15 - The Measure of Progress

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Name: Raye Alvah

Age: 18

Year Level: 1

Race: Human

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Stamina: 13

Intellect: 12

Mana: 8

Strength: 10

Speed: 11

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Overall Grade: F-

Growth Rate: S-

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"Wha…?"

Everyone in the Paschar Clinic was stunned upon seeing Raye's stats, especially his growth rate.

"His growth rate is S- tier?!"

"How…?"

"There must be something wrong with the artifact!"

The students exclaimed.

They just couldn't believe it...

Raye, who they all knew as a ruffian, had grown incredibly!

The last check had been at the end of the semester, only two weeks ago.

In short...

Raye had managed to at least triple his stats in that short time!

While his stats were still shit low, his growth rate was phenomenal.

"..."

Even Leon was speechless.

His own stats were higher than Raye's, and his growth rate was S+ tier…

'Maybe I've been underestimating him too much.'

He just didn't expect someone like Raye to achieve something like this.

"What the heck…"

Lena was equally surprised. She had expected some improvement from Raye, seeing how he seemed different from the rumors, but she hadn't anticipated this much growth.

And as for Raye…

'Just barely made it, huh.'

His reaction was rather lukewarm.

Despite the massive improvement, he didn't get complacent.

Because for him...

This was just the starting line.

*****

(Raye's POV)

After all the physical labor, daily runs from the cabin to the library, and countless hours of studying…

'I finally have stats close to Leon's starting stats in the game.'

But I can't afford to be satisfied.

I may have increased my strength and stamina to that of an average man, but…

Leon trained and completed various quests throughout the first semester and during the break.

'And the quests he did were important ones.'

In other words…

'I'm still no match for him.'

By the time I took my first step on the ladder, Leon was already on the next floor.

'Next week, he'll still beat me like a punching bag.'

Of course I know I can't win, nor do I have the intention to do so.

'I just want to show the academy that I'm not useless so they would keep me here.'

Thankfully, my second semester tuition was paid before I got disowned.

So unless I do something stupid, I still have 4 months here at the academy.

And during those months...

'I need to get a scholarship.'

---

"Alright. You can step down from the platform now."

The nurse said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"..."

I quietly complied, feeling everyone's eyes on me.

Tap, tap, tap.

Ignoring the attention, I found a spot far away from everyone in the back of the clinic.

And when everything was done…

"You are all done for the day."

The nurse announced.

And I immediately left the Paschar Clinic.

*****

'S- tier growth, huh.'

It's given to someone who grew twice as much as they were before in a short amount of time.

While the others were surprised that I got it, it's nothing special for me.

'After all, when your stats are low, it's easier to raise them.'

In short, Raye's stats were so shit that when I got to raise it into average, it was considered a big achievement.

Also, his stats were all tripled just to be considered average!

"Which is embarrassing if you ask me."

Anyway...

The class placement test would take two days, and it's done according to year levels.

The results wouldn't be published until the end of the week, after the seniors are done with theirs.

The first day covered written exams and stat checks…

And on the second day…

'It'll be practical.'

I thought about this as I walked through the hallway of Xapham Hall, heading outside.

'Being an outcast isn't so bad.'

Then I suddenly thought.

No one was bothering me. Sure, everyone's judgmental stares were hard to ignore, but once you get used to it…

'It can really be peaceful.'

As I thought about this…

"Huh?"

I noticed Kyle outside Xapham Hall. He saw me too, and as soon as he did…

"Raye!"

He called out happily, waving his hand in the air.

Ignoring the onlookers, I made my way over to him.

...

"What are you doing here?"

I asked once I reached Kyle.

And instead of answering...

"Here."

Kyle handed me a small box.

"Hmm?"

Opening it, I found two servings of roasted beef meat.

And before I could even ask...

"I heard there was something going on at the academy. You helped my shop, so I wanted to support you somehow."

Kyle explained.

"…"

I was speechless, a smile crept onto my face.

Today had been a fantastic day.

Old Man Rey made me breakfast and wished me luck this morning, and Professor Sariel extended the test time for me. Now, Kyle was showing his support too.

"Haha…"

A small laugh escaped me.

For the first time... It felt like my hard work was paying off.

"Thank you, Kyle."

I muttered, genuinely smiling at him.

"You're welcome."

Kyle replied proudly.

"Want to join me?"

I invited him.

"Are you sure?"

"There's two servings, and I'm not that hungry."

I said.

"Well, if you say so."

And Kyle finally accepted.

'Also, I'll be joining the old man for dinner later, so I should save some room in my stomach.'

I thought as Kyle and I found a place to sit.

-----

At the entrance to Xapham Hall…

"What the…?"

"That's Raye?"

"Who's that guy with him?"

The students who saw Raye and Kyle's interaction were visibly confused.

They didn't expect Raye to act like that with someone, especially to someone who seems like a commoner...

"Also, isn't he handsome when he smiles like that?"

One female student commented.

"..."

Those who heard her just looked at her weirdly...

'Well, I can't deny it.'

But somewhat, they agree with her.

*****

(Raye's POV)

"I'm back."

I called out as I stepped inside the cabin.

And there, I saw Old Man Rey waiting for me with dinner already prepared.

'I knew it.'

I thought as a smile appeared on my face.

"How was the thing in the academy?"

The old man asked.

And with a confident grin on me...

"I nailed it."

I answered proudly.

"Really? Tell me about it while we eat."

Old Man Rey suggested.

Eager to share my day with him...

"Okay."

I quickly changed clothes and then joined the old man for dinner.

And while eating, I started recounting what happened in the examination and stat checking...

Old Man Rey listened intently the whole times, which made me even happier to share.

And after I'm done with my story...

"Sounds like you have a good teacher."

Old Man Rey said that, pertaining to Professor Sariel.

I told him how he helped me a lot by simply waiting for half an hour more.

"Yeah, I'm grateful to him."

I said.

And after a brief pause...

"Old Man."

I called out for the old man.

"Hmm, what is it?"

And looking at him...

"Thanks."

I simply said that.

I know I always end up thanking him, but thinking about it…

'It's thanks to him that I can live comfortably in this world.'

It's thanks to him that I grew stronger, have a roof over my head, and don't starve.

'And it's thanks to him that I haven't felt completely alone...'

Old Man Rey was just an extra NPC in the game, but for me, if my life were a story, he would surely be one of the most important characters in it.

Moving on...

"Meh."

Old Man Rey replied in his usual gruff tone, making me chuckle.

"If you're really grateful, repay me by doing your best. Don't half-ass things."

But his next words took me by surprise.

"..."

I don't know what to say, but in the end...

"I'll keep that in mind."

I just said that and nodded my head.

And after that, we continued our meal quietly.

...

...

After eating, Old Man Rey went to bed.

Knowing tomorrow was the practical part of the test, I decided to train my skills and spells until my mana and energy were depleted before heading to sleep.

And with that…

My 15th day in this world ended.