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Nocturne's Night

In a world where the boundaries between life and death blur, where the echoes of ancient deities reverberate through the fabric of reality, one man finds himself thrust into a realm teeming with mythical creatures, formidable adversaries, and the promise of redemption. (Nocturne's Night) unfolds as a gripping tale of one man's journey across the vast expanse of a new world, where the line between hero and villain, justice and vengeance, blurs amidst the tapestry of chaos and wonder. Yura, a figure shrouded in mystery and driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, emerges as the unlikely protagonist in this epic saga. Cast adrift in the abyss between worlds, he is summoned by a goddess of death, tasked with a mission that transcends the boundaries of mortality. As Yura navigates the treacherous landscapes of his new reality, he grapples with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future. With each step, he confronts adversaries both mundane and fantastical, unravels the mysteries of a world steeped in lore and legend, and discovers the true extent of his own power. From the opulent halls of ancient cities to the shadowy depths of forbidden realms, (Nocturne's Night) weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption. As Yura's quest unfolds, he must confront the darkness within himself and forge alliances with unlikely allies, all while facing the looming specter of an ancient evil that threatens to consume the world. Driven by a cast of richly drawn characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, (Nocturne's Night) explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the nature of power. With its blend of high-stakes action, poignant emotion, and tantalizing mystery, this novel promises to captivate readers until the final page is turned, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next installment in this enthralling series.

mikoerien · Fantasy
Not enough ratings
10 Chs

The Angels of Fyora

As the first rays of dawn reluctantly seeped into Yura's room, he awoke with a groan, the warmth of the early light doing little to lift his mood. He was not a morning person, and the cacophony of Liandra's awakening was more an irritant than a symphony. The city below buzzed with life as market stalls brimmed with fresh produce and street vendors enthusiastically peddled their goods. Yet, amid this vibrant tableau, Yura trudged through the bustling thoroughfares with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. His thoughts were singular and resolute: endure the next two days before heading to Rina's estate.As Yura settled into the window seat of his room, the early morning light casting a soft glow around him, he pondered the nature of this world, momentarily likening it to an RPG. The thought of his STATUS WINDOW resurfaced in his mind, a detail he had nearly forgotten.He summoned the window by putting mana into in his hand while thinking about the Status Window and began to scan through it. "Let's see where I stand," he muttered, his eyes moving over the attributes.YuraClass: Professional Killer

HP: Healthy (HP represents overall health status. Yura is currently in perfect condition.)

MP: 55 (Mana Points denote magical energy. Yura possesses some latent magical capability.)

Attributes:Vitality: 98 (Determines resilience and overall life force. Yura's physical toughness ensures he can survive even severe injuries with remarkable recovery speed.) "Vitality's steady," he noted, appreciating his resilience. "Always good to have a solid foundation."Strength: 37 (Determines physical power and melee damage. Yura's strength allows him to handle multiple opponents, though he remains balanced compared to others in his field.) "Strength's up a bit," Yura noted, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Good to know I'm getting stronger."Endurance: 55 (Measures stamina and ability to withstand physical damage. Yura's resilience is notably improved, likely due to the rigorous month of travel he has endured.) "Endurance has improved too," he observed, rubbing his chin. "That month of travel was grueling, but it seems it's paid off."Wisdom: 114 (Represents accumulated knowledge and experience, particularly in strategy, tactics, and survival. Yura's wisdom has increased, reflecting his deepened understanding.) "Wisdom's up," Yura mused, a thoughtful frown crossing his face. "Can't say I'm surprised; I've learned a lot recently."Dexterity: 103 (Affects speed, reflexes, and evasiveness. Yura's agility remains exceptional, his swiftness unchanged despite the numerical adjustment.) "Agility's still holding strong," he said with a smirk. "I suppose some things never change."Intelligence: 61 (Indicates cognitive ability and problem-solving skills. Yura's cleverness remains rooted in street smarts rather than academic knowledge.) "Intelligence hasn't shifted much," he remarked, shrugging. "I guess I'm more practical than academic."Luck: 51 (Influences outcomes of uncertain situations. Yura's above-average luck provides occasional benefits, though it is not a dependable factor.) "Luck's about the same," he mused, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "It's helpful, but I can't rely on it."Insight: 121 (Reflects deep understanding of people, psychology, and the world. Yura's ability to read others and manipulate situations has sharpened, making him an even more perceptive observer.) "Insight has increased," Yura noted with a nod of approval. "Looks like I'm getting even better at reading people."Skills: (None)Passive Skills:Assassination - LVL 10Effect: Yura is a master assassin, capable of delivering lethal blows to unaware targets with precision. Bonus: 50% increased damage when attacking from stealth, instant kill chance on critical hits. "Assassination's top-notch," he noted with satisfaction. "I can strike from the shadows and end a target swiftly."Stealth Combat - LVL 11Effect: Yura excels at taking out enemies silently and quickly without alerting others. Bonus: +40% damage in stealth, 50% chance to remain undetected after eliminating a target. "Stealth combat's still improving," he pondered. "I'm not sure if this is the max, but I'm glad it's growing."Presence Concealment - LVL 10Effect: Passively allows Yura to hide his presence from enemies, making him nearly undetectable when sneaking. Bonus: 50% increased stealth duration, 60% harder to detect by normal means. "Concealment's reliable," he reflected, "I'm almost invisible when I need to be."Psychological Manipulation - LVL 6Effect: Yura can subtly manipulate the thoughts and emotions of others to his advantage, whether by persuasion, intimidation, or deceit. Bonus: +20% success chance in negotiations or interrogation, enemies' resistance reduced by 15%. "Manipulation's growing," he noted, "More effective in bending others to my will."Manipulation - LVL 6Effect: Yura is adept at using charisma, deceit, and coercion to influence others. Bonus: +15% success chance in social encounters, +20% reduced suspicion during interrogations. "Manipulation's useful," he reflected. "Helps in social situations and keeping suspicions at bay."Counterintelligence - LVL 10Effect: Yura can identify and counter enemy plans, gather intelligence, and neutralize espionage attempts. Bonus: +25% effectiveness in detecting ambushes and traps, immunity to basic interrogation methods. "Counterintelligence hmmm" he observed. "I'm a pro at spotting and thwarting schemes."Killing - LVL 15Effect: Yura is a cold, efficient killer with a perfect understanding of the mechanics of death. Bonus: 50% increased critical hit chance, 45% chance to kill instantly when attacking unaware enemies. "Killing's my forte," he acknowledged. "Perfecting the art of death—no better way to describe it."Close Quarter Combat - LVL 10Effect: Yura is a master of hand-to-hand combat, proficient in disarming, grappling, and striking. Bonus: +30% damage in melee, +20% defense when engaged in close combat. "Close combat's solid," Yura said with a smirk. "I can handle myself in a brawl."Martial Arts - LVL 10Effect: Yura is skilled in various martial arts techniques, making him a formidable fighter with or without weapons. Bonus: +25% damage reduction in melee combat, +15% to dodge melee attacks. "Martial arts are in peak condition," Yura acknowledged. "I'm tough in a fight and hard to hit."Shooting - LVL 10Effect: Expertise with firearms and ranged weapons allows Yura to hit targets at impressive distances with minimal effort. Bonus: +35% accuracy, 25% increased critical hit chance with ranged weapons. "Shooting?" Yura wondered aloud. "Why's this here? Haven't seen any guns around."Acrobatics - LVL 9Effect: Yura can perform advanced maneuvers, such as flips, rolls, and leaps, to avoid danger or move quickly. Bonus: +35% evasion chance, +20% jump height. "Acrobatics is good," he noted, "I'm more agile than ever."Weakness Detection - LVL 8Effect: Yura can quickly identify an opponent's vulnerabilities, giving him an advantage in combat. Bonus: +25% critical hit chance, ability to ignore 15% of enemy defenses. "Weakness detection is reliable," he reflected. "Always good to exploit enemy flaws."Throwing - LVL 8Effect: Yura is proficient in throwing weapons, such as knives and shurikens, with deadly accuracy. Bonus: +20% damage to thrown objects, +15% range. "Throwing's still strong," Yura mused, "I suppose it's useful for long-range combat."Drug Resistance - LVL 8Effect: Yura's body has built an impressive resistance to toxins, narcotics, and hallucinogens. Bonus: 60% reduced duration and effectiveness of drugs, potions, or poisons. "Drug resistance is high," he noted. "I'm less susceptible to narcotics and drugs."Poison Resistance - LVL 8Effect: Yura has been exposed to various poisons over the years, building an immunity to many. Bonus: 55% poison damage reduction, +30% resistance to new toxins. "Poison resistance's strong," he mused. "No new toxin will easily take me down."Survival - LVL 9Effect: Yura excels at surviving in harsh environments with minimal resources. Bonus: 30% reduction in hunger and thirst rate, +25% chance to find food and shelter. "Survival skills are almost at their limit," he mused. "I can endure and thrive in tough conditions."Gathering - LVL 8Effect: Yura can efficiently collect materials from his surroundings for crafting and survival. Bonus: +25% material yield from resources, 10% chance of gathering rare items. "Gathering's efficient," he observed. "More materials and a shot at something rare—that's always useful."Crafter - LVL 6Effect: Yura possesses a basic understanding of crafting and construction, allowing him to create and repair various items and tools efficiently. Bonus: +15% effectiveness in crafting, 10% chance to enhance the quality of crafted items. "Crafting's still solid," Yura thought, "even at level 6, I can make and repair items effectively, with a small chance to improve their quality."Builder - LVL 6Effect: Yura can construct simple shelters, traps, and tools with available materials. Bonus: +20% building speed, structures gain 15% durability. "Building skills are decent," he noted. "Handy for creating essentials on the fly."Butchering - LVL 3Effect: Yura is moderately skilled in butchering animals, allowing him to extract meat and materials efficiently. Bonus: +15% chance to obtain rare materials from carcasses. "Butchering's not as high," he thought, "but it still helps when dealing with carcasses."Tactics Perception - LVL 10Effect: Yura can devise highly effective battle strategies, adapting quickly to changing battlefield conditions. Bonus: +40% bonus to coordinated attack damage, 30% reduction in enemy tactics' effectiveness. "Tactics are flawless," he mused. "I can outthink and outmaneuver opponents with ease."Combat Perception - LVL 10Effect: Yura has honed his awareness in combat, allowing him to anticipate and react to enemy moves. Bonus: +30% to block and parry success rate, +25% detection range for threats. "Combat perception is sharp," he observed. "I can see and respond to threats before they materialize."Tracking - LVL 10Effect: Yura is adept at tracking targets, whether human or beast, in any environment. Bonus: +30% tracking speed, +20% chance to uncover hidden tracks or clues. "Tracking's effective," he noted. "I can follow trails and find what I'm looking for."Hunting - LVL 10Effect: Yura is a seasoned hunter, able to track, capture, and kill game with ease. Bonus: 35% increased chance to gather valuable resources from animals, 25% faster kill time when hunting. "Hunting's at its level," Yura noted with a smirk. "I can track and gather resources swiftly, ensuring no part of my prey goes to waste."Yura leaned back, taking a moment to appreciate the balance of his abilities. "These passive skills work perfectly for my needs," he mused. Yet, he pondered why he lacked traditional skills like spells or buffs, which were common in this world. Mages in Axualiam Inovatura wielded powerful magic, while sword skills were prevalent in Saris Maxima.His thoughts drifted to how, despite not having such skills, his own passive abilities were honed through years of relentless practice and expertise. Each skill was a testament to his training and experience as a professional killer. They were not just tools but integral aspects of his identity, providing him with a tactical edge in any situation he faced. Yura knew that while he might not wield spells or blade techniques, his finely tuned passive skills were more than sufficient for his needs. His abilities were a blend of meticulous skill and intuitive prowess, allowing him to adapt to a wide range of challenges. In a world where his active skills might be absent, his passive skills stood as a testament to his mastery and resourcefulness. They were a constant reminder of his past life and the relentless journey that shaped him into the formidable figure he was today.After reviewing his STATUS WINDOW, Yura turned his attention to his 24-slot subspace inventory"I wonder if there's a way to expand this inventory," he pondered, intrigued by the limitations of his current setup. As he examined the items within, he noted:INVENTORY (24 SLOTS):1 Black and Green Noble Clothing3 Brown Bear Hides6 Direwolf Hides8 Magnificent Deer Antlers1 Twin-Headed Direwolf's Head34 Gold Coins53 Silver CoinsYura's thoughts lingered on the concept of expanding his subspace inventory, a challenge that seemed both daunting and essential for his continued success. His sophisticated approach to these practical matters was a testament to his keen intellect and meticulous nature.The bustling city outside seemed a world apart from the isolation of his subspace. Each item in his inventory, from the noble clothing to the various trophies, was a reminder of his adventures and the preparation required for his next move. As he organized his notes and considered his next steps, the tavern inn beckoned as a place for rest and reflection.As Yura concluded his review of his STATUS WINDOW and subspace inventory, his thoughts shifted to his next destination. He decided to visit the Adventurers Guild in Fyora Liandra, known as The Angels of Fyora Guild. This prestigious establishment was renowned for its valor in slaying demons and mythical creatures, with notable achievements including the repulsion of a horde of demons. "Every RPG character worth their salt has to visit an adventurers guild at least once," Yura mused with a wry smile, finding some humor in the trope.He was acutely aware of how out of place he might feel in such a bustling and grandiose setting,The bustling streets of Fyora gradually faded into the background as Yura approached the Adventurers Guild of the Angels of Fyora, his breath catching at the sight before him. The colossal structure loomed, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. Its towering walls, built from white marble, were adorned with elaborate tapestries portraying epic battles, each woven with threads of silver and gold. The guild's grandeur was palpable, a testament to both its power and the warriors it housed.Yura couldn't help but feel a sharp sting of inadequacy as he stood before the massive oak doors, above which hung the guild's revered emblem—an angel, sword aloft, poised to strike down a fearsome demon. The emblem's blade shimmered in the sunlight, catching his eye with its sharp gleam. It was framed by laurels that symbolized victory, honor, and a legacy that he had yet to earn.Stepping inside, the grandeur continued. The interior was a blend of polished marble floors and thick wooden beams, giving the guild an air of both opulence and strength. Trophies from past conquests lined the walls—dragon scales, swords from fallen enemies, and shields scarred from battle. The halls buzzed with conversation, filled with the voices of seasoned warriors and adventurers planning their next missions. Some wore scars like badges, others glimmered with enchanted armor, but all exuded confidence that made Yura feel out of place.As he ventured deeper into the hall, his presence was quickly noticed by a group of three adventurers lounging near the entrance. A woman with sharp eyes and her two companions approached him, their disdain evident."Who are you?" the woman sneered, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Another weakling who stumbled upon our guild? We don't have time for beggars." Her companions laughed, their taunting voices echoing through the hall.A burly man with a scar down his cheek stepped forward, eyeing Yura up and down with disdain. "Look at him! Even with clean clothes, he reeks of being weak and poor." He smirked, leaning in closer. "Go on, boy, crawl back to wherever you came from. This isn't a place for beggars pretending to be adventurers."Their laughter swelled, filling the hall with mockery. Yura's blood boiled. He clenched his fists, forcing his face to remain composed as he let out a sharp, hollow laugh that cut through their jeers."Weak? Poor?" Yura said, his voice dangerously low, each word dripping with venom. "You think because I don't flaunt riches or parade around like a fool that I'm beneath you?" He stepped forward, his eyes narrowing into slits, his gaze burning into theirs. "Even with your fancy armor, you reek of insecurity and cowardice. You hide behind insults because you know that in a real fight, you'd fall faster than you could draw your sword."The smirks on their faces began to falter, replaced by growing unease. The woman, still bristling, took a threatening step forward. "I've had enough of your mouth, stranger. Let's see if you're as tough as you talk!"She lunged at Yura with a swift, practiced strike. But Yura, moving with uncanny agility, sidestepped her attack and countered with a precise blow to her solar plexus. The woman gasped, her sword falling from her hand as she crumpled to the ground, clutching her chest."You should've kept that blade sheathed," Yura muttered, his voice cold and almost disappointed. "It would've saved you from this embarrassment."Her companions, seeing their leader fall, roared in anger. "You're going to pay for that!" one of them snarled, charging with a battle-axe. "We'll make you regret ever stepping foot in this guild!"Another rushed at Yura with a mace, swinging it with a vicious grunt. "Think you're tough, huh? Let's see you dodge this!"Yura's movements were swift and calculated. He sidestepped the first attacker, grabbing his wrist mid-swing and twisting it with a sharp, painful jerk. The man yelped and dropped his weapon. Before the second attacker could react, Yura pivoted, using the momentum to throw the first man into him. The two men tumbled to the ground in a disheveled heap."Is this all you've got?" Yura taunted, his smirk widening as he stood over the fallen men. "You're making this too easy."The remaining adversaries glared at him, their faces twisted with a mix of fury and fear. "You think you're a big shot?" one of them shouted, trying to rally the group. "We'll show you what happens when you mess with us!"Yura raised an eyebrow, his demeanor almost casual as he watched them scramble. "I've already shown you more than enough," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "What's left is just the final act of your pathetic little performance."The hall fell silent as the crowd of adventurers, who had been whispering and watching from the shadows, now stood frozen, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension. The woman groaned as she tried to rise, her face flushed with anger and pain, while her companions lay in a disheveled heap at Yura's feet.Before the simmering tension could erupt into chaos, a commanding voice cut through the air. "That is enough!"A tall, imposing figure emerged from the crowd, his presence radiating authority. Clad in heavy armor adorned with the emblem of the Angels of Fyora, his piercing eyes surveyed the scene with icy disapproval. "This is not how we conduct ourselves in this guild."The woman, still gasping for breath, scrambled to her feet, her pride wounded more than her body. "But—he attacked—"The man raised a hand, silencing her with a commanding gesture. "You three may have fiery tempers, but that does not excuse your behavior. You allowed your egos to get the better of you."The woman glared daggers at Yura, her eyes filled with venom, but she remained silent, her pride too bruised to mount a defense.Yura's smirk remained, though his eyes continued to glint with a dangerous edge. "Do you really think I'd let them get away with that?" His voice was calm, almost leisurely, but the underlying threat sent a shiver through the crowd. "No, I merely demonstrated the consequences of their actions."The man's gaze was steely, his jaw tight with restrained anger. "You may possess skill, but control yourself. This is not a place for unchecked violence. Do you truly believe you can challenge all of us?" His tone was stern, carrying a warning that even the most seasoned adventurers would heed.Yura's eyes flashed with a hint of madness, a subtle, unsettling smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. For a moment, it seemed as though he might take up the challenge. But then, his expression softened abruptly. He straightened, running a hand through his hair as if the entire confrontation had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. "Of course not," he said smoothly, his voice shifting to one of insincere politeness. "I didn't come here to engage in needless violence. I came to register as an adventurer. I've heard many great things about this guild."The man's eyes narrowed. "And you think causing this scene will help you achieve that?"Yura chuckled softly, a low, almost mocking sound. "Chaos? That's a bit strong for what I'd call a lesson in humility." He surveyed the crowd, now watching him with a blend of wariness and intrigue. "I apologize for the disruption. But I believe it's clear now that underestimating me would be a grave mistake."The onlookers shifted uneasily, murmurs rippling through the room as the tension gradually dissipated. Confusion flickered across their faces, giving way to a grudging respect for Yura's apparent strength.The man regarded Yura in thoughtful silence before speaking again. "If you're serious about joining us, you'll need to prove yourself in ways beyond this display." He glanced at the fallen adventurers. "Skill alone won't suffice here. We value discipline, teamwork, and respect."Yura's smirk returned, though his eyes remained icy. "I'm eager to prove myself then. But be warned—I won't hold back if provoked again."The man gave a curt nod. "Follow me. We'll get you registered and see if you truly belong with the Angels of Fyora."As the crowd began to disperse, Yura cast a final, contemptuous glance at the trio who had dared to challenge him. "Next time," he called out with a smirk, "make sure you're ready before you pick a fight."The woman glared at him with burning resentment, but her wounded pride left her unable to retort.As the man led Yura through the hall, his presence quickly attracted attention. The man introduced himself with a nod. "I am Theovil Ruvan, the guardian of the first hall of the guild."As they walked toward the registrar, Yura felt the weight of many eyes upon him. A mix of reactions rippled through the crowd—some were cheering quietly, their whispers filled with anticipation and excitement, while others cast wary glances, their expressions a blend of suspicion and caution. The atmosphere was charged with a palpable sense of curiosity and apprehension.Yura, his gaze unwavering, whispered to Theovil, "Alright, point me in the direction."Theovil gestured toward a nearby desk where a woman with sharp, calculating eyes sat, her demeanor professional yet welcoming. "This is Sarrah, our register clerk. She will handle your papers and test for today. After that, come find me. I will need to administer a separate test to ensure you're strong enough to be with us."Yura nodded, acknowledging Theovil's words. He approached Sarrah, who looked up from her paperwork with a measured expression. "Welcome to the guild. To complete your registration, we'll need a handprint and a small sample of your blood for identification purposes." She gestured to a small device on her desk. "Please place your hand here and press firmly. The device will capture your print and record it into the mana line stream."Yura followed her instructions, placing his hand on the device. A gentle hum filled the air as the device scanned and recorded his print. Sarrah then produced a small, sterile needle and a vial. "Just a quick prick to draw a bit of blood. This will be used to confirm your identity and integrate you into our system."As she worked, Sarrah's eyes flickered to Yura's face. "Oh, it appears you are not a citizen of Fyora, Liandra. We can proceed with this registration, but you should apply for citizenship by tomorrow to avoid any issues with your status in the guild."Yura raised an eyebrow, surprised by the revelation. "Citizenship? I wasn't aware it was a requirement."Sarrah offered a reassuring smile. "It's a standard procedure for all adventurers. While you can still begin your registration and testing today, having citizenship will ensure you're fully integrated and recognized as a legitimate member of our guild. It also helps with certain privileges and benefits."Yura nodded, understanding the necessity. "Understood. I'll make sure to handle that promptly. What's next?"Sarrah returned to her work. "Once we've finished with this, you'll need to proceed to the testing area. I'll inform our examiner that you're coming. The testing area is designed to evaluate your combat skills. Show us what you're capable of, and the examiner will decide if you're fit for our guild."She pointed Yura toward a door marked with a sign reading "Testing Area." Yura opened the door to find a well-cut grassy area laid out with dummies, archery targets, and various weights for physical testing. The space was designed to assess a range of skills, but today, the focus would be solely on combat.Yura stepped into the testing area, the ground firm beneath his feet. He could already sense the weight of expectations and the scrutiny of the guild's examiners. With a determined nod, he prepared himself for the trials ahead, ready to prove his worth.. . .. . . .The examiner approached the testing area, his attire strikingly unconventional—half-naked, with only plated leggings, which appeared to be made of steel or another metal, adorned with intricate details and black linings. The underlying metal hinted at something more powerful within."So, you're the guy who caused trouble at the entrance," the examiner said, his voice dripping with disdain. "The party you fought are the newbie crushers—while capable, they're blinded by their temper." He paused, his eyes narrowing as he took in Yura. "No need for names. Let's fight and see if you're truly capable of being one of us. The Angels of Fyora."Yura squared his shoulders, determination blazing in his eyes. "Alright, so when do we start?""Now!" the examiner declared, launching himself forward with surprising speed.The clash was immediate and intense. The examiner swung his fists with raw power, each blow sending shockwaves through the air. Yura felt the rush of wind as the examiner's punches whizzed past him, his movements a blur of controlled aggression. Yura ducked and dodged, his agility allowing him to evade most of the powerful strikes aimed at him."You're not too shabby, newbie!" the examiner shouted as he landed a few solid hits. Despite the impact, Yura managed to deflect the blows with his hardened stance, absorbing the force with minimal damage. Yet the examiner's relentless onslaught kept Yura on edge.Panting, the examiner suddenly stopped mid-fight, muttering under his breath. "Mobility Boost, Strength Boost, Body Transmutation: (Iron)." His muscles bulged, and a metallic sheen enveloped his skin, signaling his enhanced defenses. "Too bad there were no rules, newbie."Yura's eyes widened. "Shit, I didn't know we were doing spells now." He tightened his grip, preparing for the intensified battle.The fight grew more fierce. The examiner's enhanced speed and strength allowed him to land several more blows on Yura, each hit testing his resolve. Despite his efforts, Yura was pushed back, the examiner's increased power proving challenging. A punch to Yura's ribs knocked him sideways, another to his jaw made him stagger. But Yura managed to twist and turn, avoiding any fatal strikes."You're holding your own, but this is far from over," the examiner taunted, sweat trickling down his face.Yura gritted his teeth, feeling the strain but not willing to give in. "Well, how about I use my pickaxe?" he suggested, his tone filled with determination."Your what?" the examiner asked, confusion evident.Without waiting for a response, Yura reached into his subspace inventory and pulled out an iron pickaxe, its dark metal gleaming menacingly. He began swinging it with surprising agility, catching the examiner off guard."A subspace?! Are you a mage?" the examiner exclaimed, barely managing to deflect a powerful swing."Nope, not a mage. I just have a subspace," Yura replied with a grin.The examiner's eyes widened as Yura pressed the attack. The pickaxe's heavy swings forced him to retreat, each clash of metal reverberating through the arena. Dust flew as Yura's relentless strikes pushed the examiner back."You're crazier than I thought, newbie," the examiner muttered, struggling to maintain his balance. He anticipated Yura's next move, managing to get a firm grip on the pickaxe mid-swing. With a swift, powerful motion, he flung Yura into the wall, the impact sending a shudder through the testing area.The examiner's strength was evident as he hurled the pickaxe back towards Yura with force, the weapon cutting through the air with deadly precision.As Yura staggered to his feet, a smile spread across his face. Despite the bruises and exhaustion, he found the fight exhilarating. His eyes glinted with excitement as he casually stood up, catching the speeding pickaxe with one fluid motion. The clang of metal against metal echoed through the arena.Without missing a beat, Yura grinned and surged forward, his movements swift and precise. He delivered a coordinated series of strikes to a single vulnerable spot on the examiner's magic armor. The examiner's eyes widened in shock as he tried to react, stunned by Yura's sudden burst of speed and efficiency."Damn, you're fast," the examiner gasped, his voice a mix of surprise and admiration. "No spells or buffs, just raw speed and skill."Yura's relentless assault pushed the examiner back, forcing him to defend with all his might. The examiner, clearly struggling to keep up, found himself on the defensive as Yura's attacks found their mark with increasing accuracy. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his movements grew more desperate as he tried to regain control of the fight."Alright, you've definitely earned my respect," the examiner panted, his breathing ragged. "I didn't expect you to push me this far." He took a deep breath, then muttered a spell, "Fiery Fist!" His arm erupted in flames, the intense heat radiating outward like a furnace. The fire crackled and sizzled as he charged at Yura with a blazing punch, the heat distorting the air around it.Yura's smile never faltered as he deftly dodged the examiner's fiery attack. The searing heat singed the edges of his clothing, and he felt a few minor burns from the close encounters, but his focus remained sharp. With every dodge, he maneuvered closer, waiting for the right moment to strike."Time to end this!," the examiner growled, his voice tinged with both frustration and resolve. He pulled back his flaming fist, preparing for a heavy and swift blow intended to bring the fight to a swift conclusion."Too slow," Yura taunted, his voice dripping with confidence. As the examiner's fiery fist hurtled towards him, Yura launched his own attack. His pickaxe sliced through the air with precision, meeting the examiner's fist mid-strike. The intense heat of the examiner's punch was abruptly stopped as Yura's pickaxe drove into the examiner's side, the impact causing a sharp gasp of pain to escape his lips.The examiner's eyes widened in shock as he looked down at the pickaxe's tip embedded in his liver, the force of Yura's strike causing cracks to spiderweb through his enhanced Iron Body spell. The shimmering protection failed under the sheer power of the attack."Good work, newbie," the examiner grunted, his voice pained but filled with begrudging respect. "You landed a fatal blow. Don't worry about the crack, it's just my skill breaking."Yura pulled the pickaxe back, stepping away as the examiner wobbled but remained standing. "You know, that was quite a fight. I have to admit, I didn't expect to be pushed this hard.""To think you could crack my Iron Body with ease..." the examiner grimaced as he clutched his side, the wound still throbbing. "You've got some serious skills. no skills nor spells just purely raw combat prowess" Yura chuckled, brushing off some dust from his clothes. "You were marvelous yourself. I wasn't sure I could keep up with your fiery punches, but it was a good test of my abilities. I've never had to dodge an inflamed fist before."The examiner exhaled sharply, his chest heaving as the flames around his fist died down. "You've got some serious guts. I'll relay this to the desk... You passed. Welcome to the Angels of Fyora."Yura smiled, his weariness evident but his eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "Thanks. I was starting to think this place wasn't going to let me in without a fight. Guess I've earned my place after all."The examiner chuckled, shaking his head as he gestured towards the exit. "Go get yourself a drink. You've earned it. And next time, maybe don't make me work so hard."As Yura started to leave, he glanced back with a playful smirk. "No promises."The examiner laughed, his demeanor relaxed despite the lingering ache from the fight and the throbbing pain in his liver. With a final nod, he turned and walked away, leaving Yura to enjoy his hard-earned victory.As Yura returned to the clerk, his clothes singed and his body marked by bruises and burns, he exhaled deeply, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration in his voice. "Marvelous fight," he said, wincing slightly as he touched a tender spot. "I could have ended it sooner, but I wanted to savor the challenge. His attacks were like hitting a wall of steel—his skin was tough as iron. I'd love to learn that skill someday."Opening the door to the hall, Yura was met with a thunderous ovation. Cheers and claps resonated through the room. "No one's held their ground against the examiner for so long in ages!" one voice exclaimed."How did you manage to take so much and still keep going?" another asked, astonished."Fantastic work!" someone called out. "We need someone like you in our party. Can't wait to see what else you can do!""Welcome to the guild!" shouted another, his excitement evident. "You've got guts, kid."Theovil Ruvan, standing proudly amidst the crowd, addressed Yura with a broad grin. "Excellent job taking down that boulder of a man. No need for further tests—I saw your skills firsthand. Welcome to the Angels of Fyora!" His words were met with cheers as Theovil raised his arms in celebration.Moments later, the examiner, limping slightly but with a satisfied smirk, reentered the hall. "That newbie gave me quite a run for my money," he announced, his voice hoarse from exertion. "Well fought! Now, where's my beer? Let's toast to our new recruit!"The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable as they gathered to celebrate.Yura, still feeling the sting of his injuries, raised his hand. "Can I at least get a moment to rest? I've got bruises and burns from your attacks."The woman from earlier, who had been dismissive, approached with her party, her expression now one of genuine respect. "I'm sorry about earlier," her tone sincere. "I misjudged you. To think you could land a fatal blow on the examiner... impressive work. I'm Yeris Manaler. Good to have you with us."Another adventurer from her group chimed in, "We were watching from above. Your endurance and skill are remarkable. You've earned my respect, for sure."A grizzled veteran from the crowd nodded approvingly. "I've seen many recruits come and go, but you've got something special. You're going to fit right in."The clerk, looking up from her paperwork with a warm smile, added, "You are now officially a new recruit of the Angels of Fyora. Welcome aboard."Yura, his weariness momentarily forgotten in the midst of the celebrations, managed a weary but grateful smile. "Thanks. I'll take that beer now."As the hall buzzed with the energy of newfound camaraderie, Yura allowed himself a moment to relish in the victory, knowing that his journey with the Angels of Fyora was just beginning. The supportive murmurs and cheers around him were a testament to his hard-won place among them.