Grace did not know what to expect when coming to his dorm room to meet his roommate. This is because the method of pairing students together was not ever told through the novel or through the various author notes that was left behind in each chapter.
This is completely random. Grace thought as he inserted a key into the doorknob and opened the door. Entering the room, he was met with a spacious living area with a television and couch and small table to put food or drinks on top of.
Beyond it was the kitchen area.
And to the left of him was a tiny corridor that would lead to their individual rooms.
"Grace Walker, in the flesh."
A boy that was the same height as himself, but carried himself with an overwhelming confidence that it almost seemed as if he was taller than what he truly was. Wearing the academy uniform, his crimson hair shimmered to complement his handsome face as he stood against the corridor wall.
He did not need to ask the name of this boy.
"Rufus Weaver."
Rank 2.
Ivan's main rival throughout the story.
And a devotee to the Ascending Eternal Deity of Flame.
However, it was quite different from Alice's devotion.
"Oh? You know me."
Grace sighed, nodding his head at the eccentric boy in front of him.
Alice could not fully realize the strengths of both deities due to a dual devotee only being able to fully maximize one deity since the devotee would have to seemingly "pick and choose" the characteristics they want to inherit from the Gods. So it only makes sense for her to split her decision up in a 80/20 split.
But for Rufus--it was different.
He not only could realize 100% of the deities strength due to him only having one God he prays to.
But the synchronization of him and Ascending Eternal Deity of Flame--there is no one in the entire world that can match the compatibility between him and Ascending Eternal Deity of Flame. It is because of this fact that he was able to increase and increase his strength over and over again despite Ivan having a cheat.
Rufus slid to his side, walking around him with a curious look on his face.
"I'm the cousin of Alice," Rufus told Grace. "You know, you never show yourself at the family gatherings that is hosted by your family. Also! Your siblings are terrifying!"
Grace was reminded of Rufus nature.
So quick to talk and do what he wishes.
It was overbearing.
Grace had to sigh again, shrugging him off.
"Just bother Alice or something."
He did not want to meddle in Rufus' affairs just yet. He was not in the position to do meddle in the political affairs of the Great Families just yet.
"Huaahhhh!"
Rufus sighed as he plopped himself on the chair.
He watched Grace put his things into his room and walked out of the dorm room.
~~~
Arriving at the training buildings, there were hundreds of students gathered. From the new batches of first-years to second and third years utilizing the battle room to spar with other students and the training pods that would assist them on their journey.
Sliding himself into an empty pod, Grace's eyes closed.
In the novel, the experience of using a training pod was akin to astral projection. As if they were leaving their bodies and entering a spiritual land that exceeded mortal laws.
"He" was currently asleep in the real world.
And Grace awoke in an empty white expanse.
"Interface."
A wide variety of options appeared before him, floating in a holographic form that made it seem like he was using a system.
I need to improve mana control. Grace thought as he summoned exactly one battle opponent. It was a blank being that was completely dark-blue in color.
[Normal Grade 9 Dummy]
As it stood, Grace was a Grade 10--one Grade lower than this dummy. Which would mean that he would be adequately challenged by the speed and attacks of the dummy due to the user gaining a boost in capabilities by experiencing a breakthrough to the next Grade.
Once a person hit the mark to break through to the next Grade--they must pray to the God again. The way doesn't necessarily matter but it is best to do it as perfect as possible.
It'll increase the return, after all!
The better you pray the better the strength and characteristic!
That is why you should always make sure you don't place yourself in a position that requires you to pray during battle!
Grace looked at the dummy before he readied himself.
The best way to improve is the the critical moment of battle!
The dummy shot forward, its speeds surpassing anything that Grace had ever done before. But it was not overwhelming enough to the point where he could not see the attack coming.
No--he could see it.
Pushing off the white expanse, Grace backed away as he conjured a light blade from behind him. He frowned at the lacking speed in casting but he did not press on it further. The dummy landed where he had been before and immediately leapt towards him, closing the difference in a matter of seconds.
Block?! No, that'll deal too much damage!
His main technique - summoning those blades and whatnot - were his unique technique that was precisely tailored and created by what is most suited to him by the Creator. That way, it was different from casting regular spells--this was his technique!
Anyone can cast elemental spells or passive spells or get artifacts from dungeons in order to further themselves.
But a unique technique/spell can never be replicated!
In doing so, Grace planted his feet on the white expanse and brought the blades of light in front of him. As the dummy swung its foot towards him, resembling a roundhouse kick, Grace ordered the minuscule blades to towards where he would be hit.
Fwam!
The blades of light blocked the leg. But Grace could feel the pressure--the draining of his mana was being fastened by the pressure of the leg. Grace responded by dematerializing the blades in order to catch the dummy's leg. Even though his strength lacked in comparison, he could still at least do this!
Bam!
The dummy was thrown to the ground, but it immediately recovered. It flipped into the mighty sky before annihilating Grace's face with a swift kick. Falling to the ground, Grace clicked his tongue as he rolled to the side, dodging a stomp to the face.
Grace got up and created distance between himself and the dummy. The dummy stayed still, merely observing Grace's movements.
It was adapting to his style.
How annoying. In order to defeat this dummy, I need to deal a swift an finalizing blow. It can't be shallow, but it can't be too noticeable or it'll be able to dodge. My casting speed is too slow to do it so straightforwardly. Then... Grace got an idea. Calming his heart, he ignored the pain that was filling him with conflict.
Allen was not used to the pain.
But the body and memory of Grace did.
And these past experiences completely override the Allen's inferior experiences in pain.
In doing so, he was able to move.
The dummy came to attack again. It was swift and elusive, looking at any decisive opening that could appear on a lesser Grade.
I came here to practice mana control, but look at me, getting into a brawl! Grace thought with a slight smirk. Well, any challenge right now will stimulate growth.
He had the talent of a transmigrator.
And the blessing of the Creator, after all.
The memories and memories of martial arts training flowed through Grace's head, his body moving on its own. Instead of blocking any attacks, Grace deftly redirected the dummy's swings. As sweat trickled down his cheek, Grace felt the rush of battle overcome his veins.
Leaning back, Grace avoided a kick. In response, Grace pressed with his own kick that the dummy blocked.
This guy... not only is he adapting, but he's learning my habits and learning my martial arts. As if fighting with a mirror, Grace saw the dummy shoot a jab towards his throat. Diving down and rolling to the left, he began to initiate his thought.
Looking to the side, Grace saw a smoldering foot shoot from above. However, his gaze remained even, even when his heart was pounding like thunder.
Swish!
Two blades came from behind, cleanly slicing the dummy's head off.
Hesitation would lead to defeat.
In a world that lingers with the scent of death--it is either kill or be killed.
"I choose kill."