---
Boom!
Kael Vi-rel stood tall amidst the chaos, his chest heaving with exertion and excitement. A broad smile split his face, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of battle and the surge of newfound power. As expected of my Luck Skill 99, he thought, feeling the electricity of possibility running through his veins.
"I've got a power I can use right away," Kael announced to himself with quiet confidence, voice steady despite the pounding battle sounds around him. "Then… shall we begin the quest properly?"
Without hesitation, Kael launched forward.
Boom, boom, boom! The clash of metal rang out as orcs and cadets collided in brutal combat. Kael's movements were a blur each swing of his sword was calculated, deadly, and executed with breathtaking speed. Swish... fwoosh! His blade tore through the air, catching an orc off guard.
The beast turned, snarling viciously as Kael's sword sliced deeply into its shoulder. "Aargh!" the orc roared, staggering backwards, blood spurting from the wound.
Kael's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "Nice hit, but it's not enough." He twirled, weaving between enemies with supernatural agility. "With this speed and force… they won't see me coming or react fast enough."
His blade sang again as he struck. "I can deal as much damage as I want. Hehe," he whispered, delighting in the rush.
Yet, a lingering thought remained.
It can't compare to Damon Reid's ability…
Kael thought of his mentor, Damon Reid, renowned across the provinces for his indomitable strength and unmatched combat skill.
Body Strengthening F/A
Description: This skill enhances the user's physical body, with growth directly proportional to their physical ability, mana reserves, and mental endurance. The more you push yourself, the faster and stronger you become.
Though Kael's own skill was only decent, it felt powerful enough. "With this, I feel I could take on entire squads myself." His smile grew wider, fueled by growing confidence.
Suddenly, the cacophony of battle was punctuated by a triumphant sound.
Bang! Boom! Boom! Boom!
A crisp ding sounded in Kael's ear.
You have completed the emergency quest.
You have completed the tutorial quest.
Rewards: 2 Intermediate Random Potion Boxes, 100 Game Points.
Another chime rang.
Ding!
Your Luck Skill has played its part.
You have gained 100 extra Game Points.
User Kael Vi-rel's recognition has drastically improved.
Notifications cascaded down.
You have gained 340 Game Points. You have reached the end.
Excessive use of Mana increases Mana capacity.
Use of the Body increases physical capabilities.
Magic control competency level drastically improved.
Kael exhaled deeply, the weight of relief mixing with pride.
I imagined finishing this without losing a single person, he thought, scanning the battlefield where his comrades fought fiercely. The rewards I earned truly match the danger I faced.
His fingers itched to open the Intermediate Random Potion Boxes immediately. I hope they contain potions to boost my abilities.
He activated one box without hesitation.
Ding!
You have received:
Low-Level Charm Boost: Increase charm by 0.3 points daily, total increase of 10 points.
Bonus: Users with less than 20 charm gain an extra 1 point.
Physical Growth Potion: Slightly enhances physical attributes strength, stamina, agility, and speed.
Kael's eyes sparkled with excitement. Wow! That's a total of 11 charm points. No more whispers about me looking like a goblin!
Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks. "Goodbye to my sad days," he whispered softly, feeling a burden lift from his heart.
Just then, a notification popped up from his master.
Master Vi-rel: The YouTube channel is improving.
Kael sniffled, wiping his eyes. "Really?" he asked aloud.
Your video of the spar with Mr. Silva is getting a great response, the message continued.
The fact that both of you are cadets and followers of Mr. Silva's group has boosted views.
Kael grinned. I knew starting a YouTube channel was the right move. It's not just about fighting; building a reputation matters.
He jumped up and down in excitement. The start was better than I imagined. I can really do this.
---
One Hour Later — The S-Class Classroom
Outside the classroom window, the sky above the Dark Lands was a perpetual twilight heavy and oppressive. The Devil Tower, a twisted spire of black stone, pierced the sky like a spear, casting long shadows over a devastated landscape. All around, battles raged between humans and monsters.
Those who survived often had to surrender their humanity, becoming monsters themselves trading their souls for power.
"That's why this place is called the Black Land, or the Dark Lands," Seraphina Dusk said gravely, her gaze sweeping across the room filled with young cadets.
Her voice was calm but carried the weight of hard-earned knowledge. "It's a harsh truth every one of you who operates under the title of 'hero' must understand."
A brave cadet raised his hand, voice trembling with curiosity. "Why do they sell their souls?"
Seraphina nodded approvingly. "Excellent question. They form contracts with beings known as Godheads or entities of similar power and rank. These beings offer immense magic and strength."
Another cadet, eyes wide with wonder, asked, "Is that a kind of contract we can sign later? Like a partnership?"
"Exactly," Seraphina confirmed. "But remember contracts and subordination are very different. Experience and achievements grant you a class."
She paused, allowing the room to absorb her words. "Once you attain a class, you gain the ability to forge contracts with powerful entities."
Her expression darkened. "But no one survives the Dark Lands by relying on contracts alone."
To emphasize her point, Seraphina activated a video. The room filled with grainy footage of a hero locked in a desperate battle, the clash of steel against claws echoing eerily. The hero fought bravely but was ultimately overwhelmed and killed by a monstrous creature.
The classroom was silent. Many students turned away, their faces pale.
"This is the harsh reality in the black Lands," Seraphina said softly.
The lesson hung heavy in the air harsh, unyielding, yet necessary.