Chapter 22 - Registration(I)

Chapter 22 - Registration(I)

"Is this really alright? I prefer my usual wear, ugh." Raven checked himself in the mirror and remarked. 

Raven had woken up very early in the morning to begin his practice. No, actually, he only had a little sleep the night before. It was a total nightmare though. How was he expected to sleep through all the nervousness? 

Today was the registration day for the regional examination. For days, he had been looking forward to this very day, and when it finally arrived, he didn't know how to react. It was rare for him to feel this level of anxiousness.

"Ugh, Blaike got it for me, so it would work… I guess." 

Blaike was a true fashion nova. He knew better than to doubt her sense of aesthetics.

A week ago, she had gifted him this piece— a tight turtleneck and a jacket over it, both designed for combat purposes. She had also given him a complete makeover that comprised horrendous activities like braiding his green strands and shaping his eyebrows. When she was done, Raven felt like he had been violated all over. He now carried a new understanding of Blaike's passionate hobby. As the saying goes, "Always fear women.". Always!

It was a pity that Raven rejected going to the registration with Blaike and Kase. Raven was already accompanying Trix. He couldn't let her down after everything.

"Ahh, time is running fast." 

Raven picked up Blaike's last gift to him. The silver metallic wristband vibrated as he put it on. Immediately, a blue holographic panel appeared in front of him.

『Arcpad activated…Identifying user…』

『Identification failed.』

『Self-destruct in three… two… one.』

『Self-destruction halted. Unknown interference.』

『Reboot.』

『Rebooting…』

『Reboot complete.』

『Arcpad Ver 2.1 launched. Hello, new host』

『Registering new host… unable to connect to the universal database.』

『Registering…』

『Registration complete. Please input your name, host.』

"Raven," Raven spoke in a cool voice. He wasn't surprised by the turn of events. He had already been prepared for this.

『Initiating…』

『Host  "Raven" initiated. What function do you require?』

"Status!" Raven said excitedly. Blaike might have just got him the best gift ever.

『Launching "status"...』

『Unable to connect to the universal database… Launching system-built database…』

『Launch complete.』

『Welcome Raven.』

The panels disappeared after the last message. 

Raven frowned and thought about hitting the arcpad, but stopped as he remembered Blaike told him it was intentionally defective. Hitting it would just make matters worse.

"Hmmm… what a—"

Suddenly, bright blue lights ensnared his eyes.

『Welcome Raven.』

╔

⟦Name:  Raven⟧

⟦Path:  Undefined⟧

⟦Trait:  Undefined⟧

⟦AP:  %*@$$⟧

╝

『Error… Error found: #030165… 』

『Connecting to the supreme database…』

『Connection complete. "Status" updated.』

╔

⟦Name:  Raven⟧

⟦Class: Class II (Early-Initiate)⟧

⟦Path:  Undefined⟧

⟦AP:  20*⟧

╝

⟦Alchemical Arcane Sigil:  ❰Immoral Garden of the Wild❱⟧

⟦Skills: ⟪Fundamental Ether Channeling(IV)⟫, ⟪Unnamed Secret Art⟫, ⟪Adamic Language⟫, ⟪Seventh Sense⟫⟧

╔

Attributes' Nixy Window:

⟦Strength: E-⟧

⟦Agility: E⟧

⟦Constitution: E+ ⟧

⟦Ether Control: E+⟧

⟦Perception: C+⟧

⟦Final Assessment(New Sun Order): E⟧

╝

"Hmmm… just as I expected."

The Arcpad was a new-gen device created by the Order to track the power progression of the user's supernatural powers, thereby assisting them with statistical analysis. It was mostly used by officials of the order's officers and insanely rich aristocrats. Yet, Blaike managed to get her hand on one of them.

Even Raven didn't know how that was possible. However, it was intentionally cut from the Order's database to prevent his information from syncing with the database.

Raven frowned, "There are still some issues tho. Ugh.."

For starters, the status was really outdated. Apparently, the newer versions had more analysis. Secondly, the status left no explanation for the parameters used. Raven would just have to guess using logic.

Another glaring problem was that not all his skills were presented in the status.

"I don't know what makes a 'skill' but if ⟪Ether Channeling⟫ listed as one, I think ⟪Ether Cycling⟫ would certainly qualify as a skill."

Raven sighed as his grey eyes reflected the cool blue of the panel. "That is okay. I can simply use it as a reference. Plus, with this, now I don't need to get another phone."

His last phone was destroyed during his battle with Light Dorin. Since he had quit his previous job after becoming a mystic, his savings were gradually depleting. He couldn't even afford the headset of his choice.

Raven's eyes glinted as a crafty thought came to him. 'If I coddle up to Blaike and sweeten her with words, I would definitely get a new headset. Hahaha. I could even go to the concert without having to sneak in!'

In his eyes, Blaike's figure became a flying fat golden pig. He would definitely work hard to milk out every money that he could. As a matter of fact, who needs a job when he has a perfect one right here?!

"Hahaha, I—Oh shoot, I'm running late!"

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Western Arena was located in the upper district–the home of aristocrats, surrounded by an exquisite exhibition of buildings.

The sun rose beautifully above the Western Arena on this day. Its golden radiance lit the old building, adorning it with a flawless imperial structure that hinted at the deep-rooted history of the arena. Various bronze statues of historical figures lined the path from the entrance to the very center of the arena—the exam hall.

Hours passed by in the waiting hall.

Soon, the registration for the literal exam kicked out. In no surprise, the registration was in the form of a preliminary examination on general topics. The atmosphere became unsettling as piles of question papers were given to each examinee. The stench of sweat quickly surrounded everyone.

This was a do-or-die situation.

 No! There was only  "do" here. Death was not allowed!

The result of this exam would shape their future forever. The children understood, especially those from underprivileged families. This was their only chance. Their one chance to strike it big and become a valuable person to society. The Order provided a free entry on the first trial of registration. But the second time one registered, it would come with a hefty fee, especially if they exceeded the age limit. Make no mistake, only aristocrats could afford the registration fee.

Meanwhile, in a nearby room, a well-dressed man fiddled with his pen as watched the examination on the holographic display. "Honestly, what a bunch of bums. Why are they acting like the questions are any difficult? I chose all five hundred questions from kids' books."

His assistant, a young woman, replied, "Sir, while Charmire might be a potential economic hub on the surface, it still grapples with the issues of a lower standard of living. The recent statistics suggest that 40% of the examinees cannot afford basic education, so their struggles are not surprising. If you wish to improve this zone's results in the regional examination, I'd advise you to start from the roots, Sir."

"Hmm… I understand, Jemna. Let's see the promising ones in this round. If they are good enough, I can extend a helping hand to the others."

"A magnificent plan indeed, Sir!"

"Hmph! Stop glazing me!" Although Codix said that, a shameless smile appeared on his face. "This brings back memories. I almost clinched the first seat in my examination, you know."

Jemna straightened her glasses and said in a composed voice, "Sir, according to my research, you weren't in the top 100 rankings."

Silence ensued as Codix's face burned brightly. He underestimated the coldness of this assistant. Wasn't she supposed to fan his feathers? Why was he being dissed horribly instead?

"Tch. That is because I was in an examination with monsters. This can't compare! A whole different ball game!"

"Sir, you were in a higher zone. Every child there is born naturally gifted and adequately prepared for the next stages of their life. In Charmire, however, there exist significant differences between the three classes."

Codix narrowed his eyes. "Meaning?"

"Nothing, Sir. For you to survive the examination in a class of monsters is an astounding feat in itself!"

"Tch. I don't know if you are complimenting me or not!" Codix squinted his eyes at her suspiciously.