Browsing the Catalog

The rest of the free days passed, followed by a week of classes.

Due to the physical demands of sparring and the field trip, Professor Mendoza had shifted focus to theoretical lessons. But now, it was back to a mix of both.

"Today, let's talk about something unrelated to a Hunter's duties," Professor Mendoza began, adjusting his gray glasses.

His voice was calm, yet commanding, demanding the attention of every student in the room.

Despite the absence of a dress code for professors, none of the students had ever seen Professor Mendoza wear anything other than his gray suit.

It was impeccably tailored, accentuating his slender frame, and always seemed freshly pressed.

With his gray-dyed hair, one might think he had an unusual fondness for the color gray.

There were already various speculations and rumors about it, ranging from logical to bizarre.

Some students believed it was a tribute to a fallen comrade, others thought it was his way of blending into the background to observe students more keenly.

"The essential requirement for a Hunter is having a Gift," Professor Mendoza continued, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

"To be accurate, the vast majority of Hunters are Gift users. There is no rule against Giftless individuals becoming Hunters, but in my humble opinion, it would just be a waste of time."

'It would be pretty awkward if someone in our class was Giftless...,' Quill thought, glancing briefly at Emrys, who showed no sign of irritation.

"But let's not get off track. What makes someone a Gift user?" Professor Mendoza asked the class, prompting several hands to rise.

"Yes, please, Opal," he addressed a shy-looking young man who appeared younger than his age suggested.

Not that Quill knew much about him; he was likely just another background character.

"There are three factors, professor!" Opal shouted, summoning all his courage. His voice trembled slightly, but he held his ground, eager to contribute.

"Well, yes... but could anyone elaborate?" Professor Mendoza encouraged, looking around the room.

Scanning the class, Professor Mendoza's eyebrows twitched in mild surprise. "Yes, Quill."

"An individual's aptitude for becoming a Gift user is determined by three specific conditions," Quill explained, raising one finger.

"First is the general bloodline. If an individual comes from a family without any Gift users, the chances of that individual being one are very slim. This means that strong bloodlines, like the Nocturnes, Sunshower, Lumina, and Sol, are highly likely to produce Gift users."

Quill could feel the intense glare of Violeta Sol.

Her eyes burned with indignation, making it clear that she did not appreciate the ranking.

For ordinary people, his statement seemed normal, but in the world of hierarchy and nobility, every word carried weight and could be interpreted differently.

By naming his own family first, he implicitly asserted the Nocturnes' superiority.

Placing the Sunshower family second showed mutual respect, as it was logical to put one's own family first.

However, ranking the Lumina third and the Sol family fourth was an indirect insult.

Did Quill have to do it? No, but it was fun to stir things up a bit. He enjoyed the subtle art of verbal sparring.

Emrys, who listened intently to Quill's words, wondered why Violeta was glaring so intensely.

He simply shrugged, not fully grasping the intricate dynamics of noble politics.

"The second condition," Quill went on, raising two fingers, "is overall talent. A person's aptitude influences the potency of their Gift. Once again, lineage is a key factor."

"And finally," Quill added, holding up three fingers, "although it's not strictly a condition, one's will can influence the Gift they acquire."

Professor Mendoza clapped his hands together, a look of satisfaction on his face.

"That was an exemplary summary, Quill. While there is certainly more depth to explore, your overview succinctly covers the essential points."

Another student's hand lifted, a young girl with dark curls. "Yes, Sesam?" Professor Mendoza acknowledged her with a nod.

"I don't quite get how 'will' factors in," she said hesitantly. "My Gift involves scanning the surroundings. Like this."

She placed her hands on her desk and moved her fingers quickly, as if pulling gum apart. In seconds, blue particles formed, creating an exact replica of the classroom, including the seating arrangements and students.

"So, how is this connected to my will?" she concluded, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"That's an excellent question, Sesam," Professor Mendoza said. "Now, let me clarify using the Lumina Family as an example."

Quill guessed he chosed a family not present in the class to avoid making anyone uncomfortable.

"The Lumina Family's signature Gift is their ability to absorb the Moon's glow, enabling them to manipulate it. While most Gift Users in the Lumina Family share this Gift with some variations, there are a few members with entirely different abilities."

He paused to choose his words carefully.

"It's a complex concept, but think of your blood as symbolizing your will. The will of your blood dictates your Gift, which explains why individuals from the same lineage typically share similar Gifts. However, your personal will can prevail over this."

He glanced around the room, ensuring he had everyone's attention.

"The known age for awakening is 16. A strong wish or desire—something that means the world to you—can change your default Gift. Tell me, Sesam, does anyone in your family possess a Gift similar to yours?"

"...Well, my grandfather has a store where he creates maps," she replied thoughtfully.

In that case, your will is most certainly shaped by your bloodline," Professor Mendoza continued.

"For instance, I come from a lineage with very few Gift Users, making it unlikely for me to become one. Yet, I was fortunate. As I delved into my ancestry, I found their Gifts were nearly identical, whereas mine was completely different. As you all know, I can communicate telepathically. My parents served as frontline medical support. Unfortunately, they lost their hearing and speech in an accident."

His eyes clouded with memories, and he took a deep breath before continuing.

"It was a foolish risk for those without a Gift, but it happened. We communicated through sign language, but I fervently wished to hear their voices again and for them to hear mine. This powerful desire was with me when I turned sixteen, and fate granted me that very will."

The room was silent as the students absorbed Professor Mendoza's explanation.

Quill knew all of this already, but hearing it again made him ponder the odd nature of Quill Nocturne's Gift.

'...I really wonder what his Will was... Even if he had a strong desire, given what I've learned about him, using cotton threads isn't exactly the most villainous thing...'

"So, let's move on..." Professor Mendoza continued, snapping Quill back to the present.

"Understanding the influence of will on Gifts is crucial, but we must also remember the importance of training and mastery. A strong will may shape your Gift, but it is your dedication and effort that will hone it to its fullest potential."

/||\

The mall center was a fascinating blend of old-world charm and futuristic technology.

As Quill walked in, beautifully carved wooden storefronts with gilded details featuring intricate floral patterns and elaborate scrollwork greeted him.

Warm, antique-style lamps cast a golden glow over cobblestone paths, leading one through cozy shops with classic elegance.

Inside, ornate wooden counters housed touch-screen registers, seamlessly integrating with the vintage décor.

Shelves lined with a mix of handcrafted goods and the latest tech gadgets were illuminated by Edison-style bulbs encased in glass domes.

Robots dressed in vintage suits and dresses, complete with top hats and lace gloves, moved gracefully among the customers.

Their polished brass and glass eyes sparkled with intelligence as they offered assistance with polite bows.

In one corner, a café filled the air with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries.

Dark mahogany tables featured built-in digital menus that appeared on the surface at a touch.

Students sipped their drinks from delicate china cups, some while playing chess on a holographic chessboard floating gently above their tables, others while showing the latest shows.

A grand staircase with intricate ironwork banisters led to an upper level where more shops awaited.

A bookstore showcased towering wooden shelves filled with leather-bound volumes alongside e-readers projecting holographic pages.

In an adjacent clothing boutique, mannequins in vintage attire modeled the latest fashion trends, their outfits changing with a mere swipe on a touch panel.

The soft hum of hidden machinery, the whirr of automated services, and the occasional chime of a mechanical bell filled the air.

"...Whoa," was all Quill could say as he stood in front of the entrance, watching students pass by.

This mall center was extremely popular among the students. How could it not be? It had everything, from entertainment to basic necessities—even weapon shops.

And today, he was heading to one of them.

So far, he had relied on his threads, but having an additional weapon seemed like a good idea.

Sentinel Academy provided students with swords, bows, and lances, all of high quality, but none of these weapon types suited Quill.

The sword was too large to maneuver effectively with his threads. He didn't need a long-range weapon like a bow, and the lance was simply too unwieldy.

He could already imagine getting tangled in his own threads.

Besides, he wasn't proficient with any of those weapons.

Yes, he did fencing and was quite good at it, but fencing techniques were not suitable for fighting Reapers.

The swift, narrow blade of a rapier might have served well in duels, but against monstrous Reapers, it was almost laughably inadequate.

'Snunz and Guns…?'

Quill stood before one of the stores. The neon sign buzzed faintly in the dim light of the mall corridor.

Entering what seemed like the only weapon shop in the mall, he found it was large enough to be the only one needed.

Rows upon rows of weaponry lined the walls, from traditional swords to modern firearms, each gleaming under the bright display lights.

Though he wasn't sure what he was looking for, the vast array of weaponry didn't make it any easier.

His eyes scanned over the glittering steel and polished wood, feeling both overwhelmed and fascinated.

His curiosity led him to the firearm section, and he was tempted to pick one. 

Rifles, muskets, revolvers—the store had everything, and the designs were beautiful.

Some firearms were based on ordinary models like the Perrin Revolver or Snider-Enfield Rifle, but they were far from ordinary in appearance.

Intricate carvings adorned their barrels, and some had inlaid jewels that sparkled under the lights.

Some were adorned with jewels, others with gears, and some with feathers. The variety was astonishing, each weapon a unique piece of art.

But he didn't need a long-range weapon, even if it looked cool. Besides, wielding a firearm was only useful as a secondary option.

His primary focus needed to be on something that worked harmoniously with his threads.

Although, he did think of one character who would benefit massively from these weapons...

"My, I didn't realize you had an interest in such weaponry," the elegant voice of Ophelia Sunshower broke his gaze.

'Goodness, she's really sneaky...!' Quill thought, startled by her sudden appearance.

"Uh, not exactly. I do appreciate their craftsmanship, though," he replied, trying to recover his composure.

"Indeed; It's pure art," she agreed, her eyes sparkling as she surveyed the array of firearms.

Ophelia Sunshower, an Eclipse-ranked student like Weiss Licht, had a Gift centered around using firearms.

She was well-known for her precision and elegance in battle, seamlessly integrating her weapons with her natural grace.

If Quill were honest, her fighting style was one of his favorites in the novel. It was unique and exciting to read about, a blend of ballet and ballistics.

Ophelia turned her eyes from the assortment to Quill, who did the same. "Are you in search of a weapon?"

"...Yes."

"I can assume no sword, bow, or lance?" she inquired, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"That's right."

One thing Quill had to remember, despite her cute look, was that Ophelia was quite sharp.

Her innocent appearance belied a cunning mind; when she did something, it always had a motive, and she was always steps ahead of others.

"Might I help you?" she offered, her voice sweet.

"Sure. But I'm not quite clear on which direction I want to take," he confessed, grateful for her assistance.

They wandered through the different assortments. Other students seemed to be in the same dilemma as Quill, while some were already buying their fifth weapon.

"What are you specializing in?" Ophelia asked, her eyes scanning the shelves meticulously.

"You mean in a fight?"

She nodded. "Is it pure strength, agility, defense, or something else?"

Quill thought for a moment. "I think agility, but more about being able to react quickly, if that makes sense. I prefer something lightweight and easy to handle, not heavy. It also shouldn't limit my movement range."

"Hmm." Ophelia rubbed her wavy, golden hair thoughtfully, an endearing gesture that Quill couldn't help but notice. "Have you considered a foldable weapon?"

'...Foldable weapon... What was that again?' he pondered, his memory failing him at the moment.

Words and objects like these, though mentioned in the novel, were details Quill didn't memorize.

He would probably recognize one by sight, but based only on its name, he was clueless.

Seeing his clueless face, Ophelia continued, "A weapon that one can unfold and fold, if needed."

"Hmm... Perhaps we should take a look at those," Quill agreed, intrigued by the idea.

Following Ophelia, who seemed to know the location of everything in the store, Quill found himself in front of the foldable weapons section.

The shelves were lined with rows of slender sticks, each about the size of a small bottle, their unassuming appearance belying their deadly potential.

The challenge was that everything looked similar, making it hard to distinguish the weapons without focusing on the different taglines.

He squinted at the tags, trying to make sense of the various options.

"Phoenix Scythe..." Quill read the text out loud, intrigued by the name.

"Something caught your eye?" Ophelia asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Maybe," he said, taking the small stick out and noticing a button similar to the one on his gauntlet.

He pressed it and flinched at its rapid transformation, causing him to drop it in surprise.

"...You've never held an foldable weapon, have you?" Ophelia observed, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"...No," Quill admitted, bending over to pick it up.

Now fully appreciating its size, he realized it was almost as long as a spear, but unlike a spear, Quill didn't have to thrust with it. Instead, he could swing it.

Surprisingly, the scythe offered multiple advantages. Its sharp blade could easily cut through threads if needed, providing a versatile defense.

The weapon's unique shape and balance allowed for agile movements, enabling quick and precise strikes.

Moreover, the scythe's broad arc could fend off multiple opponents, making it an exceptional tool for both offense and defense.

And the most important part was, it looked impressive.

The scythe featured a handle made of dark, matte black wood, giving it a sinister and foreboding appearance.

Crimson veins ran along the length of the handle, glowing faintly as if pulsating with a hidden, malevolent energy.

On the end of the stick was a small tag with its description:

'Phoenix Scythe:

= Pressing the button for more than two seconds ignites the blade of the scythe until the user releases it.

'...This is pretty cool,' Quill thought, impressed by the weapon's additional feature.

While not a small weapon, its ability to shrink significantly was highly practical.

It could slice with agile movements and deflect attacks if Quill was quick to react.

Theoretically, it could also serve well as a projectile, and its overall range was quite impressive.

However, he was unsure how well he would perform with it, especially since he didn't think wielding this sort of weapon would be easy.

"You should take it; it complements you well," Ophelia chimed.

'Perhaps I should... I haven't any other ideas to consider, anyway.'

"Yes, you're right. Besides, if it's not suitable, I can easily return it," he concluded, feeling more decisive.

Taking out his scroll, he checked his income. As he had suspected upon entering Sentinel, he had a high allowance, making him not worry about finances.

Even this weapon seemed cheap at 12,000 art, the currency in this world. With his 2,300,000 art it almost seemed like nothing.

Leaving the shop with Ophelia, Quill noticed she also had a bag, likely containing her own new acquisition.

"If you don't object," Ophelia started, a playful glint in her eye, "perhaps we could test our new weapons in a brief sparring session."

Quill grinned, the idea of sparring with Ophelia exciting him. "I'd like that. Let's see what these new toys can do."