Time passed minute by minute. Most students had already exited the novice realm, some had even finished registration and gone home with their parents. Yet Nia still had not seen the silhouette she had been waiting for.
Her anxiety only grew.
Most students were already out, so why had Shadowcaster still not appeared?
When she first met him, his level had clearly been higher than hers. That meant he must have entered the realm earlier as well. If they had entered at the same time, Nia was confident she would not have lost to anyone.
But even now, many students from Old Shipyard Port High had already returned.
Why was Shadowcaster still nowhere in sight?
Just as confusion consumed her thoughts, a familiar shape emerged in the glow of the white portal.
Nia's eyes widened instantly.
Yes. That was him. She was sure of it.
Shadowcaster.
She would never forget the figure who had stood before her when she faced the Dragonblood Troll, when she had been swallowed by despair. The moment she saw that outline, hope had returned to her. The image had burned itself deep into her heart.
But when the white light faded and the person's face became clear, Nia's excitement collapsed into shock.
Zayne? Why is it you?
Her expression chilled on the spot.
The memory of Zayne abandoning her to save himself surged back with a fresh wave of disgust.
If not for him leaving her behind, she would never have been forced into such a desperate situation. And now this man, whose cowardice was beneath even a single finger of Shadowcaster, appeared in the same stature and silhouette. It felt like an insult to Shadowcaster's very existence.
Her gaze toward Zayne turned sharp and distasteful.
Time was up, so I came out. What issue do you have with that?
Zayne frowned slightly.
What is wrong with this woman?
Do not speak to me. Stay far away. You make me sick.
Nia's tone dripped with contempt, as though she were talking to something rotten.
You are insane.
Zayne had no interest in arguing with her and simply turned to leave.
Seeing the tension, Norton hurried forward with a forced laugh to break the silence.
Zayne, you finally made it out. What level are you now?
As one of the school's two SSS class students, Norton had extremely high expectations for him.
Zayne did not bother explaining.
He simply displayed his status.
Zayne Forbidden Spellcaster Level 16
After removing the surveillance threat, he had used the last remaining hours to push for one more level.
Sixteen? Good, good wait.
Norton froze as though struck by lightning.
Sixteen?!
His scream echoed across the clearing, drawing everyone's attention instantly.
Students, teachers, parents all turned their heads, staring at Zayne as though he were a monster.
The previous record at Old Shipyard Port had been 11.
Nia had just broken it by reaching 12.
But now Zayne had leapt straight to 16.
Reaching level 16 in only seven days inside the novice realm was nothing short of madness. Even worldwide, such a leveling speed bordered on the monstrous.
This record would likely remain unbroken for many years to come.
From level 1 to 16 requires one hundred and twenty thousand total experience. The highest monsters in the novice realm are level 10. Assuming you hunted only level 10 monsters, that means each kill gives one hundred experience. That means you killed twelve hundred level 10 monsters?!
Norton was already counting with trembling fingers. The more he counted, the more his face paled, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.
That means you averaged a hundred and seventy two kills of level 10 monsters every single day. No eating, no drinking, no resting. You would still need to kill more than seven level 10 monsters every hour.
This this
The calculations left everyone horrified.
A level 10 monster was the apex threat of the novice realm. Even teams required twenty to thirty minutes to kill one.
And Zayne had supposedly killed more than seven every hour.
Was this boy even human?
Even Astrachior Zora's gaze lingered on Zayne a moment longer, eyes gleaming with quiet intrigue.
Zayne rubbed his nose.
If anything, the monsters in the realm had been too few. Most of his time had been spent looking for a target. As for the fight itself that was just dropping a Forbidden Spell. How long could that possibly take?
Everyone else was drowning in shock. They had witnessed a record shatter before their eyes.
Excellent Zayne. You are the pride of Old Shipyard Port High.
Norton clapped his shoulder repeatedly, face glowing with pride.
With both Nia and Zayne, Old Shipyard Port's victory in the upcoming academy trials felt inevitable.
Two SSS classes.
One level 12.
One level 16.
What school could stand against that?
Norton's grin burst across his face like a blooming chrysanthemum. Other principals cast him looks full of jealousy and resignation.
But then, a cold female voice sliced through the celebratory mood.
What is so impressive about level 16? Do not forget he is a Forbidden Spellcaster. If he is willing to throw his life away spamming Forbidden Spells nonstop, of course he levels fast.
Nia's voice carried nothing but disdain.
The sight of Zayne being praised only deepened her irritation.
How could trash like him be celebrated? A man like Shadowcaster was the one who deserved such admiration.
The moment Nia spoke, expressions around them shifted.
The admiration faded, replaced by scrutiny, mockery, and a hint of pity.
Ah, a Forbidden Spellcaster. Then it makes sense. They trade life for power.
This Zayne must be insane. Using Forbidden Spells nonstop just to level inside the novice realm. Normal Forbidden Spellcasters barely make it to thirty. At this rate he will be lucky to reach twenty.
All this just to show off? Truly pathetic.
Let him have his moment. Someone who gambles his lifespan for levels probably just wants to be admired for a few days before he dies.
Zayne's moment of glory was crushed in an instant.
What had been praise now became ridicule.
What had been awe was now pity.
Just like hearing a friend suddenly became rich, only to learn he had a fatal illness.
Would anyone still envy him?