NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 11: Class Placement Evaluation (1)
In three days, there will be a class placement evaluation.
This is one of the events where the main character, Kevin Islana, and one of the heroines, Luna Stella, will become entangled.
The reason they get involved, of course, is the sudden appearance of a demon.
Right before Kevin and Luna are about to fight, a demon suddenly appears, forcing them to cooperate to defeat it. In the end, Kevin ends up protecting Luna.
Why does Kevin protect Luna? At one point during the battle, Kevin thinks Luna is off guard, so he steps in to shield her.
In the end, they manage to defeat the demon, and after the class placement evaluation is over, Luna starts to care about Kevin because of the bond they formed during that moment.
The two of them will eventually start dating, as Luna is particularly vulnerable to situations where she is protected.
Of course, I can only hope that Kevin doesn't pass out first and end up being a burden to Luna.
First of all, honestly, Kevin doesn't need to protect Luna.
If the player doesn't choose Luna's route, she will continue living by her motto, "I'll live my life as I please," and end up as a supporting character who occasionally helps Kevin. Even if Kevin doesn't protect Luna, it won't affect the story's progression.
My role is simply to ensure what happens this time. If they're in danger, I'll step in.
Well, even if Kevin is defeated and leaves Luna alone, she can still defeat the demon. Provided, of course, that Kevin is completely defeated and doesn't become a burden to her.
But if Kevin is defeated, the risk is high that he'll end up in the afterlife, and the world will fall into a bad ending.
So, the key to completing this event is to monitor the situation first and act according to what happens.
However, the class placement evaluation starts at 3:00 PM, and the demon doesn't appear until 8:00 PM.
The class placement evaluation is a survival battle where everyone is an enemy except themselves. In this battle royale, I have no choice but to survive for five hours until the demon appears, all while I'm still the weakest.
First, physical training; second, magic training after studying the basics of magic; and then swordsmanship...
At least I'm confident in swordsmanship since I've studied it before.
I started moving according to the training plan I had previously drafted.
By dusk, I arrived at a corner of the Flower Garden. It's named so because of the many different types of flowers here.
The place I chose was an open area. Under the dark and gloomy twilight sky, I breathed in the air filled with the scent of flowers.
Perhaps because of its spaciousness, it was easy for me to find a quiet spot.
"Hm, this should be suitable."
I then placed the wooden sword I had brought on the ground and began stretching. After that, I ran around the area several times before stopping, panting heavily. This was clearly due to my low stamina.
However, fortunately for me, [Physical Training Efficiency] had already reached rank B, so my training would have a significant effect on my body.
Once my breathing returned to normal, I picked up the wooden sword from the ground and began swinging it.
Meanwhile, as I continued swinging the wooden sword, I also conjured magic around me.
I could do this because I had obtained two new cards. The first was King Arthur [Prologue], and the second was Archmage Merlin [Prologue]. I had read about a third of both books, but I only got the prologue for now, which was fine.
Both were excellent because they gave me passive skills.
The Arthur card gave me [Sword Mastery], and the Merlin card gave me [Magic Knowledge], both of which significantly improved my understanding of swordsmanship and magic. I also gained the passive skill [Elemental Mastery] from Colorless Mana, which allowed me to manipulate all elements without exception.
I repeated swinging the sword while maintaining all elemental magic continuously. Every time I ran out of mana, I would rest briefly, and when I felt my mana had replenished, I continued my training. I was confident this would be effective by swinging the sword while maintaining the 1-star magic [Element Generation] for each element. Think of it as killing two birds with one stone.
After two hours passed, I finished my training and headed to one of the seven gyms in the academy, my body completely exhausted.
Most students in the Magic Department aspire to become mages, so they feel no need to visit the gym.
For them, it's far more efficient to study magic theory or improve their magical proficiency while training their muscles just enough for conditioning and health.
Honestly, I personally prefer training according to the standards of this world, but in [Flame Chaser], having good stamina has many benefits, both in terms of character growth and overall story progression. So, it's undeniable that physical training is crucial.
"Haah, haah."
When I arrived at the gym, I saw students from the Knight Department wearing workout clothes and training intensely.
This must be like a party for people like them. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of testosterone emanating from their bodies.
Just look at the sweat flooding the floor, terrifying...
I once again understood how intense they were.
There's really no one from the Magic Department, right?
I looked around. Fortunately, after a quick glance, I didn't find a single student from the Magic Department.
If there were, I would definitely be criticized and mocked for things like, "He's a stupid commoner who got an F-grade but isn't training his magic and instead is training his body like those muscle-headed idiots."
Well, it's undeniable that a Magic Department student training their body is strange, but there's nothing wrong with exercising, right?
I then started with bench presses.
"Ugh."
This is heavy...
I had placed a collective 20 kg of iron weights on the left and right sides of the 20 kg iron bar, bringing the total weight to 40 kg.
I could feel the physically fit students from the Knight Department glancing at me.
It must be weird for them to see me, a normal-looking Magic Department student, trying to work out.
Just ignore them and focus on training.
"Uuugghh...!"
Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself to lift the iron bar.
"Haahh."
I managed to lift it at least five times before finally resting.
After a while, I lifted it five more times and repeated my rest.
Then another five times, then rest.
"Ugh.."
I groaned, feeling like I had overworked my arm and chest muscles.
Is this really my limit? This body is clearly different from my body on Earth, which was used to things like this since I was part of the military.
I was staring at the gym ceiling for a moment when suddenly four Knight Department students walked over to me.
"Are you a Magic Department student?"
Oh my, how terrifying to be surrounded by so many muscular men like this.
It's natural for them to recognize me as a Magic Department student since the blue shirt I'm wearing is the uniform of the Magic Department.
But what do they want to do?
"Yes, that's correct. What's the matter?"
"Why are you working out...? Are you a magic knight candidate...?"
I couldn't think too hard because I was exhausted, but I understood what they meant. It's natural for them to assume I'm a magic knight candidate, but for me, I'm not a magic knight.
"Not really, I'm working out because I want to get stronger. That's all..."
"...!!!"
They seemed surprised by my answer, and their eyes immediately lit up.
Why... did the atmosphere suddenly become like this?
"I totally understand that desire!"
"I never expected a Magic Department student to have such an extraordinary mindset! Yes! If you want to get stronger in magic or anything else, training is the most important thing to do!"
"Can we teach you the right way to work out...?"
What...? Do you want to teach me...?
I looked at their physiques. Indeed, they had very good, fit bodies. So, it seemed like a good idea to accept guidance from them, especially since I don't know the specific standards of this world.
"Of course. I would greatly appreciate it if you're willing to teach me."
"..!"
Then, not long after, I truly regretted saying that.
—————————————
The muscles all over my body screamed in pain.
I couldn't even walk properly.
"Ughkughk.."
The training from the Knight Department students was truly hellish.
—Amazing! Good! One more time! Let's do it again!
I forced myself to lift the weights while thinking I was going to die.
The effects were definitely visible because my muscle cells were clearly screaming in pain.
They wanted to meet me again tomorrow; it seemed they really enjoyed teaching me.
[Status]
Name: Rei
Level: 10
Gender: Male
Year: 1
Title: Otherworldly Hero
Mana: 300/450
- Mana Recovery Speed (E+)
- Stamina (E+)
- Strength (E+)
- Intelligence (S)
- Willpower (S)
Potential <
There was only a slight change in the three stats that were previously rank F. It seemed those three increased because I trained all three simultaneously. Even while I was being tortured by the Knight Department students earlier, I continued to use my magic inconspicuously.
Ahh....
My body has reached its limit.
Seriously... I barely managed to drag myself back to the dorm like a weirdo.
I have to study now... but my stamina didn't last long...
As soon as I entered my room, I fell asleep on the floor before I could even make it to the bed.
—————————
[Status]
Name: Rei
Level: 12
Gender: Male
Year: 1
Title: Otherworldly Hero
Mana: 490/490
- Mana Recovery Speed (E+)
- Stamina (E+)
- Strength (E+)
- Intelligence (S)
- Willpower (S)
Potential <
[Combat Skills]
- Colorless Mana (Limited to Chosen Heroes)
- Hero Rider (Unique)
[Owned Skills]
Active
- (*1) Element Generation (D)
- (*1) Basic Protection Magic (E)
Passive
- Sword Mastery
Description: As a wielder of the power of the King, known for his achievements with his legendary sword, the skill owner instinctively understands how to use a sword properly.
- Magic Knowledge
Description: As a wielder of the power of the great Archmage Merlin, the user can easily understand magic to a certain extent, depending on the user's ability.
- Elemental Mastery
Description: You are a chosen hero; you can manipulate all elements without exception.
Skill Tree <
[Unique Traits]
- Savior
Indeed, it's hard to expect drastic changes in just three days, but I've grown a little.
As a result of training, my level increased by 2. I invested the 4 stat points I gained into [Magic Training Efficiency], and thanks to that, my [Magic Training Efficiency] rose from C- to C.
My abilities also improved, and my mana increased by 40.
[Mana Recovery Speed], [Stamina], and [Strength] also increased by 2 levels each.
Well, this looks somewhat significant because it's from rank F...
Indeed, it seems impossible for me to grow as fast as in the game. Maybe it's an issue of the character's overall potential, but it's still clear to others that I'm the weakest with my F-grade mana.
However, if I continue to improve [Physical Training Efficiency] and [Magic Training Efficiency], my growth rate will become more noticeable.
I've prepared a tool for the class placement evaluation: the Magic Camouflage Cloak.
The Camouflage Cloak can only be obtained from a specialty store in a hard-to-find location. I had to follow the predetermined route as in the game because regular stores only sell glasses that block perception.
Those glasses only disrupt others' perception, making it hard to distinguish faces, but they don't hide physical appearance or change someone's voice.
On the other hand, the Camouflage Cloak can completely alter the wearer's body shape and voice, making them appear as a different person. The reason lies in the optical illusion it creates, changing the perception of those who see it. And, in addition, I also bought a Magic Mask.
If I wear this, I can hide from others' sight; no one will know who I am. I must not be discovered. If someone finds out my true identity, they'll report it to the academy, and it will reach the ears of the student council members, especially the current student council president.
But this thing is so expensive...
As expected from a specialty store, the Magic Camouflage Cloak costs around 3000 points, and Magic Mask cost 1000 points.
I had no choice but to change my meal plan to a single piece of bread worth 10 points. Otherwise, I'd run out of points first.
However, depending on the results of the class placement evaluation, the points given will increase, so I have no choice but to get a decent score.
———————
"We will begin the class placement evaluation today."
Today is the day of the class placement evaluation.
The afternoon sky is completely clear.
The first-year students of the Magic Department from three different temporary classes are gathered in front of a dense forest located on the west side of the academy. The forest is called the "Old Sylphy Forest," named after the wind fairy Sylphy who used to live here before migrating.
There, Professor Ferdinand faces the first-year Magic Department students, standing in an orderly manner.
"The rules are simple. All you need to do is find as many mana particles as possible within the given time. The particles are scattered and hidden throughout the 'Old Sylphy Forest,' and if you carry the watch I've given you, the particles will automatically attach to it because the watch is a special magic tool for collecting mana particles. Once the mana particles are collected, they cannot be removed from the watch."
The contents of the Sirius Academy's class placement evaluation are different every year, and everything is announced on the day of the evaluation. In other words, this is the first time the students are hearing about the evaluation's contents. This is all done to prevent cheating and external interference.
I looked at the watch on my left wrist.
The clock hands showed 2:30 PM.
My name, "Rei," was engraved on the watch strap with magic letters. I just needed to bring it close to the mana particles.
Mana particles emit weak mana, making them hard to detect. So, in other words, the most important thing in this evaluation is how good someone's mana perception is.
For reference, mana can only be detected if it's emitted, meaning even those skilled in mana perception won't be able to detect Luna Stella's mana when she's not using magic.
Mana perception sensitive enough to detect non-emitted mana is at the level of an Archmage.
"Mana perception? That's easy."
"This evaluation is so simple."
"I'm sure I'll get a good score."
The students who heard the evaluation's contents just shrugged and started talking among themselves, boasting about their own abilities.
They are the students who will soon be terrified upon hearing Professor Ferdinand's next explanation.
"Also, if your watch is removed for any reason, a signal will be sent to us, and you will be teleported to this location, the forest entrance, and you'll be eliminated. Also, stealing another student's watch is entirely possible. In short, this is a 'survival' game. You can use any means to get points, so be careful of each other."
The students were, of course, shocked and began whispering.
"Is this a survival game!? What should I do to get a good score? I'm weak..."
"If I'm caught by someone like Luna Stella, who has an A+ grade, I'm done for. Isn't this just a game of luck? Depending on who you run into..."
"That's true. On the other hand, if I run into Kevin Islana, who has an E-grade, I'll be lucky."
"What about that F-grade idiot? Wouldn't he be an easy target? Although he probably won't get many particles, and defeating him won't give you extra points."
If someone defeats Luna Stella, who has an A+ grade, or Liana Astralin, who has a B-grade, or perhaps Celine Schulze, who also has a high grade of B+, that person will receive a huge bonus score. That way, not only will they get into a good class, but they'll also earn a large number of points. Of course, I couldn't possibly do something as crazy as that, especially against Celine. She's a girl who has become friends with me, and we've somehow grown quite close.
Well, even if we weren't friends, it's impossible for me to defeat her, hahaha...
On the other hand, Kevin Islana, who has an E-grade, or me, the worst with an F-grade, will only give a small bonus score if someone defeats us.
Kevin will clearly be targeted by many students, but I'm even worse off. I can see the grim fate awaiting me.
At least Kevin's combat skills and physical abilities are decent, as evidenced by how long he held off Trevor's attacks until I arrived. That's why he can survive until the demon appears at 8 PM.
On the other hand, I'm like a farm chicken released into a forest full of dangerous animals...
"Professor, what if an outsider breaks in and causes trouble during the exam? The exam is held in the forest, so I'm worried about encountering strangers..." a female student asked Professor Ferdinand about her concerns.
"Once all students have entered the forest, a barrier will be set up. No one will be allowed to enter during the evaluation, so don't worry about external interference."
Indeed, the exam location is completely safe, except for the demon that will appear later, or if some variable occurs.
Additionally, if someone is eliminated and teleported to the forest entrance, they won't be able to re-enter until the evaluation is over.
Then, questions like "What if I need to go to the bathroom?" came up, and Professor Ferdinand coldly replied, "Figure it out yourself; you're adults now."
After no more questions were asked, the evaluation began immediately.
"Alright, you will enter starting from temporary class X, student number 1, in order."
Then the first student entered, followed by the others with only a slight time difference.
Finally, I also entered the forest.
The evaluation starts at 3:00 PM, and the demon appears at 8:00 PM.
Let's do this...
I have to survive for 5 hours until the demon appears and approach the battle situation while being cautious of others targeting me.
Considering the difficult path ahead, I took a deep breath to ease the tension in my body.
Before I realized it, a barrier had formed around the Old Sylphy Forest, and a firecracker exploded in the sky.
The class placement evaluation had officially begun.