanied by prestigious accolades and substantial financial rewards from the Knight Association.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the emcee proclaimed with fervor, "The highly anticipated new Guild rankings are here! Behold the top twenty guilds of the Knight Association!"
A projection of the ranked guilds illuminated the hall's main screen.
"Alstair, look! The Crystallice Guild is 20th!" Avyanna exclaimed, her delight palpable.
Our fledgling guild, comprising only Avyanna and myself, had unexpectedly emerged as a radiant newcomer among established powerhouses.
While some lauded Crystallice as a remarkable debut, skepticism, particularly among seasoned knights, ran rampant.
Whispers of favoritism, fueled by Avyanna's familial connection to an Association executive, Aldwin, circulated freely.
Personally, I dismissed such negativity as inconsequential chatter.
The Claymore Guild, under William's command, secured a prominent second-place position, as displayed on the screen.
Notably absent, however, were several S-rank knights I knew – William, Kael, Minerva, and Stella.
Undoubtedly, they were engaged in critical missions elsewhere.
Wilder, another S-rank knight, was present, his imposing stature and intimidating presence commanding attention.
His muscular physique, coupled with a fierce countenance and arrogant demeanor, instilled fear in many.
His formidable iron gauntlets rendered him an almost monstrous figure, a far cry from the typical knight.
As the guild evaluations concluded, the focus shifted to the Knight ranking ceremony.
A strikingly beautiful woman with long, dark hair, adorned in a midnight-blue uniform, took center stage.
She held a sheathed legendary sword, a relic wielded by the Knights' founder, imbued with the potent ability to vanquish monstrous threats.
Only the most elite knights – those surpassing even S-rank – could wield its immense power.
Today, the legendary sword served as an unparalleled instrument for gauging the knights' prowess.
Its mystical luminescence revealed the true measure of each knight's rank upon unsheathing.
A faint white glow signified an ordinary knight or a mere human; cream, a rank E; orange, rank D; a vibrant green, rank B; a serene blue, rank A; and finally, a regal purple, the coveted rank S.
Though seemingly magical, the assessment was unfailingly precise; high-ranking knights invariably hailed from prestigious guilds.
Hundreds of knights ascended the main stage, one by one, their hearts pounding as they drew the legendary blade.
Knights from less distinguished guilds predominantly received D and C rankings.
Conversely, those from elite guilds frequently earned B or A designations.
Lisa and Avyanna exemplified this disparity.
Both ignited a brilliant blue aura, confirming Lisa's steadfast A-rank and elevating Avyanna from B to A – a testament to the Crystallice Guild's remarkable ascent.
Lisa's sustained ranking, however, concealed a harrowing truth known only to me: her succeed in the Dawn City Raid had nearly cost her sanity.
During the measurement, no knight achieved the extraordinary leap from A to S-rank, an evidence to the extreme rarity of such exceptional skill.
Even S-rank knights grind away relentlessly to maintain their position.
Wilder, radiating self-assured menace, approached the stage with a chilling smirk.
His very presence instilled palpable terror in the woman sword-bearer, who visibly trembled before him.
It took me a bit of shock when Wilder suddenly give a brutal shove that rendered the poor woman unconscious.
"Behold, Knights!" Wilder roared as he seized the sword, his voice echoing with arrogance. "I am the top among knights, the only one worthy of this blade!" He unsheathed it, its purple glow a stark declaration of his continued S-rank status.
His hubris led him to carelessly brandish the sacred weapon, impair the stage with reckless abandon.
Fear paralyzed the onlookers; none dared challenge this brutal force of nature.
His chaotic display culminated in a sudden, menacing gesture.
He pointed the legendary blade directly at me, his voice dripping with venom.
"You pathetic fraudster!" he bellowed. "Why do you stand there, a vacant expression upon your face? Your turn, magician. Let the truth of your tricks be revealed!"
Avyanna, her face a mask of revulsion, hissed at me, "What in the world is he blathering about?"
Lisa, her voice laced with worry, added, "There are rules against Knights behaving this way. But Wilder's an S-rank... we must proceed with extreme caution, Alstair."
Honestly, I cared little for Wilder's taunts.
Yet, I was obligated to assess the legendary blade.
With a weary sigh, I approached the platform, my demeanor halfhearted.
Wilder's malevolent grin met my gaze; disgust gnawed at my soul.
Regardless, I would face him.
"Give me the sword," I demanded, halting before him.
"Overconfident, facing the finest S-rank Knight?" Wilder's gaze burned with lethal intent.
But his threat held no sway.
The instant his glare intensified, he lunged, the purple-glowing sword a blur aimed at my throat.
My Fire Pillar shield flared to life, a response pre-programmed for such aggression.
The blade halted inches from my defense.
Wilder's eyes, I realized, saw through the shimmering barrier; a testament to his extraordinary skill.
He might be a brutish, arrogant fool, but his perception was undeniably sharp.
"That gaze… the hunter's eye! No wonder my brother fell! You're the predator!" Wilder's laughter echoed, maniacally, as he tossed the sword to me.
The throw was erratic, but I caught it with practiced ease.
The moment my fingers closed around the hilt, a surge of mana coursed through me, flooding my veins.
The purple luminescence faded.
As I suspected, the weapon did not recognize me as an S-rank.
But what exactly was my rank?
A?
B?
Even C?
A hush fell over the hall.
The assembled Knights were undeniably intrigued.
Seconds stretched into an eternity.
The expected light failed to materialize.
The wait was far too long.
Was there something wrong with the sword itself?
I raised the blade, pointing it towards the heavens, but nothing.
The legendary weapon remained without light, just a common sword in my grasp.
Time stretched, the murmuring knights, their faces etched with suspicion, questioned the assessment.
Their whispers, laced with contempt, escalated into a noise of disbelief.
"What sorcery is this?" one sneered.
"Did he trick the sacred blade with his deceptive magic?"
Another scoffed, "This fraudster always make a mess things!"
The accusations rained down, each syllable a stinging barb.
"The Legendary Sword rejects him! This imposter is unworthy of this hallowed hall!"
The weight of their scorn pressed down heavily.
My bewilderment deepened as Wilder suddenly snatched the sword.
"Done playing, you buffoon?" he roared, his laughter a cruel echo in the chamber.
He then launched into a tirade, his voice booming across the great hall.
"Knights! Behold this fraud! The Legendary Sword reject this deceiver! Knight Association officials, I demand his immediate demotion to F-rank!"
The ensuing jeers and boos were a torrent of hatred, forcing my retreat.
The jeers intensified, a chorus of scornful voices.
"He's an F-rank knight! A sham!"
"Expel this fraudster from the Knight Association!"
"He belongs in a cell!"
The chamber pulsed with animosity.
Despite the torrent of abuse, I remained remarkably calm.
My ambition to ascend the ranks had been solely to gain unrestricted access to dungeons. However, my role as a Crystallice Guild representative granted me that privilege, allowing me to explore any dungeon and assemble my own raid teams despite my low rank.
Even their malicious campaign to strip me of my rank held no sting.
Their insults were mere background noise.
"Return the sword, you imposter! You are not worthy!" Wilder's bellow cut through the loud noise.
The dissonance was unbearable; it was simpler to give up the sword than endure their relentless harassment.
As I reached for it, a chilling shift in Wilder's aura alerted me to his lethal intent.
A surge of murderous rage emanated from him, a prelude to a devastating blow aimed at my head.
"Alstair, beware!" Avyanna's warning sliced through the air.
Her intervention was swift, but Wilder's punch—a brutal force—shattered her protective magic, sending her reeling in agony.
"Avyanna!" I cried, rushing to her side.
Before I could administer aid, thankfully, Lisa arrived, her healing spell a soothing balm on Avyanna's wounds.
A harsh peal of laughter erupted from Wilder – a contemptuous, echoing sound amplified by the chorus of knights who shared his disdain. "Incredible! Defending that fraudster? The sheer absurdity!"
Their amusement was a venomous sting, but their mockery barely registered.
My fury, however, burned white-hot; to see my friend harmed by these villains was unbearable.
Lisa, sensing my silent anguish, offered a reassuring explanation. "The healing spell is works, Alstair. Avyanna requires time, but she will recover."
Avyanna's pained expression tugged at my heart, yet Lisa's skill instilled confidence.
I knew Wilder, an S-rank knight, possessed the strength to obliterate Avyanna, an A-rank knight, in a single, devastating blow.
But that knowledge did not deter me.
"Lisa, take care Avyanna," I commanded, rising to my feet.
Lisa nodded, concern etched deeply on her face, mirroring the rage I struggled to contain.
The jeering abruptly ceased as Wilder registered my presence before him.
His laughter morphed into a sneer. "What troubles you, fraudster? Unhappy about your guild leader's mess? How pathetic, forcing her to shield you!"
But his malicious joy was short-lived.
Our gazes locked, and a palpable tension filled the hall, a suffocating weight of mutual hostility.
Murderous intent crackled between us, silencing the onlookers.
Wilder's voice dripped with arrogance.
"Those hunter's eyes… I recognize you. The merciless predator who stalks the Monster Realm. Such a pity since your cunning fails you in the human world, Alstair."
My response was a chilling whisper, a prelude to action.
"You already crossing the line for make a mess to my friend. You're my prey now," I stated firmly, unleashing a horrifying surge of Magical Magnification spell.
> Magical Magnification activated!
> Triple Magic Damage Output ready!
Wilder's eyes gleamed with predatory intent.
"Me? As a prey? How stupid of you, fraudster! You dare to challenge me?" His fist clenched, radiating a palpable aura of menace, a crushing weight settling over the scene.
In the ensuing uproar of enraged knights, he lunged, his fist a blur aimed at my head.
But I anticipated his assault.
My Return to Earth spell solidified, unleashing a crushing gravitational force that sent Wilder sprawling to his knees.
He struggled against the crushing weight, his fury escalating.
He still not realized, the spell's power had been exponentially amplified by my Magical Magnification, tripling its destructive capacity.
The immense gravitational pressure began to fracture the very foundations of the Main Hall, causing the platform to crack and crumble.
Yet, Wilder, the defiant S-rank Knight, remained stubbornly defiant, clinging to consciousness.
The observing knights were utterly bewildered, oblivious to the magical assault unfolding before their eyes.
They only witnessed Wilder's humiliating subjugation, his proud posture broken, reduced to a supplicant before me just like a peasant face its master.
"Damn you, fraudster!" Wilder roared, attempting to rise, but the spell held him captive.
A crimson aura battled the spell's ethereal mana, but Wilder's power, though formidable, was no match for the augmented magic.
His face, contorted in a mask of rage and spite, revealed his burning desire for retribution.
His resilience under the spell's augmented impact confirmed his exceptional strength, proving his S-rank status.
Should I unleash another spell?
My gaze, fixed on him through the Dragon Scepter's luminescent tip, communicated my intention.
Wilder, a mixture of apprehension and unyielding hostility, met my unwavering stare.
He challenged, his voice laced with both desperation and defiance, "Go for it, fraud! If this arena becomes our tomb, then let it be a contest of annihilation!"
"Very well," I responded, my tone firm, resolute.
"You have sealed your fate, Wilder. I will not restrain myself. You shall learn a harsh lesson for endangering my comrade."
Before the confrontation escalated further, a figure gracefully descended onto the stage: Stella, a renowned S-rank Knight, admired for her unparalleled beauty, strength, and illustrious reputation.
Her arrival instantaneously halted the impending conflict.
"Stella?!" Wilder sputtered, his indignation barely masked.
"What in the blazes are you doing here? This is my duel!" Stella's voice cut through his outburst, sharp and commanding.
"Silence, Wilder! This mockery must be stopped. We are in the midst of a sacred knightly event," Stella immediately took the Legendary Sword from Wilder's hand.
She gradually turning to me, her tone softened, yet remained firm. "Alstair, I beg you, stop this mess. The evaluation is already finished; let us avoid further escalation."
Stella's unexpected civility astounded me.
Our last encounter had been a volatile clash, but her demeanor now was markedly different, a genuine transformation I couldn't ignore.
I see a purple aura instantly enveloped the blade in Stella's grip, a testament to her S-rank prowess.
"Stella! Don't interfere! This fraudster is a menace to the Knight Association, a chaotic disruption!" Wilder bellowed, his challenge interrupted once more.
Stella's face, pale and etched with apprehension, cut him short.
"Silence, you fool!" she commanded.
"Wilder, as a newly-minted S-rank Knight, you may not know about a similar incident. Initially, we attributed the issue to a sword anomaly. However, we discovered that a lack of luminescence upon handling signifies a dangerous abnormality."
Wilder's surprise was palpable, though the nature of the 'dangerous abnormality' remained unclear to me.
A profound realization dawned: my supposed failure, as Wilder and many present believed, should have manifested as a white light.
The Legendary Sword generates this white aura for anyone lacking knightly equipment—even ordinary citizens - but not for me due there's no light whatsoever if I grip the Legendary Sword.
Wilder's initial hostility was replaced by visible concern.
Thanks to Stella's intervention, I saw no purpose in prolonging this conflict.
I disengaged, indifferent to Wilder's continued accusation and the Knights' venomous pronouncements.
With Avyanna on my back, I withdrew with Lisa, leaving the shattered Main Hall stage behind.