Tower Challenge

-A year later-

Looking at the mirror, I saw a familiar visage.

The mirror itself wasn't of the best quality, but still…

'I have grown up a bit. '

I thought.

Slowly but surely, my childish baby's face looked more developed; my height unfortunately didn't change.

Who knows what beauty I will become after a couple of years?

Obviously, it's possible to stop my aging now that I am a cultivator.

Yet, at the age of eighteen, I looked like a teenager, cute and innocent. That doesn't suit me.I was mentally twenty-four years old. So, it only made sense to aim for a more mature look.

'Life has been slow.'

I thought, leaving the bathroom and walking with Nico and Emily to the lecture hall.

The other roommate? Well, she is gone. After the fuss, she caused with one of the Elders demanding her separate room.

It turned out that her family's background was quite impressive. So, the Elder gave in to her request.

Actually, she is a villain in the story quest; I know, my memory is trash.

Still, she is more of a cannon folder. Appearing once or twice in the story only to be slapped by a protagonist.

Paying attention to the story only on the first playthrough. My poor memory can't be helped.

Afterward, the small incident a year ago when the head deputy of the Discipline Committee dutifully escorted me home.

My life has settled into a routine: waking up, attending lectures, returning home, cultivating, and sleeping.

Actually, I didn't mind it at all. A peaceful and fulfilling life is something I have always strived for.

Yet, I know that this is just the calm before the storm. I am currently in my second year of mandatory education. In the game, this is still the 'tutorial' phase.

The Heavenly Lotus Sect is unique when it comes to taking care of its disciples.

The other major sects simply drop you into a sect where you must compete for resources.

Here, mandatory education lasts five years, and if you don't break into the next realm within that time. You will be kicked out of the sect.

Mind you, a person with average talent needs ten years to complete the Body Reconstruction realm and enter Qi Refinement.

It's clear to see that the sect prioritizes quality training over quantity.

Well, I guess that will pay off in the future when the great calamity happens. The Heavenly Lotus Sect was the only major sect that managed to keep its foundation intact.

The sect may consist of only women. Yet history throughout the continent remembers their fierce loyalty and courage shown when needed.

"It is the first day of your second year. This time, I will no longer teach you the theory but actual combat."

The Elder Eleanor's voice resounded after we had a quick breakfast and hurried to the hall. From which the Elder took us to a specific place.

"Today is nothing complicated. Just choose your weapon. As you surely know, you can classify weapons into used by casters and close combatants."

"You can practice two of these styles if you like, but only after you are absolutely sure you must take one as a personal weapon."

Eventually, Elder Eleanor finished her speech.

We were currently in the big hall specified for dueling, with various weapons hanging from the surrounding walls.

"Finally, something interesting. I barely made it past my finals."

Nico, next to me, exclaimed, feeling excited.

"Um…I think I will go with a rapier. It's the weapon my grandmother used."

Murmured Emily.

My two friends were visibly excited, quickly disappearing from my sight after the Elder finished speaking.

Nico was already grabbing a couple of pretty-looking weapons before anyone could even take them.

Arguing with some random girl. Declaring that all of them were her training weapons.

The corners of my mouth curled up, suppressing a smile as I leisurely scrolled through the hall, momentarily ignoring the lively atmosphere.

'What to choose~ What to choose~'

I hummed looking around. My finger on my chin, feeling troubled.

Sword?

[Name: nameless]

Low-Grade: Mortal

compatibility: 15

I secretly expected the system to work as well as it did in the library, and it didn't disappoint me.

'It is finally useful. '

I thought, not forgetting to mock it as every transmigrator in the novels usually does; unfortunately, getting no reply.

Katana?

[Name: nameless]

Mid-Grade: Mortal

compatibility: 23

'So, my dream of being the swordsman is shattered?'

I thought regretfully. Not giving up so easily, ruminating over all other eastern and western swords in the hall.

I was disappointed after half an hour. In this lifetime, it seems I am not made for a sword.

Seeing that most of the people chose swords, I shook my head.

This is about your compatibility; not how cool the weapon looks.

What about other weapons?

[Ever-burning Lantern]

Low-Grade: Mortal

compatibility: 76

Looking at the metal inconspicuous small lantern in my hand. I sighed.

'Am I really not made for close combat weapons?'

Taking a closer look at the weapons used by casters, I found my talent fitting for it.

The difference between casters and close combatants is obvious.

Casters use the artifact as a medium and rain the inferno of spells in your direction. Close combatants usually fight in close range using swords or other weapons.

From the lectures, I found out that the majority of cultivators are actually casters.

Learning to wield a weapon is much harder than learning spells, and that's unavoidable. That's why a lot of people give up on weapons and ultimately become casters.

The reason I'm so focused on becoming a close combatant is that I have always developed my character as such.

'The quest giving you a piece of legendary casters' equipment? Yeah, let's skip that it has no value for me other than the selling price.'

Do you understand me now?

Well, let's look at it a bit more. If nothing fitting came, I will become a caster in this life.

Pair of daggers?

[Name: nameless]

Low-Grade: Mortal

compatibility: 65

'Not this one.'

Axe?

[Name: Earth-shattering Axe]

High-Grade: Mortal

compatibility: 5

'Despite its high grade, I can guess why it was left unpicked.

Imagining myself, wielding an enormous axe made for barbarians makes for a quite hilarious scene.

Hmm... what about a spear?

[Name: nameless]

Low-Grade: Mortal

compatibility: 86

'WOW! It seems I hit the jackpot, but are there any better ones?'

I pondered.

The spears came in different shapes and lengths. There should be something more fitting for my stature.

Another hour passed, and just as the lessons were about to end, I came with my carefully selected weapon to the Elder.

The Elder relaxing under the tree sitting on the

wicker chair looked at me with confusion.

"Did you run into any problems? Please don't hesitate to ask."

She said, her wrinkled but amicable face smiling.

"I want to take it as my personal weapon."

I said, bringing the silver-colored spear that was hidden behind my back; the spear itself was taller than me, poking from my back.

"Huh… Are you sure?"

She asked, neither disapproving nor approving.

"I am certain."

I said, resolutely.

[Name: nameless]

Mid-Grade: Mortal

compatibility: 91

It's the best option I could find; it's better to take it home now than later. I'm not taking any chances of someone else getting it before me.

I would have literally cried if someone had taken it; I put in a lot of effort to find it.

Now that I have a spear, I can finally begin my daily tasks. I had already learned to meditate in the meantime.

"Hey! Hey! Look what I found!"

Said Nico, getting my attention.

"A katana, do you want to become close combatants too?"

I said, starting to chat as usual.

Our first weapon training lessons ended shortly after, but not before The Elder gave me some simple manual of combat techniques for spear users, telling me that I should practice in my free time.

"Last year, you had already learned some basic mathematics. Today, I will assert your level before we begin more advanced calculations."

In the next lessons, an unexpected exam instantly duped our moods.

Don't get me wrong. This is just elementary school-level mathematics. Even so, I would have much preferred to do something more productive, like cultivating.

I am basically wasting my time here and I hate wasting my time, especially knowing the coming disasters that will threaten this world.

I need to get stronger. The quicker the better.

Little absent-minded, I started to solve the questions on a piece of paper.

It didn't take me long, and I finished almost first.

We were currently inside the building. Six people's desks lined the classroom, row after row.

I somehow understand why we weren't having open-air lessons today. There are no desks there, after all.

Relaxing in my chair, I pushed my paper more in Nico's direction.

Seeing that, Nico's expression brightened, starting to copy furiously from me. Her pitiful expression since the beginning of the exam told me that she probably didn't remember much.

Looking to my left, Emily seems to be doing fine. Systematically solving problems. Finding the contrast quite stark; my eyes looked a bit amused.

There was still much before the end of the lesson, so my eyes couldn't help but wander around the classroom.

The teacher gave me a couple of warning glances, but I wasn't trying to cheat, so I didn't care.

The next two rows from me were misfits who bullied me last time. After getting beaten up, they spent two weeks hospitalized and that was only possible because they got some rare healing pills that helped them to recover faster.

I still hold a grudge from that time. Some may say that they had been already taught a lesson. Yet that wasn't done by my hand.

Unfortunately, after the incident. They avoided me like the plague, so even though my cultivation raised, I haven't had any occasion to bother them.

That's very sad because I am already…

[Cultivation: Body Reconstruction (4th layer)]

I know that's remarkable progress. For the average person, it takes ten years to get to the next realm.

I am still unsure as to why Qi is so eager to be absorbed by me. However, this is the reason for my fast advancement.

Sadly, it will not last long.

Reason?

I had an easier time attracting Qi to myself, but my spiritual roots are below average.

What does that mean?

Now that the amount needed for the breakthrough is small, my weak spiritual roots can hold their ground, but as my realm improved, they would be unable to refine substantial amounts of energy.

Causing me to lag behind others.

I have been contemplating this issue for some time now, but I still have not found a solution.

Boredly supporting my head, I looked a little farther into the first row.

Lianhua was her name? Since our last meeting, she has been treating me like an air, pretending like nothing happened between us.

I thought we maybe could be friends but…

"Alright time for the exam passed. Please hand me over your exam sheets."

The Elder suddenly said, making all the disciples that didn't complete the problems flinch.

'Why do math teachers always have such nasty characters?'

I pondered.

-A couple of hours later-

It was a lunch break. Nico and Emily went to eat something.

I, on the other hand, stayed behind the lecture hall.

It was a specially designed area for the disciples to relax between classes.

This bustling place was unusually deserted now. Only a couple of girls were sitting on the nearby blankets chatting amicably.

Finding a vacant blanket, I lay down, enjoying the little sunshine that managed to get through the branches of the tree I was sitting under.

After relaxing for a while, I finally called a shimmering panel that materialized before me as soon as I thought about it.

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[Tower]

[Body Reconstruction 1st layer challenge]

[Body Reconstruction 2nd layer challenge]

[Body Reconstruction 3rd layer challenge]

[Body Reconstruction 4th layer challenge]

[Body Reconstruction 5th layer challenge] (locked)

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'Interesting.'

I thought.

It seems the new challenges unlocked when my realm reached the required level...

The reason why I haven't completed even one of those comes from the notification I got a while ago.

[Please prepare a weapon before starting a challenge]

Weapon? So, will I need to fight?

Despite my confusion, the system at that time didn't explain my worries, becoming silent once again.

Now I should be able to start the challenge; whatever that means.

Yet, considering that I had only just gotten my personal weapon and was completely unfamiliar with it.

'I should practice a bit using the technique the Elder gave me.'

I finally decided. Who knows what will happen after clicking it? Will I be in any danger?

I do not know, but sooner than later I will definitely find out.

Putting that off for later, I turned my head up to the sky, enjoying the warm sunlight dropping on my skin. Until my tummy suddenly rumbled.

'Well, I shouldn't have skipped dinner.'

I thought, hoping no one heard it; that would be too embarrassing.