Candidate Kael Vi-rel: 1022 /1000 points.
"No way…"
The murmurs in the waiting hall turned into an uproar. Vi-rel had just stepped out, his tired footsteps echoing faintly as all eyes turned toward him.
They couldn't even gather the words to stop him too shocked, too confused.
"Wait, did you see that?! 1022 points?!" one cadet gasped.
"Where the hell did he come from?" another added. "He looks like… like a goblin!"
"You've got a point. He is ugly… but also kind of cool."
The next day.
The entire Nexus Hero Academy was buzzing. Conversations in the hallway, whispers at lunch tables, and online forums were all filled with one name.
Kael Vi-rel.
"I heard he mocked Damon Reid, Elric Vales, and even Lucian Crowe during the exam."
"Damn, this guy's got guts."
Vi-rel walked through the academy hallway, his hands stuffed in his pockets. Whispers trailed behind him like invisible chains, dragging unwanted attention wherever he went.
Mocked them? Me? he frowned internally. What the hell are they talking about? I barely spoke during that whole test…
The truth was far from the rumors. Vi-rel had stayed longer in the dungeon not because he was reckless or cocky attitude, but because he'd run out of mana. The Twin-Headed Trolls he faced weren't easy prey either they were busy arguing about who got to kill him first.
It was chaotic. I just got lucky. That's all.
Still, it was part of my strategy. I dumped every extra point into Luck before the exam…
He sighed as more students stared at him as he quickly pass the hallway.
"How dare he act like that! He's not even good-looking!" a girl said, flipping her hair dramatically. "I couldn't stand looking at his face for more than a minute."
Vi-rel winced, what the hell.
It was true.
Out of all his stats, Charm was his lowest. Abysmally low, in fact. At a glance, anyone could tell it was in the single digits.
Charm stat: 3
That's right. He checked again through the reflection of a nearby classroom window.
"…I mean, I don't look like a goblin, right?" he muttered.
His reflection didn't answer, but it didn't flatter him either.
"I seriously need to raise my charm stat before someone actually tries to kill me because they think I'm a monster."
He scratched his head, half-tempted to smile to test his face. Nope. Still rough. Like a tired raccoon.
Still, he shifted his thoughts. There was something else to check.
Let's see the rewards then.
> Ding! Quest Achievement Completed.
Congratulation!! Congratulation!.
1. You finished top during the Nexus Hero Academy practical examination!
Reward: Grade – Rare
2. The weakling known as Kael Vi-rel had no presence. From now on, your presence will begin to grow.
3. Your popularity has increased. You've gained attention from some of the main characters.
You received (GP) Game Points: +58
Your school ranking has risen to 564th place from 4000+
> You completed your goal with a large record. Congratulations! Congratulations!!
Vi-rel blinked. "Wait… 564th place? I was just at the bottom yesterday…"
> Your high luck has played a part. You've acquired:
1x Low-Grade Weapon Box Card
3x Random Box Cards
> Your unbelievable luck is in effect. Your Low-Grade Weapon Box Card has been upgraded to:
3x Mid-Level Weapon Box Cards
He let out a slow, impressed whistle.
Not bad. This isn't bad at all. These achievements will come in handy later. And since stats aren't everything in this world, I should save up my Game Points for the future.
Alright then. Time to try my luck again to see what kind of new stuff I get.
> You used a Mid-Level Weapon Box Card.
> Ding! Ding!
> You received: Sword Technique – Babban Sword
Grade: Rare
A sword used by an ancient Barbarian warrior, though modified over time. It still very important.
Your Strength +3
Your Stamina +3
Grants a 30% increase in Strength and Attack when used for all-out attacks, at the cost of a 10% reduction in Agility and Stamina.
> Cooldown: 24–48 hours depending on usage. Duration: 1 Minute.
Vi-rels eyes widened.
"Holy crap! This is great!" having a sword technique is very important.
He grinned to himself. Though his face didn't make him stand out for good reasons, at least his rewards did.
Babban gear, huh? If I could get more items like this, I could stack passive buffs… and eventually offset my charm problem too.
He headed toward the student dormitories.
>
> 103. > 104.
> Welcome, Student Kael Vi-rel, to the dormitory.
Vi-rel entered his room slowly, exhaling as he shut the door behind him. A spacious dorm, enough for three people… yet completely empty.
No roommates. No family. Just silence.
He walked toward the large window and stared out. The academy grounds stretched far into the distance training fields, classrooms, the administration tower… and people. Lots of them.
It's weird.
Even with all this progress, I still feel alone.
This was supposed to be his second life. A new beginning.
In the original story, Elric Vales should've finished first. I hope I haven't changed the plot too much already.
He wasn't ready to derail the game story's flow yet. Not until he gathered enough power to survive the late-game chaos that was sure to come.
Gym Area – Nexus Hero Academy
Though the school had not officially resumed, the academy had prepared open training zones for cadets to practice and hone their abilities.
Most students, exhausted from the entrance exam, wouldn't dream of coming here this early to train.
Except for one person.
"Hua… huff… hufff!"
Sweat dripped from the chin of a tall figure wielding a massive iron pillar with practiced ease. Muscles rippled under a sleeveless shirt as he swung again and again, each strike stronger than the last.
"Hua… huff… hufff!"
He paused for a moment, breathing hard.
"…Kael Vi-rel," he growled.
"I don't know who you are or how you finish first… but you've made me restless."
His grip tightened around the iron hilt. Sparks of energy crackled around him.
"I'll see you soon."