The Diamond Extra

Guns were still effective weapons in this world, but only ordinary soldiers—or heroes who couldn't wield mana—used them.

Instead of traditional bullets, this world used magic bullets infused with compressed mana, capable of killing low-grade B-class monsters. In comparison, the training weapons—each worth over 5 million shards—could only take down low-rank monsters. In pure killing power, the gun had an edge.

However, guns had a fatal flaw. Magic power couldn't be channeled through them. No matter how skilled the user, a gun's ceiling was inherently limited. That's why heroes and mercenaries who could wield mana rarely used them.

Another key aspect of a main weapon was its origin. The greater the origin, the higher the weapon's potential. Guns typically came in three types: mass-produced, custom-made, or masterpiece. Swords, however, boasted an entire mythological history—artifacts, armaments, treasured blades, mythical, even legendary.

Names like the Famous Sword of Gram, Demon Blade Muramasa, Dragon-Slaying Sword Balmung, the Famous Sword Zulfiqar, the Famous Sword Joyeuse, the famous Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi blade, and King Arthur's Excalibur were whispered with awe. Many of these legendary swords were still hidden in towers or dungeons, waiting to be discovered. High-grade weapons made a hero's path easier, letting them challenge monsters and towers far beyond their limits.

"…Paul Wayne."

Park Leon called my name again and activated his smartwatch. Strangely, I could see through the security screen—displaying my profile alongside someone else's.

"Didn't you use a sword when applying?"

"I've decided to change my weapon," I replied.

"After coming to Diamond?"

"Yes sir."

He didn't look happy, but nodded slightly.

"That's fine. Cadets are free to choose, but the consequences are yours alone. Understood?"

"Yes, sir! I won't let you down," I answered, though truthfully, I picked it by luck.

He moved on. The whispers didn't.

"A gun really? Is he insane?"

"Why come to Diamond if he wants to be a gunman?"

"What he going to kill with that?"

Their voices were low— I don't know why,but I could hear everything..Another one of my useless gift, I guess.

Before entering Diamond, cadets experimented with weapons suited to their Gifts. But guns didn't require a Gift. Anyone could pull the trigger.

Bang. A bullet flies.

"You're allowed to change your main weapon once," Park Leon said. "But all of you will undergo the same tests. Your weapon's weaknesses and durability will be your responsibility."

He was still looking at me, thinking I would change my mind.

I got it. Damn it, stop staring.

Most of these cadets had trained since they were seven. That meant nearly ten years of sword, spear and other weapons work.

Me? I didn't have a Gift. I wasn't a swordsman, neither a Spearman at the orphanage. I played sports—badly. I wasn't a thrill-seeker either. I picked a gun because it was all I knew. At least I'd held toy guns before. Played shooters in arcades. Sneaked into game centers with my sister.

"Now, you'll be assigned rooms. Your belongings will be delivered. Classes begin in a few days which is next Monday."

Park Leon's tone turned pitying as he glanced my way again. He probably thought I was hopeless and why would someone picked a gun out of others Valuable weapons available and that too a Cadets from his own class. The weapon selection ended.

---

"Yo, gunman, are you serious?"

"Trying to stand out? No one picks a gun at Diamond."

"Maybe he's got a useless Gift!"

A group of boys snickered as I walked toward the dorms. I ignored them. They wandered off soon after—distracted by the girls. Lila Dawn, Rachel, Mira Roodes. Their beauty was on another level.

I smacked my cheeks. Focus, Paul. You're not here for that.

We reached the dorms. Extravagant buildings towered before us. According to Park Leon, each had 100 floors with five rooms per floor. Even the lowest-ranked cadet got their own room. The top three cadets received penthouses. Based on some cadets chatting between themselves, I found out it was only Saul Mayne who gave his penthouse up—said it was too big for him.

"Boys to the right, girls to the left. Your keys are loaded into your smartwatch," Park Leon said, handing them out.

Other classes arrived too. I recalled the ten first-year classes: Veritas, Fortis, Ingenium, Sapientia, Excelsia, Nobilis, Virtus, Amicitia, Fidelis, and Orbis. That was a lot of classes.

"Paul Wayne!"

"Huh? Me?" why his he calling me as u snapped back into reality.

Park Leon's glare narrowed like a hawk's.

"Come get your smartwatch."

"Ah, yes!"

I nearly tripped on the way up. Laughter followed behind me. Whatever. I couldn't fight back. I had to endure.

---

My room was nicer than most apartments. Couch, bed, cooker, TV, computer, even magic tools.

"I can't get used to this."

I flopped onto the couch. The gun in my hand still felt foreign. Should I have chosen something else? Maybe I didn't belong here.

How did I even pass the entrance exam…?

"Sigh there is no used thinking about it, I just have to make sure I do well now that I am here.

"Hmm!

Should I try shooting it?

I stood and aimed at the wall. Closed my eyes. Steadied my breathing.

Then—

Ding dong.

I froze. Not fear—confusion. Park Leon said we were free.

The gun slipped.

I lunged—missed.

Tried again—caught it just before it hit the floor.

My heart pounded.

"Phew.....

Then a robotic voice spoke outside:

"Rank. Nine. Three. Four. Paul. Wayne. Take. Your. Stuff. Have. Arrived.

It was a delivery bot. I tossed the gun on the bed and opened the door to a big box.

[Military Academy Rank: Unknown.

Military Academy Rank: Given 1543 Diamond Hero Academy Rank: 930. Paul Wayne. Personal Belongings.]

Rank 930, wasn't that too average? I pulled off the tape.

I sighed and opened it.

"Huh?"

Inside was some items and a single item which look like a square. A laptop. Familiar. My parents' laptop. I remembered seeing it on their desk.

Weird. I thought it was destroyed.

And yet, here it was.

---

End of Chapter 3