Chapter 10: A Journey for Power

Four Days of Relentless Training

After four days of exhausting, nonstop training, I had made decent progress.

My swordsmanship had improved—my movements were sharper, my footwork more refined. My body was adjusting to its new strength, the lingering unfamiliarity from my transmigration fading. And my mana control was getting better, allowing me to sustain techniques longer without burning out.

But it wasn't enough.

Not even close.

I needed more.

And I knew exactly where to find it.

A hidden cheat—buried deep in the mountains, far beyond the academy's borders.

In the game, only a handful of players had ever discovered it, each one gaining an unfair advantage that let them skyrocket in power.

Now that I had a chance to claim it for myself?

I wasn't going to waste this opportunity.

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Leaving the Academy

Slipping out of the academy wasn't difficult.

Students had free time on weekends, and as long as I didn't act suspiciously, no one would stop me.

I packed light—some clothes, money, and basic supplies—before making my way toward the subway station.

My heart pounded with anticipation.

This was my first step outside the academy.

And the moment I stepped into the station, I was hit by a whole new world.

---

The City Beyond the Academy

The academy was isolated, a place where students trained in a controlled environment, away from distractions.

But the city?

It was alive.

The streets were packed with people from all walks of life—elves, dwarves, beastkin, and even a few demi-humans. Floating mana lamps illuminated the roads, casting a soft, ethereal glow. Magic-powered trains hummed in the distance, arriving at the platform with a burst of steam.

Street vendors shouted, advertising their enchanted wares—from self-heating cloaks to potions that promised instant recovery.

The air was filled with the scent of roasting meat, the sharp tang of alchemical ingredients, and the faint metallic smell of freshly forged weapons.

For someone who had spent most of his previous life in a hospital bed, this was overwhelming.

And exhilarating.

I took a deep breath.

This was the world I had been reborn into.

No more sterile hospital rooms. No more endless monotony.

Here, I could fight. Grow. Change my fate.

I clenched my fists.

Time to move.

---

Taking the Subway

The subway was one of the few modern remnants in this world, though it was powered by magic rather than electricity.

Just like in the game, it was an efficient way to travel between major cities.

I boarded the train and took a seat near the window, watching as the academy city faded into the distance, replaced by vast forests, rolling hills, and towering mountains.

The ride would take about an hour.

I leaned back, closing my eyes.

Once I reached the city, I had two immediate priorities:

1. Get a proper weapon. Training with a wooden sword was fine for fundamentals, but if I wanted to survive, I needed a real blade.

2. Stock up on supplies. The mountains weren't exactly forgiving to the unprepared.

And then?

I would hunt down the hidden cheat.

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Arrival at Blackridge City

When the train pulled into Blackridge City, I was immediately greeted by the scent of burning metal.

The sharp, rhythmic clang of hammers echoed through the air as blacksmiths worked in their forges, sparks flying with each strike.

This place was a hub for adventurers and warriors, known for its high-quality weapons and enchanted gear.

The perfect place to arm myself properly.

I made my way through the crowded market district, scanning the different weapon shops.

Most were flashy storefronts, displaying enchanted swords and finely crafted armor. Expensive. Overpriced.

But I wasn't looking for prestige.

I needed something practical.

And I found it.

A small, unassuming shop nestled between two larger buildings.

Unlike the others, this one wasn't decorated with glowing weapons or magic-infused armor.

It was simple. Efficient. No nonsense.

Perfect.

---

Buying My First Weapons

An old dwarf stood behind the counter, his white beard neatly tied back. His sharp eyes gave me a once-over before he spoke.

"You here to buy, or just wasting my time?"

I smirked. "Buying."

His gaze narrowed slightly, but he nodded, gesturing toward the weapons behind him.

I browsed the selection, testing the balance and weight of each blade.

Finally, I settled on two weapons:

1. A steel longsword – Simple, well-crafted, and durable. No fancy enchantments, but reliable.

2. A sharp dagger – Lightweight, easy to conceal, and perfect for quick counters or finishing blows.

I placed them on the counter. "How much?"

The dwarf scratched his beard before naming a reasonable price—not cheap, but fair.

I handed over the money.

He wrapped the weapons in cloth and passed them to me with a grunt.

"Take care of those," he said. "A weapon's only as good as the one wielding it."

I nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

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Stocking Up on Potions

With my weapons secured, I moved on to my next priority—potions.

I stopped by an alchemist's shop, where shelves were lined with vials of glowing liquids, each labeled with different effects.

After a quick selection, I purchased:

Mana recovery potions (x3) – In case I burned through my mana too quickly.

Healing potions (x2) – A precaution. Injury was inevitable.

Potions weren't cheap, but they were necessary.

After paying, I left the shop, my bag now noticeably heavier with supplies.

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Delaying Voidstep Training

Originally, I had planned to train my Voidstep ability before setting off.

But after testing Eclipse Vision a few days ago, I realized something critical.

Both abilities were extremely mana-intensive.

And Voidstep?

It drained ten times more mana than Eclipse Vision.

At my current level, I could barely use it once or twice before running dry.

If I ran out of mana in the middle of the mountains?

I was as good as dead.

So, for now… Voidstep training would have to wait.

Instead, I would focus on:

Refining my swordsmanship – The foundation of all my combat abilities.

Expanding my mana reserves – To use my skills more effectively.

Finding the hidden cheat – The key to gaining an early advantage.

Everything was set.

Now, all that was left…

Was to head toward the mountains.

I took a deep breath, adjusting the strap on my bag.

Time to see if this hidden cheat was really worth it.