As the machine displays [Platinum Rank 2] above, the awe on the faces of James, Sarah, and the other participants is palpable. I have surpassed James himself, achieving a higher rank than anyone expected. The flawed nature of the machine's ranking system becomes evident to me. If only I had unleashed my full power, I would have surely obtained an even higher rank. Nevertheless, I am content with my current standing. Sarah collects my Adventurer's card, inputting it into the equipment she holds. With a smile, she informs me that I have become a C-rank adventurer and returns my card.James calls out the next participant, which happens to be Marilyn. She confidently envelops herself in a radiant aura of Mana and dashes forward, her body fully immersed in its empowering energy. It is a sight to behold as she approaches the drum-like machine. With a graceful leap, Marilyn casts a large Fireball spell, her voice echoing with ancient incantations."By the power of the eternal flames, I comma
{Fast Paced}"Master," Marilyn's voice rings out, frustration evident as we stand in a corner of the guild. "Why did you give her those precious items?""Marilyn, those items are useless to me," I reply, shaking my head. "Verona has shown her potential, and she deserves a chance to flourish. Besides, it's not about the items themselves, but the support and belief we offer to our comrades.""But your Mom gave them to you," Marilyn mutters, still pained by the fact that I gave Verona those items."Marilyn, I don't know why you feel this way about Verona, but I want you to understand that my priority is ensuring everyone's well-being," I say, placing a hand on Marilyn's shoulder. "Verona has proven herself, and it's important for us to support one another as friends."Marilyn's expression softens, and she lets out a sigh. "I don't hate her. My only priority is making sure that you are okay," she confesses, her voice filled with concern.I smile and pull her into a gentle embrace. "I appr
[Five Years Later]Inside a dense forest, anticipation fills the air as a tall elf, his silver hair cascading behind him, stands amidst towering trees. His piercing gaze reflects unwavering determination, matched only by his unparalleled skill with the sword. Each swing of his katana cuts through the air with swift precision.The masterfully crafted katana glimmers in the dappled sunlight that filters through the thick foliage. Its polished steel gleams, its keen edge a testament to its lethal potential. As he moves, the harmonious symphony of steel resonates, blending with the rustling leaves in perfect rhythm.With each swing, the elf's movements grow more intense, pushing the boundaries of what seems humanly possible. His agility and speed defy imagination. The surrounding trees tremble, their leaves quivering in awe of the force that emanates from him.In a sudden burst of motion, he leaps into the air, his katana held high above his head. The ground beneath him quakes as he desce
I am good to go huh...[Yes, master]The more my Mana pool expands, the more I realize the vast distance between each rank. Master Rank 2 feels as distant as heaven and Earth compared to my current stage at Master Rank 1. If it weren't for the abundant resources my Mom provided, I would still be stuck at Diamond Rank 1. However, most of the resources she gave me have been depleted. I suppose it's time to return home.As I ponder, a smile graces my face as I recall a particular person.System, how long does one spend in the academy before graduating?[At most, five years. Some mages do stay longer before graduating]I see... Arya must be back in the Elf Kingdom. I wonder how she has changed over the years.Silence fills the air as the System contemplates.[Do you plan on continuing your relationship with her?]I'm not sure, to be honest. When we were younger, she was only fifteen, and that's why I refrained from having sex with her despite her interest. Now that she is twenty, she has
"Wild bronze rank 2 rabbits? Okay, I'll c-cook it. I'll serve it with the broth I made," Marilyn agrees, though her bashful demeanor remains evident. Taking the Rabbits from my hand, she sets to work, carefully arranging twigs and branches to build a fire. Her fingers work with finesse, and soon, the fire begins to crackle and dance.With the fire ablaze, Marilyn handles the wild Rabbits with great care. She deftly prepares them for cooking, seasoning them with a selection of herbs and spices we found during our journey. Watching her focused movements, I am captivated by her culinary prowess.As she places the Rabbits on a makeshift grill over the fire, the tantalizing aroma of seasoned meat fills the air. It's a delightful blend of herbs and smoky goodness.As the Rabbits cook, Marilyn occasionally glances my way, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the fire and perhaps from something more than just the flames. I find myself unable to meet her gaze, my own face reddening with embarr
"W-What... You want to go to the Death Valley?!" Marilyn asks me with a stutter, her eyes widening in surprise."Well, I am kinda bored, you know? So, I thought it was best if I head there today," I tell Marilyn while rubbing the back of my head, trying to downplay my restlessness."But we agreed that we were going to go together... W-Why do you want to go alone?" Marilyn asks, her fingers fidgeting nervously."Sigh... I told you, I am kinda bored of this place. I want to return home as soon as possible before going to Xyrus Academy," I reply again, my impatience starting to show."So, you've decided to attend Xyrus Academy just like your sisters, the prestigious academy of Treazerall? That's where I also graduated, and trust me, it's not fun," Marilyn mutters, glancing pensively at the sky."Since I am also bored, let's go there together," Marilyn says with a smile, her face slowly regaining its usual color.Her suggestion surprises me, and I can't help but smile in return. "Really?
Seeing the monster, my eyes widen in shock. Before me stands a Goblin, but not just any Goblin—a Goblin Master Rank 1. We share the same level, a revelation that sends a jolt of surprise through me."Goblin Master Rank 1? Same level as me, eh?" I mutter, unable to believe my eyes. In the next moment, I grab the hilt of my sword and draw it, preparing for what comes next."Kekekek~ Kekekek~ Foodoo~ Foodoo~" The Goblin begins uttering gibberish as it approaches me, a disturbing chant that sends shivers down my spine.Enveloping my entire body with aura, I charge forward, slashing my sword at the Goblin. However, the creature reacts with surprising agility, ducking to the side and evading my attack.It retaliates by clumsily swinging its rusted sword at me, and I swiftly parry its attack. The strength behind its blows nearly matches my own, and our speed is almost identical, a testament to the Goblin's surprising prowess.But despite its skills, a monster will always be a monster. "Fireb
Before me stands a colossal Mana beast, a towering figure at seven feet tall. Its broad shoulders and large hands contrast with its relatively smaller legs. Its rocky, stone-like body is marred by countless cracks from which lava burns brightly, creating an eerie spectacle.My heart races as the beast raises its hand, mirroring my earlier gesture. With a resounding bang, a barrage of lava bullets erupts from its hand, hurtling towards me at incredible speed.I manage to dodge most of them, but one grazes my cheek, drawing a few drops of blood.The creature drops its hand and opens its mouth wide in a menacing display.Without hesitation, I swing my hand in the air and calmly command, "Ice wall!" In response, a protective wall of ice materializes in front of me. As anticipated, a burst of lava erupts from the beast's mouth, colliding with my ice barrier. The scorching temperature of the lava melts the ice upon contact, but the split-second delay grants me just enough time to evade the
Before me stands a colossal Mana beast, a towering figure at seven feet tall. Its broad shoulders and large hands contrast with its relatively smaller legs. Its rocky, stone-like body is marred by countless cracks from which lava burns brightly, creating an eerie spectacle.My heart races as the beast raises its hand, mirroring my earlier gesture. With a resounding bang, a barrage of lava bullets erupts from its hand, hurtling towards me at incredible speed.I manage to dodge most of them, but one grazes my cheek, drawing a few drops of blood.The creature drops its hand and opens its mouth wide in a menacing display.Without hesitation, I swing my hand in the air and calmly command, "Ice wall!" In response, a protective wall of ice materializes in front of me. As anticipated, a burst of lava erupts from the beast's mouth, colliding with my ice barrier. The scorching temperature of the lava melts the ice upon contact, but the split-second delay grants me just enough time to evade the
Seeing the monster, my eyes widen in shock. Before me stands a Goblin, but not just any Goblin—a Goblin Master Rank 1. We share the same level, a revelation that sends a jolt of surprise through me."Goblin Master Rank 1? Same level as me, eh?" I mutter, unable to believe my eyes. In the next moment, I grab the hilt of my sword and draw it, preparing for what comes next."Kekekek~ Kekekek~ Foodoo~ Foodoo~" The Goblin begins uttering gibberish as it approaches me, a disturbing chant that sends shivers down my spine.Enveloping my entire body with aura, I charge forward, slashing my sword at the Goblin. However, the creature reacts with surprising agility, ducking to the side and evading my attack.It retaliates by clumsily swinging its rusted sword at me, and I swiftly parry its attack. The strength behind its blows nearly matches my own, and our speed is almost identical, a testament to the Goblin's surprising prowess.But despite its skills, a monster will always be a monster. "Fireb
"W-What... You want to go to the Death Valley?!" Marilyn asks me with a stutter, her eyes widening in surprise."Well, I am kinda bored, you know? So, I thought it was best if I head there today," I tell Marilyn while rubbing the back of my head, trying to downplay my restlessness."But we agreed that we were going to go together... W-Why do you want to go alone?" Marilyn asks, her fingers fidgeting nervously."Sigh... I told you, I am kinda bored of this place. I want to return home as soon as possible before going to Xyrus Academy," I reply again, my impatience starting to show."So, you've decided to attend Xyrus Academy just like your sisters, the prestigious academy of Treazerall? That's where I also graduated, and trust me, it's not fun," Marilyn mutters, glancing pensively at the sky."Since I am also bored, let's go there together," Marilyn says with a smile, her face slowly regaining its usual color.Her suggestion surprises me, and I can't help but smile in return. "Really?
"Wild bronze rank 2 rabbits? Okay, I'll c-cook it. I'll serve it with the broth I made," Marilyn agrees, though her bashful demeanor remains evident. Taking the Rabbits from my hand, she sets to work, carefully arranging twigs and branches to build a fire. Her fingers work with finesse, and soon, the fire begins to crackle and dance.With the fire ablaze, Marilyn handles the wild Rabbits with great care. She deftly prepares them for cooking, seasoning them with a selection of herbs and spices we found during our journey. Watching her focused movements, I am captivated by her culinary prowess.As she places the Rabbits on a makeshift grill over the fire, the tantalizing aroma of seasoned meat fills the air. It's a delightful blend of herbs and smoky goodness.As the Rabbits cook, Marilyn occasionally glances my way, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the fire and perhaps from something more than just the flames. I find myself unable to meet her gaze, my own face reddening with embarr
I am good to go huh...[Yes, master]The more my Mana pool expands, the more I realize the vast distance between each rank. Master Rank 2 feels as distant as heaven and Earth compared to my current stage at Master Rank 1. If it weren't for the abundant resources my Mom provided, I would still be stuck at Diamond Rank 1. However, most of the resources she gave me have been depleted. I suppose it's time to return home.As I ponder, a smile graces my face as I recall a particular person.System, how long does one spend in the academy before graduating?[At most, five years. Some mages do stay longer before graduating]I see... Arya must be back in the Elf Kingdom. I wonder how she has changed over the years.Silence fills the air as the System contemplates.[Do you plan on continuing your relationship with her?]I'm not sure, to be honest. When we were younger, she was only fifteen, and that's why I refrained from having sex with her despite her interest. Now that she is twenty, she has
[Five Years Later]Inside a dense forest, anticipation fills the air as a tall elf, his silver hair cascading behind him, stands amidst towering trees. His piercing gaze reflects unwavering determination, matched only by his unparalleled skill with the sword. Each swing of his katana cuts through the air with swift precision.The masterfully crafted katana glimmers in the dappled sunlight that filters through the thick foliage. Its polished steel gleams, its keen edge a testament to its lethal potential. As he moves, the harmonious symphony of steel resonates, blending with the rustling leaves in perfect rhythm.With each swing, the elf's movements grow more intense, pushing the boundaries of what seems humanly possible. His agility and speed defy imagination. The surrounding trees tremble, their leaves quivering in awe of the force that emanates from him.In a sudden burst of motion, he leaps into the air, his katana held high above his head. The ground beneath him quakes as he desce
{Fast Paced}"Master," Marilyn's voice rings out, frustration evident as we stand in a corner of the guild. "Why did you give her those precious items?""Marilyn, those items are useless to me," I reply, shaking my head. "Verona has shown her potential, and she deserves a chance to flourish. Besides, it's not about the items themselves, but the support and belief we offer to our comrades.""But your Mom gave them to you," Marilyn mutters, still pained by the fact that I gave Verona those items."Marilyn, I don't know why you feel this way about Verona, but I want you to understand that my priority is ensuring everyone's well-being," I say, placing a hand on Marilyn's shoulder. "Verona has proven herself, and it's important for us to support one another as friends."Marilyn's expression softens, and she lets out a sigh. "I don't hate her. My only priority is making sure that you are okay," she confesses, her voice filled with concern.I smile and pull her into a gentle embrace. "I appr
As the machine displays [Platinum Rank 2] above, the awe on the faces of James, Sarah, and the other participants is palpable. I have surpassed James himself, achieving a higher rank than anyone expected. The flawed nature of the machine's ranking system becomes evident to me. If only I had unleashed my full power, I would have surely obtained an even higher rank. Nevertheless, I am content with my current standing. Sarah collects my Adventurer's card, inputting it into the equipment she holds. With a smile, she informs me that I have become a C-rank adventurer and returns my card.James calls out the next participant, which happens to be Marilyn. She confidently envelops herself in a radiant aura of Mana and dashes forward, her body fully immersed in its empowering energy. It is a sight to behold as she approaches the drum-like machine. With a graceful leap, Marilyn casts a large Fireball spell, her voice echoing with ancient incantations."By the power of the eternal flames, I comma
The drum-like machine emanates powerful vibrations, causing the surface to ripple and reverberate across the field. Instantly, digital figures materialize above the machine.[Platinum Rank 1]"Woooh~" James utters softly as he lands on the ground next to the dark elf."I'm Sarah, and as you can see, James struck the machine with his fist. Before attempting this, whether you are a mage or awakened, it's crucial to envelop your hand with Mana while utilizing your quirk or spell, if possible. This ensures that the machine accurately assesses your full potential. For those unable to employ Mana, don't be disheartened. Even with a low score, you can swiftly ascend the ranks as an adventurer by completing missions. This is because we are unable to gauge the complete capabilities of Rogues.""Furthermore, we developed this machine to address a problem where individuals would conceal their true strength during tests, causing future disruptions. To prevent such cases, we believe this machine p