Chapter 14: Trials of the Mystic Realm
The Green Leaf Academy was a prestigious institution where students were trained to become powerful warriors and mages. In one of its spacious classrooms, all the teachers had gathered in a circle, discussing the situation unfolding within the mystical realm. A large holographic projection displayed the realm, providing a real-time view of the students' performances.
The mystical realm was a recurring site for academy assessments. As long as students possessed the corresponding token, they could enter the realm infinitely. High-level Orions were the first to clear out the more dangerous monsters, leaving lower-level creatures for the students to train against. The teachers had also set up safe zones, such as array formation platforms, to protect the students. Surveillance devices were installed within the platforms, allowing the teachers to observe the students' progress even when they themselves were outside the realm.
Despite the students' successful awakenings, the teachers were disappointed with the overall performance. Many students struggled with both the practical and theoretical aspects of their training, which hindered their ability to face the monsters and magical beasts. The teachers knew that these students still had a long way to go if they were to become the successful warriors and mages the academy hoped to cultivate.
...
As the students entered the mystic realm, their teachers watched the screens with a keen focus. Suddenly, one of the teachers, a stout bearded man, shouted in frustration. He pointed to one of the screens and exclaimed, "Look at this! Damn it, what are they doing?" His colleagues turned to see what had caught his attention.
"The archer turned and ran without even attempting to shoot! The warrior isn't paying any attention to his teammates and charges in alone. And that knight—does he even know how to use [Provoke]? He casts it on the enemy, but then runs away as soon as he gets their attention. Of course, the monsters follow him, leaving nothing for his party members to handle!" The fat bearded teacher spoke quickly, his frustration evident as spittle flew from his lips.
One of his colleagues tried to calm him down, saying, "Relax, man."
But the bearded teacher wasn't placated. "Hmph! What do you know? With a proper combination of warrior, knight, and archer, they could easily take down a five-star monster, let alone a one-star one!"
Gabriel's teacher, Mr. Hanz, stepped in and spoke calmly, "Sigh, remember, they've only learned theory until now. Today is their first time facing real monsters. It's natural for them to struggle at first."
Although he maintained a composed demeanor, Mr. Hanz couldn't hide the concern in his eyes. As the teachers watched the screens, they noticed several students fleeing to the safety zone. Some were forced to withdraw from the assessment, while others had already faced injuries or worse.
The mystic realm for first-year awakenings was supposed to contain no monsters above level five. Yet, the number of failures and casualties in today's assessment was far higher than anticipated. The students' lack of practical experience was clearly a significant disadvantage, and it was evident that they would need to work much harder to hone their skills.
Just as the teachers were discussing this, the principal's voice boomed through the room, interrupting their conversation. His tone was commanding as he emphasized the importance of the training and knowledge the academy had provided. He reminded the teachers that it was up to the students to apply what they had learned and survive the challenges ahead. His words carried a sense of urgency, highlighting that the dungeon would be the ultimate test of the students' abilities, revealing who had the potential to face greater trials in the future.
The teachers listened closely, nodding in agreement. The principal's words struck a chord with them, and they turned their attention back to the holographic projection, eager to see how the students would handle the pressure. Although they tried to hide their frustration, it was clear on their faces. They knew the dungeon would be a brutal challenge, and despite their confidence in the students' training, they couldn't help but worry.
With the principal's words echoing in their minds, the teachers shifted their focus to various students, scrutinizing every move, decision, and action. They were determined to assess the students' potential to survive the challenges that lay ahead.
The principal instructed the teacher in charge of the projection to shift the focus. The teacher complied instantly, redirecting the holographic screen to one of the assessment participants. Within moments, a colossal figure appeared in the projection.
Mr. Hanz's eyes widened. "That's him?!"
The principal noticed his reaction and turned to him. "Mr. Hanz, do you know this student?"
Without hesitation, Mr. Hanz nodded. "Yes, I recognize him. That's Tigram—one of my students."
The projection showed Tigram engaged in a fierce battle with a low-level monster. The scene was so vivid that it felt as though Tigram was fighting right in front of them.
...
Tigram's POV
As soon as the monster locked eyes on Tigram, it charged at him with terrifying force. Tigram was startled by the sudden assault but quickly recovered. Despite his lackluster theoretical results, Tigram had always excelled in combat. He quickly assessed the situation, analyzing the monster's size, speed, and strength. His mind raced as he formulated a plan.
Tigram's physical prowess allowed him to dodge and block the monster's attacks with ease. He moved swiftly, using his agility to outmaneuver his opponent. But as he fought, something unexpectedly brought him more vigor, his first skill. The realization gave him a surge of confidence, and he fought with renewed determination.
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[Wrathful Attack Level 1 - Attack an enemy with a furious axe strike, applying a branding effect for 3 seconds. Each successful attack increases the caster's attack speed by 15%. Targets with the branding effect receive 10% increased damage.
Damage = {(B. level + STR + VIT)/2 x Skill Level x 3 x (1 + Piercing%) + Patk}
Branding Duration: 3 seconds
Increased Attack Speed Duration: 5 seconds
Mana Cost: 100
Cooldown: 15 seconds]
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With unwavering confidence, Tigram dodged the monster's next attack and countered with a powerful strike from his gleaming iron axe.
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-130 HP
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Tigram, determined to finish the fight, charged at the monster again. But just as he was about to land another blow, the monster unleashed a powerful ability, knocking Tigram back three meters. Despite the setback, Tigram quickly regained his footing, his resolve unshaken.
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[Prompt: Opponent uses skill [Reinforcement]]
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Tigram acted fast. As the enemy began casting its [Reinforcement] spell, he launched a precise strike, interrupting the spell and seizing the opportunity to press the attack.
With fierce determination, Tigram charged at his opponent. Leaping into the air, he swung his axe downward with all his strength, aiming to deliver a finishing blow. This was the power of his [Wrathful Attack], a devastating skill that combined both strength and precision.
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BOOOM!!!
-230 HP
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The force of Tigram's strike shattered the ground beneath him, sending debris flying in all directions. The impact reverberated through the forest, leaving the ground trembling in its wake. It was a display of raw power, one that would not be easily forgotten by those who witnessed it.
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[Attack Speed Up] Experienced effect! Increased attack speed.
[Prompt: You killed the Wild Goblin! Gained 15 exp!]
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Just as Tigram heard the prompt announcing his victory, another prompt followed.
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[Prompt: Reinforcement Has Arrived]
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Tigram gritted his teeth as he checked the status of the reinforcement—a red goblin.
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[Name: Red Goblin]
[HP: 350/350]
[Mana: 150/150]
[Physical Attack: 50-70]
[Rank: Iron ★★]
[Skills: Slash, Charge, Heart Pierce...]
[Description: This goblin has a strange affinity for fire and has been observed setting itself ablaze on multiple occasions. Once engulfed in flames, it charges at its target with reckless abandon, seemingly unaware of the danger it poses to itself.]
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Tigram tightened his grip on his trusty axe. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the next battle. With fierce determination in his eyes, he let out a resounding battle cry and charged toward the enemy.
As he closed the distance, Tigram cast his second skill. The battlefield echoed with the powerful roar of his [War Cry], a skill designed to strike fear into his enemies. With his axe raised high, Tigram plunged into the fray, ready to fight until the bitter end.