Chapter 4
Patrian fortress is one of the backbones of the Eternal Kingdom for one sole reason: it's the battle frontier that blocks the Gauss Kingdom from invading. One of the 10 Great Magicians on the West continent is Ashur. Just being a Great Magician makes him already threatening enough to deter the Gauss Kingdom from halting their advance.
Though Ashur is not the only reason for this, the main reason that prevents the enemies from even advancing near the fortress is the personal soldiers and knights of Ashur who are known for adapting to almost every situation and considered one of the best when defending the fortress.
'Patrian's fortress is indeed incredible, but if you compare it to the Saharan Empire or the Fold's Kingdom frontier fortress it would look like a 2nd rate, but overall Ashur's force can be considered one of the best in the continent when in it comes to defending because of their adaptability and synergy with magic.'
After Grid finished his thoughts he finally arrived at Patrian's barracks, where he could get the quest 'Reserved Soldier Training' by registering for training for commoners of course, players tend to avoid this because they see this as a waste of time and of course unlike them, Grid knows the hidden rewards that can be obtained by simply breaking the records for each test what he doesn't know there would be extra rewards if his skills are recognized.
"Attention...! You useless bastards...! I'm here to teach you the basics of being a soldier, for one simple reason only and that's to repay Earl Ashur's grace by being his shields...! Do you understand...!
The training instructor going by the name Kesle yelled, all of the reserved soldiers were afraid because it was their first time being taught formally because they didn't have any formal training, but unlike them, Grid instantly yelled "Sir yes sir...!" and instantly went to his position, seeing his action the others followed and tried to imitate Grid.
Kesle seeing Grid's action hums at this because unlike the rest he instantly took action and was not slow-witted, Kesle then immediately yelled a command while thinking.
'Hmm... Cadet Grid was the last to enlist and due to that, he was not able to attend the class... But it seems unlike the others can follow commands without any mistakes, and his eyes... It looks like the eyes of knights nay... an eye similar to Earl Ashur full of dignity and confidence with unwavering posture.'
As he was thinking about this Grid was following his commands with steady breath, after 30 minutes or so of marching the next test was announced.
"The next test is camp building...!, this test would see if you're quickwitted and see your survival instinct when you're in a hunting ground because a soldier must survive in any kind of situation, especially in times of war do you understand cadets...?!" "Sir yes sir...!"
Instantly they marched to the mountain behind Patrian, the cadets instantly took action as they dug to make their camp, only Grid chose where there were vines and bushes between two trees, he approached it and started digging, and the other reservists laughed at him for choosing a difficult area to dig.
However, the other instructors including Kesle thought differently because the position that Grid chose had a vantage where you could see the surrounding area, also unlike the other cadets' Grid dug slowly with rhythm instead of hurrying making his work much easier with Grid's stats alone he was much better than his previous turn where his stats were abysmal.
'Cadet Grid seems to have a good grasp on how to make a proper camp for shelter, and the fact he chose the areas where there are two trees, and vines is a good decision because it can help with creating a cover against archers and at the same time hide the camp, unlike the other cadets who're just digging to make a camp like some idiots.'
After 5 minutes or so Grid was already finished making his camp which greatly surprised the instructors including Kesle who thought to themselves 'Is he a genius?' Grid had already done this since he already has experience with being a soldier since all Korean male citizens have the mandatory enlistment to be a soldier for at least 1 year and 6 months.
After an hour or so the test was finished with only a few of the cadets being able to finish making their camp. As for Grid, he was just meditating the whole time which would have gotten him in trouble since he should have just been standing and waiting for the instructor's commands, yet Kesle allowed it since Grid hadn't made any mistake whatsoever.
"Cadets...! Stand up...! Form a line and prepare to march back to the barracks, understood...!?" "Sir yes sir...!"
Gird was at the forefront since he was the top-performing cadet, and he was ordered to direct his fellow cadets to the barracks, Grid took a deep breath 'huff...' and exhaled 'sigh...' After that, he yelled. "Attention...!" hearing Grid's command, instantly the cadets straightened their posture and waited for Grid's commands.
Seeing the other cadets listening to Grid the instructor and Kesle were surprised that they instantly listened to Grid's command since they thought the other cadets would get jealous because they allowed Grid to rest, it seems Grid gained respect from his fellow cadets.
-30 minutes later brought to you by chibi Grid instructing his fellow cadets-
After arriving at the barracks Grid instantly commanded the cadets to rest, hearing Grid's words they let out a sigh of relief and sat on the ground to rest, as for Grid he immediately reported to Kesle by saluting and said.
"Sir…! Cadet Grid here to report that the 712th Reserve Soldiers have arrived with no issues, sir…!
Hearing Grid's words Kesle smiled and said. "At ease" Grid instantly lowered his right hand and waited for Kesle to speak.
"Cadet Grid I'm happy to say that you have done astonishing work, as your instructor I couldn't be happier with your performance, you may rest alongside your comrades you earned it."
Grid nodded at this but he thought to himself.
'Hmm… I wonder since my reputation with the instructor is good maybe I can request to take the test much earlier to not waste any time.'
After his done pondering he spoke to Kesle.
"Thank you sir Kesle… But can I request that I start the test for myself right now… Since I don't like wasting time, unless there's a strict schedule that must be followed then I would comply and wait."
Kesle pondered for a second or two and raised his hand signaling the soldiers to prepare for the test, seeing this Grid smiled at that since his plan worked out.
"Usually we give the cadets time to rest to regain their bearing to not tire them out, but it seems you have a lot of energy leftover, and since you don't want to waste time I will grant you this request."
Grid was happy at this and immediately went towards the training grounds, the cadets seeing Grid was already starting his test went as well to watch Grid's performance.
"The weapon exams will start now…! The first weapon is a spear…! Over the next three minutes, three types of dots will emerge alternately, you will get a point deduction when striking the blue dot, 5 points for the red dot, and 10 points for the green dot, you will pass if you get at least 50 points in three minutes do you understand cadet Grid…!" "Sir yes sir…! But before that is it okay if I accidentally destroy part of the scarecrow?"
Kesle hearing this was dumbfounded but Grid's words because the scarecrow is highly physically resistant, usually he would yell or laugh at the person who said such words because of their ego, but this was Grid he was talking to whom he saw with a remarkable performance, but regardless he nodded at Grid indicating his approval.
Seeing this Grid immediately holds the wooden spear firmly closing his eyes and at the same time relaxes his mind and body as took a deep breath 'huffs…' and exhales 'sighs…' he then opens his eyes and takes a stance similar to Dominion's stance when using his spear, then Kesle yelled and said. "Start…!"
Immediately 3 green dots appear in the head, neck, and heart area, and instantly the spear lets out a sound indicating that Grid thrusting the spear three times hitting all the the green dots in just 4 seconds, then followed by Grid instantly swinging the spear hitting the scarecrow's shoulder, torso, pelvis in one go where 3 red dots appeared but instantly disappearing.
Seeing Grid's spearmanship the people were awed at his flawless execution of his movements without any waste of movements, then a green dot appeared in the forehead of the scarecrow but instantly vanished due to Grid already hitting it with a spear thrust at the same time the green dot appeared, 55 points in less than 14 seconds Grid immediately pulled back the wooden spear already predicting where the dots would appear next thanks to his insight.
A green dot then appears on the right side of the pelvis, while 3 red dots appear on the left shoulder, the right side of the torso, and one in the middle of the chest. Grid instantly swung his spear diagonally hitting the green dot and 2 red dots on the left shoulder and chest area, instantly Grid pulled back then thrust the spear once more hitting the last red dot perfectly.
Now with 80 points Grid pulled back the spear and in an instant Grid thrust his spear forward hitting the green dot that just spawned in the heart area, then a green dot appeared at the head area Grid already predicting this, he thrust the wooden spear with all his might piercing the head of the scarecrow finally reaching the 100 points mark at the same time the wooden spear broke, the time he finished is 28 seconds.
[You have set a new record in Patrian's reserve forces training Spear Test!]
[!!!]
[You have set a new record in the West Continent Spear Test!]
[The title 'Genius Spearman' is received.]
[Genius Spearman]
*When using a spear, the damage is increased by 20% and the hit rate is increased by 10%
*All spear-related skills experience gain increased by 20%
*This effect is applied separately from the Spear Mastery effect.
[The unique skill 'Extreme Thrust' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Extreme Thrust Level 1]
An extreme force of thrusting a spear that deals 1,200% physical damage to the target. If the spear penetrates an additional 800% of physical damage will be dealt and increase critical damage by 250%
*Due to the use of extreme physical force there's a chance the abnormal state of 'Bone Fracture' could occur.
Mana Consumption: 1,000
Skill Cooldown Time: 10 minutes
[The epic skill 'Spear Charge' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Spear Charge Level 1]
Charge by using a spear in a straight line that deals 200% physical damage to the target. Increase movement speed by 10% until the target is hit.
Mana Consumption: 350
Skill Cooldown Time: 3 minutes
[The rare skill 'Spear Shot' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Spear Shot Level 1]
Throws a spear that deals 600% physical damage to the target. The enemy will fall down.
* You must reclaim the spear in the thrown window. If you fail to retrieve it within 30 seconds, you will lose ownership of the spear.
Mana Consumption: 150
Skill Cooldown Time: 1 minute
Grid seeing the rewards was happy because of how tremendous it was meanwhile, the spectators were shocked at Grid's performance not only did he finish in 28 seconds but is also pierced the head of the scarecrow which his highly resistant to physical attacks.
"Sir Kesle what's the next test?"
Kesle who was still shocked finally came back to his senses and said.
"*A-Ahem. T-the next test is swordsmanship, Cadet Grid proceed to the next area…!"
Grid hearing Kesle's command walks to the next area takes two wooden swords and prepares himself by relaxing his body, the test is also the same as the spearmanship test, and as he holds both swords with a firm grasp Kesle yells. "Start…!"
Instantly 4 green dots appeared on the left and right shoulders, head, and heart, Grid instantly swung both of the swords and instantly hit three dots, and he followed it up by swinging the right sword his holding upwards hitting the head.
Seeing Grid's swordsmanship was a surprise to the spectators since he hit all the targets in just 2 to 3 seconds, which was even harder for a knight to execute with perfect precision.
'Good, it seems my body is keeping up with my mind, since it has come to this I will end this as fast as possible.'
As Grid was thinking this five red dots appeared in different places of the scarecrow which was instantly hit by Grid either by stab or cut, in just 4 seconds then two green dots appeared in the head and pelvis, and 3 red dots all over the body of the scarecrow.
Grid immediately targeted the green dots first before the red dots, after cutting both green dots he instantly hit all the red dots with a stab this was done in 7 seconds with perfect precision and the time he took to finish the test was only 14 seconds.
[You have set a new record in Patrian's reserve forces training Sword Test!]
[!!!]
[You have set a new record in the West Continent Sword Test!]
[The title 'Genius Swordsman' is received.]
[Genius Swordsman]
*When using a Sword, the damage is increased by 10% and attack speed is increased by 5%
*All sword-related skills experience gain increased by 20%
*This effect is applied separately from the Sword Mastery effect.
[The unique skill 'Heavy Strike' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Heavy Strike Level 1]
A strike uses the weight of the body and sword that deals 1,500% physical damage to the target. If the sword crushes the target will have the abnormal state 'Bone Fracture' causing 500% physical damage and an increase critical damage by 175%
*Due to the use of heavy physical force there's a chance the abnormal state of 'Lose Balance' could occur.
Mana Consumption: 1,000
Skill Cooldown Time: 10 minutes
[The epic skill 'Sword Counter' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Sword Counter Level 1]
When using a sword to block attack the sword counter would automatically activate and deal 300% physical damage to the target.
*If the target was hit in the 'Weak Spot' guaranteed critical hit and increase critical damage by 200%
Mana Consumption: 450
Skill Cooldown Time: 2 minutes
[The rare skill 'Continuous Stab' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Continuous Stab Level 1]
Quickly stab the target 5 times.
Every stab that hits will deal 100%, 120%, 150%, 190%, and 240% of your attack power respectively.
Mana Consumption: 300
Skill Cooldown Time: 3 minutes.
Satisfied with the result Grid immediately went to the next area to finish the final test, seeing Grid's action the other instructor thought he got an ego boost due to his performance, Kesle thought differently when he saw Grid's eyes it showed that he was determined, he remembers Grid saying that he wants to finish the exam as quickly as possible so Kesle just proceeded to the next area and followed Grid where you needed 50 points to get a perfect test score.
Grid immediately took the wooden bow and ten arrows prepared himself closed his eyes and cleared his mind, after a few seconds Grid opened his eyes he drew the bowstring, Kesle seeing Grid's action yelled. "Start...!"
Grid immediately lets go of the bowstring in hits the green dot that appeared in the head of the scarecrow, he then takes another arrow and aims at the same time he used his insight, seeing a little green light appearing in the heart section he let go of the bowstring which hits green dot without much problem, he then took two arrows and instantly drew the bowstring and tilting the bow slightly, at the same time two green dots appear in the neck, and pelvis area seeing this he let go of the bowstring which fired the two arrows hitting the two targets perfectly.
The people already seeing Grid's talent were just awed and not surprised by Grid's action that looked similar to a more elite knight or a master-level archer, the last green dot appears in the head of the scarecrow which was already pierced by Grid since he already aims at the head with no time difference from the last two targets.
Grid who put down his bow was startled by the scream and clapping celebrating his win, the instructor did nothing but clap at Grid's performance without getting mad at the other cadets, Kesle who saw this let out a smile and said.
"Cadet Grid has earned 100 points without a single miss...! As a graduating cadet, I hereby give the title 'Ideal Champion'."
[You have set a new record in Patrian's reserve forces training Archer Test!]
[The title 'Ideal Champion' is received.]
[Ideal Champion]
*Your Insight and Dignity are increased by 10%
*Easily gain more information from Eternal residents.
*All stats +25
[!!!]
[You have set a new record in the West Continent Archer Test!]
[The title 'Genius Archer' is received.]
[Genius Archer]
*When using a bow, the damage is increased by 15% and the attack speed is increased by 10%
*All bow-related skills experience gain increased by 20%
*This effect is applied separately from the Bow Mastery effect.
[The unique skill 'Gale Arrow' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Gale Arrow Level 1]
An arrow that uses the power of the wind deals 500% physical damage to the target. If the arrow penetrates the target will deal 600% physical damage and cause an abnormal state of 'Bleeding' to the target until the wound is patched.
*Due to the use of heavy physical force there's a chance the abnormal state of 'Lose Balance' could occur.
Mana Consumption: 600
Skill Cooldown Time: 2 minutes
[The epic skill 'Heavy Shots' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Heavy Shots Level 1]
When using a bow to attack the arrow would deal 200% physical damage to the target.
*If the target was hit in the 'Weak Spot' guaranteed critical hit and increase critical damage by 200%
Mana Consumption: 350
Skill Cooldown Time: 5 seconds
[The rare skill 'Multi Shots' has been acquired as a hidden reward.]
[Multi Shots Level 1]
Quickly hit the target 5 times.
Every arrow that hits will deal 100%, 120%, 150%, 190%, and 240% of your attack power respectively.
*When all arrows hit the target hit rate will increase by 20% for the duration of the battle.
Mana Consumption: 300
Skill Cooldown Time: 1 minute.
Kesle who was happy that Grid finished the test without a problem, took out an item and gave it to Grid, already knowing what it was Grid accepted with a smile.
[You have taken the top position in the training of Patrian's reserve forces!]
[You have obtained the first prize 'Senior Reserve Forces Citation'.]
[Senior Reserve Forces Citation]
[Beginner Sword Mastery level is increased by 3.]
[Beginner Spear Mastery level is increased by 3.]
[Beginner Bow Mastery level is increased by 3.]
You have become the role model for the Patrian reservists.
"It is an honor to receive a citation from Earl Ashur, lord of Patrian, and a great magician of the continent, it is an heirloom that can be passed on to your descendants."
Grid nodded his head and shook hands with Kesle properly after that, he thanked his fellow cadets said his goodbye, and headed to the exit, but he was blocked by a knight who was wearing heavy armor, the Knight who was looking at Grid spoke.
"Greetings, my name is Rush a knight of Earl Ashur, I was instructed by the lord to test your skills in combat sir Grid."
Grid who was puzzled just nodded at the absurdity of the situation but still, he went to the training ground implying that he accepted, being followed by the knight Rush at the training grounds Grid reads the hidden quest that he received due to Earl Ashur wishing to test him.
[The Great Magician Ashur's Test is occurring!]
[Sparring mode is activated!]
[Hidden Quest: 'Great Magician Ashur's Test']
[Difficulty: A+
The Great Magician of the Eternal Kingdom, Ashur wants to assess your skills.
Do your best to get a good evaluation.
Quest Clear Condition: Last one minute in the spar. It is considered to be an elimination when your health enters the red zone.
Quest Clear Rewards:
No rewards if eliminated within 10 seconds.
Acquisition of a 'Random Spellbook' if you last more than 10 seconds.
Acquisition of 'Ashur's Favor' if you last more than 30 seconds.]
Seeing the quest Grid just smiled knowing that if he beat the knight Rush he would gain a hidden piece that would be very beneficial for him in the long run, as they arrived Grid took out a new item.
[Prodigy Bow]
[Rating: Unique
Durability: 600/600.
Attack Power: 510 ~ 770.
*15% bonus wind attribute damage.
*Can increase damage by 10% up to 100% when you hold the arrow for 5 seconds max 10 seconds.
*Attack speed is increased by 5%
*Hit rate increased by 10%
*Bow Mastery +4
*The passive skill 'Magic Arrow' is generated.
A Bow that's given to enlightened beings who have proven themselves to have what it takes to surpass his/her limit.
Conditions of Use: Grid, Archer with Intermediate Bow Mastery.
Weight: 60]
The other people seeing Grid coming back were interested because it seemed he would be sparring with someone, Kesle though worried for Grid since his facing a veteran knight who fought alongside Earl Ashur during the time of war, Rush then called out Kesle and said that he would be the referee for this match, Kesle having no choice nodded and said. "Both sides are you ready...?!" Grid and Rush just nod their head and readies themselves. "Begin...!"
Grid was the first to attack by using 'Heavy Shot' Rush who saw the arrow flying towards him immediately used his sword and tried to slash at it, but when it made contact unexpectedly he was pushed back due to the force of the arrow, what the people don't know is that the arrow was imbued with wind attribute which helps in increasing the power of 'Heavy Shot' and of course the extra magic damage from the passive skill of the bow 'Magic Arrow' which applies his magic power.
[Critical Hit!]
[Due to the level gap being over 100 the damage you dealt is decreased by 50%]
[You have dealt 4,372 damage.]
Rush who almost fell off the stage instantly fixed his balance by using a charge skill, Grid smiled at this knowing Rush couldn't dodge his next skill aimed his bow for 10 seconds, seeing Grid just aiming at him, Rush instinct was screaming at him to dodge, but it was already too late since Grid deployed the unique skill 'Gale Arrow' which flew towards him with the speed of sound which directly hits him in the chest.
[Critical Hit!]
[Critical Hit!]
[Due to the level gap being over 100 the damage you dealt is decreased by 50%]
[You have dealt 12,890 damage.]
[You have dealt 8,760 damage.]
Rush who took the full force of the arrow was sent flying toward the wall indicating a ring-out and knockout, Rush was unconscious due to the force of being hit by the 'Gale Arrow' and the impact of his momentum on hitting the wall, seeing this the cadets went wild and yelled "Grid! Grid! Grid!" Kesle who saw this was in awe because of Grid's feat of beating a knight, he then shakes his head and announces "Due to knockout and ring-out...! The winner of this match is Grid...! Hearing this the cadets celebrated Grid's victory.
[You have cleared the hidden quest 'Great Magician Ashur's Test'.]
[Due to your remarkable achievement all skills are increased by 5 levels due to beating an opponent who has a level 100 gap compared to your level.]
[You have gained the 4 basic elemental magic as a reward for your achievement.]
[Earl Ashur who has seen your performance is greatly interested in you, and is in favor of you because of your talent.]
[The title 'Limit Breaker' is received.]
[Limit Breaker]
All stats +20
Increase physical and magic damage by 10%
*When dealing with an opponent who has 10 levels or above the penalty of is reduced by half.
Grid who saw his fellow cadets celebrating his victory raised his bow with a smile, while this was happening Ashur and his wife who were spectating the match looked at Grid with interest, Ashur then said to his wife.
"It seems a genius has landed Patrian. What do you say, my dear wife? Shouldn't we introduce ourselves to him?"
His wife nodded and spoke in a soft tone "Indeed, it seems his already well-liked by our citizens, with that in mind his character should be good, unlike those new adventurers that arrive." Hearing his wife's words he nodded and thought that his territory would bloom thanks to this cadet named Grid...
[Name: Grid
Level: 8 (870/4,000)
Class: Beginner
*Can learn new skills when certain conditions are met.
Titles: 'Hunter' | 'Little Hero of Patrian' | 'Fortuna's Grace' | 'Genius' | 'Fast Thinker' | 'Protector | 'Guardian' | 'Genius Magician' | 'Embracing the Acidic Poison' | 'Pioneer of Magic' | 'Pioneer' | 'Miracle' | 'Master of Mana' | 'Enlightened One' | 'Ideal Champion' | 'Genius Swordsman' | 'Genius Spearman' | 'Genius Archer' | 'Limit Break' | 'Miracle Doctor'
Health: 985/985 | Mana 11,950/11,950
Strength: 30 +265 | Stamina: 40 +215 | Agility: 40 +270
Intelligence: 10 +515 (+131.25) | Good Luck: 11 +245 | Dignity: 10 +305 (+31.5)
Charm: 10 +195 (+41) | Sense: 1 +195 | Willpower: 1 +195
Persistence: 1 +195 | Indomitable: 1 +195 | Insight: 1 +195 (+19.6) |
Regeneration: 1 +195 | Wisdom: 1 +195
Stat Points: 160
Weight 145/975
Equipment: Prodigy Bow, Deluxe Spear, Deluxe Sword, Deluxe Shirt, Deluxe Pants, Deluxe Gloves, Deluxe Shoes, Lucky Charm, Prodigy Set.
Skills / Magic Skills: Poison Bullet, Acid Grace, Extreme Thrust, Spear Charge, Spear Shot, Heavy Strike, Sword Counter, Continuous Stab, Gale Arrow, Heavy Shots, and Multi Shots.
Passive Skills: Magic Insight, Keen Sense, Beginner Sword Mastery Level 6, Beginner Bow Mastery Level 6, Beginner Spear Mastery Level 6, Beginner Weapon Mastery Level 3, Beginner Magic Mastery Level 3, Beginner Staff Mastery Level 3, Beginner Fist Technique Level 3, Beginner Kick Technique Level 3, Beginner Body Technique Level 3, and Beginner Armor Mastery Level 3.]