Chapter 104 : The Calm Before the Storm
Alden sat cross-legged in his dimly lit dorm room, his breath steady, his focus absolute. He could feel it—the shift, the subtle but undeniable transformation deep within his core.
His mana flowed like a river, no longer sluggish but refined, potent. His aura felt sharper, more controlled. And then—
Crack!
It wasn't a physical sound, but he felt it in his very being. A surge of energy pulsed outward, spreading through his body before settling into a calm, steady rhythm.
He had broken through.
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[Status Window]
Name: Alden Blackwood
Race: Human
Rank: D (↑)
Mana Capacity: D+
Affinities: None
Physique: Enhanced (Due to Purification)
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Basic Stats
Strength: D (↑)
Agility: D+ (↑)
Intelligence: C+
Mana: D+
Stamina: D (↑)
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Weapon Arts Progress
Alden's eyes skimmed through the updated status window, his focus lingering on the Weapon Arts Progress section.
My techniques have improved… but they're still far from mastery.
Five Forms of the Crimson Moon (5-Star) [1/5 Unlocked]
First Form: Lunar Severance – A devastating single slash that cuts through mana defenses. [Proficiency: 30% → 45%]
A powerful technique, but the activation speed is still slow. If I can refine it further, I could use it in real combat instead of relying on perfect openings.
Shadow Fang Dagger Art (3-Star) [40% → 50% Proficiency]
A deceptive, high-speed dagger style. I've grown better at utilizing feints, but the technique lacks killing force. I need to sharpen my execution.
Phantom Edge Sword (2-Star) [70% → 80% Proficiency]
A solid foundation, good for both offense and defense. But in a fight against a skilled opponent, it still lacks true overwhelming force.
Swift Blade Style (2-Star) [78% → 85% Proficiency]
A technique based on relentless, rapid strikes. My control has improved, but I need to adapt it to real-world combat against stronger foes.
Shadow Step Footwork (2-Star) [80% → 90% Proficiency]
A crucial movement technique. I'm close to perfection, but my reaction speed still has room for growth.
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Alden exhaled slowly, his fingers clenching and unclenching.
"These numbers don't mean much. In the end, actual combat is what determines strength. But at least… I can see the progress."
He stood up, stretching his limbs, feeling the new strength coursing through him.
Two days until the exams.
And now, with his breakthrough, he was one step closer to dominating them.
Chapter: The Storm Approaches
The morning light seeped through the curtains as Alden Blackwood stirred from his bed. His body felt lighter, his movements more fluid—a direct result of his recent breakthrough.
Standing up, he stretched his arms before stepping toward the mirror.
His long black hair draped over his shoulders, framing his sharp features. His black eyes, deep and unreadable, reflected a calm intensity.
"D-rank now. A step forward… but still not enough."
Brushing his hair back, he adjusted his uniform before heading out.
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Academy Hallways – On the Way to Class
The corridors buzzed with students discussing the upcoming midterm exams. Whispers of strategies, alliances, and worries filled the air.
Alden weaved through the crowd, ignoring the meaningless chatter.
"Hey, did you hear? They're splitting combat exams into duels and survival rounds this time!"
"Yeah! And apparently, the top students are already preparing counter-strategies."
"I heard the top rankers already has access to five-star techniques. How are we supposed to compete?"
Alden smirked. Five-star techniques? That just means they'll be easier to track.
As he entered the classroom, the usual mix of nobles and commoners took their seats. His eyes swept across the room, catching familiar figures.
Alicia von Rosenheim—her crimson hair and golden eyes practically radiated confidence as she discussed something with Seraphina Astraea.
Leonhardt—the so-called protagonist—leaned back in his chair, laughing with his usual carefree demeanor.
Anneliese, the timid girl he had subtly helped, sat quietly, flipping through her notes.
Alden took his seat, waiting.
Soon, Instructor Reinhardt walked in.
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Class Announcement
Reinhardt's sharp gaze swept across the students.
"Listen up. The midterm exams start in two days. You will be tested in multiple aspects—combat, strategy, teamwork, and survival."
Murmurs spread through the room.
"Each section will be scored separately, and the rankings will determine future privileges, class rankings, and mission assignments."
Alden leaned back. As expected.
"And," Reinhardt continued, his voice sharper, "for those of you in S-Class, expect no mercy. You will be facing opponents above your level."
Alden's lips curled slightly.
The game was about to begin.