Chris Tiu's Rise (I)

(DISCLAIMER: Chris's POV is 10 chapters long. If you are one of those people who only want to watch Edward's POV, it's better if you go to patr*on to read or stack chapters for the next week and a half. DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE STORY FOCUSING ON HIM.)

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(For those who do not remember who Chris was, he is a citizen trying to save money to become an Arcanist. He showed up in chapters 265-270, titled Citizen's POV.)

"I'm sorry, Chris, but we also need the money. We live in exciting times, and my wife and I want to take this opportunity."

"I understand," replied Chris Tiu as he walked toward his apartment. "I just wanted to try." He said a few more words before closing the hologram. This was the 20th friend he had asked to borrow Arcane Merit, but no one is stupid, and he could tell something was going to happen after it was announced that most rare resources would now have a discount.

(AN: To be clear, this is 15 years before Edward's return, before he left for the Konosuba World.)

Chris wanted to use this opportunity to gather the necessary merit to exchange for a Level 3 Dragon Potion. Then, he would use the upcoming changes to rise as an Arcanist. Unfortunately, no one is willing to lend him their merit, although they had no problem lending him coins.

Chris opened his apartment door and his robot maid, Angela, welcomed him.

"Angela, can you get dinner ready?"

"Yes, master. Anything in particular?"

"I'm in the mood for India Food. You know my favorites." Chris took a bath and disinfected his body with the approved government soap. The Empire's border is expanding every day, thus introducing all types of new germs and bacteria. Although he had a higher immune system because of the [Aura] inside his body, as a Tier 0 Aura Master, he still needed protection.

Not to mention, some magical bacteria could kill even the most powerful Arcanist present in the Empire.

After cleansing himself, Chris enjoyed his meal.

"Angela, anything I need to be reminded of?"

"Yes. Tomorrow at 8 AM, you have to test for the improved Arcane Sorcerer Class. At 8: 45, there is the test for the new Druid Class. Three days from now, on May 25th, at 10 AM, you have a meeting with the Central Arcane Bank for your loan."

"Those damn tests again," muttered Chris. He had taken all of them, and by now, he had no hope of having any magical talent.

"Did you notify my job of my tardiness?"

"Already done."

"Alright." Chris ate his food before going to his routine workout. After hours of training and learning about Gate Alchemy, he went to bed in the Virtual Network Cabin, allowing him to have a deep sleep in just two hours.

By 7 O'clock, he woke up and prepared for the test. Since it was a government-mandated event, accommodations such as transportation were paid by the government or, to be precise, the people's tax.

Chris used the Warp Portal without having to pay. After showing his ID, he teleported to the designated area. He looked at his watch, realizing he was 10 minutes earlier, so he waited.

At 8 AM sharp, a young man dressed in a suit led him to a room with a young woman dressed in a magical robe. Chris looked around to see all the instruments but did not know their purpose.

"My name is Majorie Evans," introduced the woman.

"Mrs. Evans."

"Ms. will be fine. Now, Mr. Tiu, any questions before we begin?"

"Yes. Could you please explain what this test is about?"

"No problem. Gate Alchemy allows Arcane Sorcerers to use various energy–including tectonic, life force, water energy from the ocean, etc. However, using these energies for transmutation or even spells do not bring out their full potential. For example, life force is excellent for healing, while oceanic energy is good for Water-based spells.

"Are you following along?"

"I am."

"Excellent. Recently, new research has discovered new forms of energy in our surroundings. Earth energy from the ground, fire energy from the sun, wood energy from the forest, and even metal energy from technology or the buildings around. All of which can be used to cast spells.

"The research also discovered that some people have a natural affinity for one particular energy, many of whose talents were considered subpar. This test is to determine whether you are of these individuals."

"I see. But I'm probably not," commented Chris with a wry smile.

"You won't know until after the test," replied Majorie with a smile. She proceeded to help Chris through all the machines, testing his affinity. She tested him on all the energy she mentioned before and more, including redoing the mana test. She also added things like Cosmic Energy and even the newly discovered Negative Energy that was about to create a new subclass of Necromancer.

"How is the result?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, but you have a low affinity for all of them."

"Sure enough." Chris had lowered his expectations to prevent disappointment. Nevertheless, he was still heartbroken since a small part hoped he would be one of the lucky few with unique and hidden talents.

"I'm sorry," said Majorie. "But don't be discouraged. New classes are invented every year. Maybe, you will find one that you're talented at."

"Maybe," said Chris politely before saying a few words of thanks and leaving the facility. His Druid Test was in the same building, only on a different side. With low expectations, he headed to his 8: 45 appointment. The previous one ended 10 minutes earlier, giving him enough time to walk to his next destination.

The tester was a middle-aged man with a sloppy appearance; he resembled someone who had not slept for a decade. Despite his appearance, he was very kind and respectful.

"You can call me Mr. Federici, and I will explain the test. If some individuals have a deep enough for nature and the environment and if their soul is unique enough, they can communicate with the Planet Will and grant them a blessing; this is the path of Druids."

"Then this test is pointless for me. Although I am all for protecting nature, I am not exactly passionate about it."

"The part of passion can be slowly nurtured," explained Federici. "The significant part is a soul that can become in tune with the Planet's Will."

Chris immediately removed all expectations since he could already expect Druids to be a very niche Arcane Subclass with stringent requirements.

And as expected, he did not have the talent.

Chris walked out of the building, sighing to himself.

'Alright, there is no point in being depressed. I have a plan, and all I need to do is follow it, and I will be successful.' He always knew he was ordinary and not one of the chosens few. So, he only had to rely on hard work and dedication to succeed.

According to his plan, Chris only had to wait 62 years to gather enough merit for that potion. Furthermore, that number would decrease over time.

After motivating himself, Chris headed to work. After getting on the train, he suddenly received a call.

"Cruz? I haven't heard from you in a long time."

"I've been busy trying to adapt to this changing world."

Cruz was one of his friends, and they grew up during the Old Era before the Age of Magic. However, a few years ago, Chris lost contact with him.

"I feel you. The world has changed so much that I sometimes feel too old. So, why am I hearing from you now?"

"I heard you are looking for some money. I think I may have a way to help."