Chapter 16
"Hey did you hear..."
"Yes but I still can't believe it"
"My dad says we should..."
"Yes same."
As Fin cautiously stepped into the classroom, he was immediately struck by the chaos that greeted him. The usual hum of chatter had escalated into a full-blown commotion, with students talking animatedly, desks slightly askew, and papers scattered across the floor. It was as if the orderly atmosphere he was accustomed to had been turned upside down.
This kind of behavior was unheard of at Lancaster Falls Academy, a prestigious private school known for its strict discipline and the impeccable conduct expected from its students. The children of the city's elite attended this institution, where decorum and tradition were held in the highest regard. The students, dressed in their crisp uniforms, usually sat prim and proper, exchanging polite conversation in low tones. But today, the classroom resembled anything but the usual scene of composed, well-mannered pupils.
Fin couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he observed the unexpected disorder. Although, he had always hated the quiet sophistication that marked every aspect of life at Lancaster Falls, this sudden break from the norm left him both very disturbed and unsettled. Something was definitely amiss.
As he moved further into the room, catching snippets of frantic conversations, the reason behind the chaos became clear. News had just broken that their neighboring country's government had finally collapsed after years of a brutal and drawn-out war with a powerful foreign aggressor. The conflict had raged for so long that many at Lancaster Hall had grown accustomed to hearing about battles and skirmishes in distant headlines, believing the war was a distant concern. But now, with the fall of the neighboring government, the harsh reality of the situation could no longer be ignored. The students, usually so shielded from the grim truths of the world, were now confronted with the terrifying implications of this devastating turn of events.
The usually quiet classroom buzzed with whispers of war, conflict, and a flurry of unfounded rumors. The air was thick with tension, as if the very walls of Lancaster Hall could feel the weight of the news. For the first time, the insulated bubble of wealth and privilege that Lancaster Hall represented had been pierced by the looming threat of violence and uncertainty. The once-untouchable aura of safety that surrounded the school now felt fragile, almost illusory.
Fin had always been aware of the war raging in the neighboring country; it was impossible to ignore the occasional headlines and hushed conversations that floated through the hallways. However, the idea of their own country being dragged into the conflict had always seemed like a distant, almost improbable thought. After all, their nation enjoyed a good relationship with the foreign aggressor, strengthened by years of diplomacy and trade. And with other, more vulnerable countries in the region to target, it seemed unlikely that the war would ever reach their doorstep. However, the real danger wouldn't come from the aggressor itself, but from the powerful nation backing the fallen government. If a full-fledged war between the two powerful countries truly broke out, wouldn't his own country—small yet bordered by both the aggressor and another nation that was part of the allied group supporting the fallen government—find itself dangerously close to the conflict? The strategic importance of his homeland, positioned between these warring forces, made the risk of being drawn into the war all the more likely.
Fin felt a chill run down his spine as the weight of the situation sank in but at the same time, he felt excited. His life had been strictly routine and monotonous, and the prospect of change—even one as dramatic as the potential outbreak of war—was invigorating. The thought of breaking free from his everyday monotony and confronting the challenges of a conflict stirred something deep within him. The idea of fighting in an actual war filled him with a thrill that was hard to ignore, yet he couldn't shake the nervousness that accompanied it. Suppressing all his nervousness and excitement, he sat down at the front and waited for the teacher to arrive and put an end to the chaotic atmosphere.
===
Status
Name: Fin ???
Age: 19
Race: Human
Class: None
Rank: F
Affiliation : ???
Characteristics: Insane, Narcissistic and attention-seeker
Tendency: Evil
Vigor: 100/110
Mana: 10/10
[Strength: 5]
[Agility: 7]
[Stamina: 6]
[Intelligence: 5]
[Defense: 5]
Active Skills:
Shit Decoy (Proficiency 3.2%) {Allows host to create shit quality decoys of himself. Duration: 1 hour ; Max Decoys: 2 ; Cooldown: 1 hour, Mana Cost: 0.5 per decoy}
Passive Skills:
Evil Tendency (Proficiency 1.06%) {Your mana takes on an evil form. All mana related attacks will be amplified. Attack power will continue to increase as your karma leans towards evil even more.}
Basic Mana Control (Proficiency 35%) {Allows you to manifest mana to a certain part of your body. Manifested mana will be infused with Evil Tendency.}
Traits: Insanity (Proficiency 4.39%) {If your actions are driven by insanity, all mana related attacks will be amplified. While the skill is active, you can decide to either augment your mana attacks or physical abilities.
Type: Seed Inheritance. Inheritors remaining: 678}
Ability: Basic Mana User {You can utilize mana and convert it into elemental forms such as fire, water and wind. Your control over your mana is extremely low.}
Condition: Healthy
(Soul Adjustment Perfected. Original rank and stats restored)
===
In a bustling train station with high ceilings and expansive glass windows, a young man sat alone on a sleek, metal bench. His raven-black hair was neatly styled, and his face, adorned with youthful features, was softened by the gentle glow of natural lights.
He stared intently at something invisible floating just in front of him. His expression was a blend of ecstasy and concentration, with his brows slightly furrowed and his lips pressed into a thoughtful line. The station's clean lines and large windows, which let in ample natural light, created a backdrop of muted, soft colors that seemed to fade as he became absorbed in his own thoughts. Amid the flood of travelers, he remained lost in his own world, as if the invisible object before him held a meaning only he could grasp.
"Ah I think I am starting to understand this bullshit a little better. So my soul was somehow transported and placed in Kez's body and system was trying to adjust my soul to this body. That might be why I felt so weak and feeble when I first arrived at this world. The skills I currently have must be Kez's original skills. Not bad. Not bad at all. Especially, this insanity skill. The proficiency shot up quite a bit and looks like it has a new effect already. Having the chance to augment my body is just too useful. You just can't go wrong. Also, my mana increased as well. It reached 10! Hey Hey Mister look, my mana reached 10. Isn't that awesome?"
Kez pointed at the system window floating in front of him and asked the person sitting next to him. The person stared at him with some disdain, muttered "Crazy Bastard" before leaving and finding a new bench to sit. Kez shook his head.
"People these days. Why they always gotta be in a bad mood? I mean sure you can't see my system window, but would it kill you to respond back with some enthusiasm? If someone asked me something with enthusiasm, I'd definitely give them a very engaged and lively response. Damn, it's like the simplest gestures of positivity are fading away. Tsk Tsk Tsk."
Kez was initially planning on flying to TROP but had to reconsider that choice after taking a second look at his wallet. If he decided to fly there, it would've taken only an hour or two but with a train, it would take over 10 hours.
"Damn it, I am so bored. Let's go bothe—I mean, talk to some people." As he was about to get up, A young girl walked towards him with a nasty expression on her face.
'Fuck what did I do this time?'
"Oi bastard, what the fuck are you looking at?"
"This!" Kez replied with excitement as he pointed at his system.
"Are you fucking with me? You were staring at me lecherously for the last 20 minutes. Do you not have any shame?" she said, a vicious smile slowly spreading across her face. "I guess the rumors are true. Your family really has given up on you. Why else would you be taking a train? Even that master of yours abandoned you huh? Hahaha karma is truly wonderful. You deserve all of this, you fucking bastard."
Kez looked at the girl carefully. She was a stunning young lady, with fiery red hair that cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. Her skin was fair, almost porcelain, with a delicate blush that hinted at her youth. Her eyes, a striking shade of emerald green, sparkled with a lively curiosity, framed by long, dark lashes that added depth to her gaze. High cheekbones and a well-defined jawline gave her an elegant profile, while her full lips curved into a ferocious smile.
She also wore a sleek, tailored black blazer over a crisp white blouse, paired with dark jeans that hugged her figure perfectly. The outfit was simple yet refined, exuding an air of effortless sophistication. Around her neck hung a delicate gold pendant, the only piece of jewelry she wore. The pendant bore an engraved symbol—a stylized phoenix rising from flames, its wings outstretched in a graceful arc. The detail was intricate, each feather meticulously carved, and the flames curling around the phoenix hinted at both power and renewal.
'That symbol on her pendant and that overly emphasized red hair...wait isn't she Allexis Leanello? If I remember correctly, she is one of the main characters of the original novel. How does she even know Kez? I think I vaguely remember something about how much she despised Stricoss. She is...from a fallen family right? Hehe no wonder she can't afford a flight.'
"What?! No wayyyy. Why would my family abandon me? Hahaha what nonsense. They love me. Ya...they love...Whatever. Get off your damn high horse. You are also taking the train. "
Allexis's sneer deepened, her eyes narrowing as she leaned in closer, her voice dripping with contempt. "Don't compare me to you, Kez. I'm here because I chose to be, not because I was forced by circumstance. My business here is of my own making, not some pathetic fallback because I can't afford a flight. But you… you're just pitiful, clinging to the scraps of whatever legacy your family left you."
"Chat is she being real right now?"
Allexis's vicious smile faltered for just a moment, her eyes flashing with confusion. "What are you even talking about? Did your pathetic self finally lost your mind. Such a disappointment."
Kez was about to respond, but the train's arrival interrupted her. The sleek, silver cars slid into the station with a smooth precision, the brakes hissing as the train came to a stop directly in front of them. The doors slid open with a soft chime, releasing a burst of cool air-conditioned relief that contrasted with the tension that had been crackling between them.
Allexis shot Kez a last look of disdain and then she turned on her heel and strode toward the nearest open door, her red hair swishing behind her like a fiery banner. Kez slowly watched her enter the business class compartment of the train and looked down at his own economy class ticket.
"Damn it, this is humiliating. I haven't been this humiliated ever since my meeting with that real estate agent. Damn rich kids. I hate them."
As he made his way onto the train, Kez couldn't help but rethink about his interaction with Allexis. He still found it hard to believe he was actually a character of a novel. After a while, he found an empty seat near the back of the car and plopped down, somewhat satisfied by the comfortable seat.
'Damn it, I wanted to buy something at the station. Screw her and that stupid red hair.'
Outside, the last few stragglers hurried to board before the doors slid shut with a soft hiss. The train gave a slight jolt as it began to move, smoothly accelerating out of the station, leaving behind whatever unresolved tension had lingered between Kez and Allexis.
Kez glanced out the window, watching the platform blur into motion as the train picked up speed. With Allexis out of sight, his thoughts began to wander. TROP. He wasn't sure if he was really looking forward to being trapped in TROP. Haha that was clever.
"Hey where are you going?" Kez asked to the passenger next to him.
"Huh? Why do you wanna know?"
"Ah forget it. You ruined the joke."
"What does that even mean?"
Kez ignored her and looked outside.
Outside, the scene changed from the cityscape of the station to the open countryside in a blink. The towering buildings of the city faded into lush, rolling fields that stretched endlessly under the bright sun. The wind was strong, making the tall grasses sway in waves that shimmered like liquid silver. Trees on the field's edge danced with the breeze, their leaves rustling softly, a pleasant contrast to the clattering of the train. Occasionally, the wind would whip up dust and stray leaves, some of which drifted into their cabin because of his gross negligence to close the window. Annoyed glances from other passengers went unnoticed as he gazed out the window, completely indifferent to their irritation.