Chapter 27 - Rise of the Primimials

Percy, still processing the unexpected twist of his exam results, couldn't shake the curiosity of why he had been separated from the other examinees. He decided against asking outright—better to observe first. Following the woman, he soon found himself standing before a sleek glass door.

"Please step inside," she instructed, her tone measured and professional.

As Percy entered, his eyes widened at the sheer sophistication of the facility before him. The training center was state-of-the-art, lined with cutting-edge exercise machines, VR combat zones, and advanced robotic sparring dummies. Everything in the room screamed high-end elite training ground, a place where only the best were truly tested.

"Whoa," Percy muttered under his breath, scanning the room in admiration.

Beta's voice echoed in his mind, her tone impressed. "This setup is leagues above a standard adventurer test, Master. It's safe to assume you're being evaluated at a higher level."

Before he could dwell on Beta's insight, Lucas Bennett stepped forward, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.

"Hello, Mr. Parker. Surprised to see yourself here, I presume?" Lucas commented, his voice casual but laced with interest.

Percy turned, raising an eyebrow. "A bit, yeah. When you called the list earlier, I figured I had failed." His words were even, but inside, he was still piecing things together.

Lucas chuckled, arms crossed over his broad chest. "Understandable. But the reality is… you're the first in a very long time to ace the written exam—not just the multiple-choice, but your analytical responses were uncannily precise."

Percy, maintaining his composed front, shrugged lightly. "I've always had a knack for memorization. Spent the last two months cramming every adventurer handbook I could find." He threw in just enough truth to make it believable.

Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly, studying Percy's expression as if trying to read between the lines. "Remarkable preparation indeed." A brief pause. "However… from here on out, your mind won't be your strongest weapon—your body will be."

With a motion of his hand, Lucas gestured to the expansive training floor behind him.

"The physical exam is designed to test your agility, strength, and endurance," Lucas explained, his tone taking on a more authoritative edge. "We'll use different sections of the facility for each phase. It's a four-hour test, and I won't lie—it's brutal. Some have even called me diabolical," he added with an amused chuckle.

Percy smirked. "Sounds fun."

Lucas pointed toward the far end of the room. "Lockers are that way. You'll find a black performance suit tailored to your specifications. Get changed and meet me back here."

Without hesitation, Percy headed to the lockers. Inside, he found the sleek black athletic suit, its material light yet reinforced, clearly optimized for both mobility and resistance. As he slipped it on, he noted how well it fit—almost like a second skin.

"Master, this isn't just a workout outfit," Beta noted as Percy adjusted the sleeves. "It's embedded with kinetic monitoring systems. They'll be tracking your every movement, energy output, and endurance down to the smallest detail."

Percy let out a low whistle. "So, they're serious about this."

"Deadly serious," Beta affirmed.

Returning to Lucas, Percy flexed his hands, already feeling the energy coursing through him. "Alright. What's first?"

Lucas eyed him, then gestured toward a lineup of high-tech exercise machines. "Choose your cardio test—treadmill, rowing machine, stair climber, or cycling. Your endurance score will be determined by how well you maintain a high level of intensity."

Percy surveyed the options before settling on the treadmill. The machine was no ordinary treadmill—its sleek surface hummed with mana-infused technology, designed to simulate real-world conditions, such as changing terrain, environmental factors, and even gravitational shifts.

As Percy stepped onto it, Lucas handed him a digital wristband. "This will monitor your heart rate, stamina, and mana exertion. You can adjust the settings within reasonable limits."

Percy glanced at the interface, considering his options. "I'll start at 8 mph with a 5% incline, increasing by 5 mph every five minutes."

Lucas raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Alright. Let's see what you've got."

As soon as Percy activated the treadmill, he took off running. His breathing steady, posture fluid. Despite the increasing difficulty, he felt… comfortable.

Five minutes in—he increased to 13 mph.

Ten minutes—18 mph.

Fifteen minutes—23 mph.

Lucas' expression remained neutral, but there was a glimmer of surprise in his eyes as he noted Percy's effortless control. Most candidates would already be gasping for air, but Percy looked like he was barely breaking a sweat.

"Master, this body refinement training you did before? It's clearly paying off," Beta remarked, impressed.

Percy smirked internally. "Told you."

At the thirty-minute mark, Lucas finally spoke up. "Parker."

Percy, still running, turned his head. "Yeah?"

Lucas observed him for a moment before asking, "Feeling alright?"

Percy flashed a grin. "I could do this all day."

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Cocky, huh? Alright then, let's push it."

With a swipe on his device, the treadmill's incline doubled, the speed skyrocketing beyond what normal participants could handle. The ground beneath Percy's feet shifted like an unstable mountain trail, throwing new challenges at him.

And yet—Percy adapted instantly.

His space element subtly adjusted his footing. His breathing remained controlled. His muscles—honed from countless hours of physical refinement and combat training—absorbed the strain with ease.

Lucas muttered under his breath, "What are you?"

Percy's smirk widened. "Having fun yet?"

Lucas chuckled, then checked the stopwatch. "Alright, you're done here. Next, we test your strength."

"Thirty-five point five-four miles in an hour. That's impossible. The average successful candidate barely manages ten. He's over three and a half times the standard limit," Lucas noted, suppressing his growing intrigue.

Percy hopped off, landing lightly on the balls of his feet, not even winded. As he straightened up, he stretched his shoulders and cracked his knuckles.

"Good," he said, rolling his neck. "I was just getting warmed up."

Lucas exhaled, staring at him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. This kid… He's not normal.

He gestured toward the next station.

"Let's see if that strength matches your endurance."

With that, the real test began.

"Now we will evaluate your strength," Lucas stated, gesturing toward a variety of free weights and machines. "Select any equipment that best suits your method of lifting."

Percy scanned the options before settling on the bench press. His starting weight?

102 kg (225 lbs).

Lowering himself onto the bench, he positioned his hands on the bar and pressed—the weight barely registering.

"Too light," he noted immediately, setting the bar down. Without hesitation, he adjusted the weight.

192 kg (425 lbs).

One rep. Smooth. Two reps. No strain.

Percy paused briefly, then decided to push it further.

213 kg (470 lbs).

Now, he felt the weight.Now, it mattered.

Each rep forced his muscles to engage, creating a satisfying burn.

From the corner of his vision, he caught Lucas and the assistant examiner staring, wide-eyed.

"You're seeing this, right?" the assistant murmured to Lucas, his voice hushed.

Lucas exhaled slowly. "Oh, I see it."

For an average examinee, lifting half this weight would be a struggle—yet here was a 17-year-old, making 470 lbs look like a warm-up set.

As the hour and a half ticked by, Percy finished his session, setting the bar down with a final exhale.

He stretched his arms before walking over to Lucas, not even remotely drained.

"What's next?" he asked, rolling his shoulders.

Lucas, having seen more than enough, crossed his arms.

"Mr. Parker, you've passed."

Even though there were two more hours left, Lucas saw no point in continuing.

This wasn't a test for Percy anymore.

As Percy left for the locker rooms, Lucas turned to the assistant examiner.

"He's not normal."

The assistant, still trying to process what he had just witnessed, muttered, "I've never seen someone his age pull off those numbers. He's outperforming trained adventurers."

Lucas nodded. "He reminds me of Nathaniel James Hawthorn."

The assistant stiffened.

"Sir, you can't be serious!"

Nathaniel James Hawthorn was a legend—a once-in-a-generation warrior. Comparing Percy to him? It was borderline blasphemy.

But Lucas wasn't joking. He didn't elaborate, simply studying Percy's stats once more with sharp, calculating eyes.

"Let's see how he handles the mana test."

After a quick shower and change, Percy entered another state-of-the-art examination room, its sleek metallic walls lined with interactive screens and mana analysis equipment. The room's ambient lighting dimmed as he approached the central testing device—a large, glowing orb.

Lucas and another assistant examiner awaited him.

"Mr. Parker, this test will assess your mana grade, control, and potential. Please place your hand on the orb and channel a small amount of mana."

Percy stepped forward, raising his hand toward the sphere.

Just as his fingertips brushed the orb—

Beta's voice urgently cut in.

"Master, wait."

Percy halted instantly. "What's wrong, Beta?"

Lucas and the assistant observed, but neither could hear Beta's silent warning.

"Before you proceed," Beta cautioned, "I recommend sealing your Darkness and Space elements. You've declared Earth as your primary element, but if the orb detects your other affinities, it could create unnecessary complications."

Percy immediately understood. His Space and Darkness elements—both rare, both dangerous—could attract the wrong kind of attention.

"You're right. Seal them for now."

A notification from the Infinite Omega System appeared:

📜 [At the administrator's request, the Infinite Omega System will now temporarily seal Space and Darkness elements.]

With his true abilities hidden, Percy calmly placed his hand on the orb, feeding it a controlled stream of Earth mana.

Lucas eyed Percy's hesitation, his expression shifting into one of mild concern.

"Mr. Parker, is everything alright?" he inquired, noting the slight pause before Percy placed his hand on the mana orb.

Percy, quickly regaining his composure, gave a reassuring nod. "Yeah, just felt a sudden weakness for a moment, but I'm fine now."

As he channeled his mana, the orb pulsed—first brilliantly bright, then shockingly dim, as though struggling to process what it had just absorbed.

Lucas' brows furrowed, his eyes darting across the streaming data on his mana tablet. "What in the world…"

📜 Mana Assessment Report:

✔ Mana Control: Grade C (Potential: SSS+)

✔ Mana Grade: Grade E (Potential: UR)

✔ Mana Power:1st Circle

✔ Overall Potential:UR (Unreadable – exceeds recorded parameters)

✔ Warning:Primal Earth element detected within elemental spirit. High potential for multi-elemental awakening. Caution advised.

A choked expletive burst from the assistant examiner.

"Damn it, there goes my $200…" he groaned.

Lucas, however, remained silent, his gaze locked onto Percy as if trying to decipher a puzzle that shouldn't exist.

Despite the orb reporting a low current mana grade, the potential readings were beyond anything previously recorded.

"This kid…" Lucas thought, carefully hiding the storm of thoughts brewing in his mind.

After a lingering moment, he exhaled and turned toward Percy. "Despite what the orb displayed, your performance in the previous exams compels me to pass you into the final examination." With a swift motion, he tapped his tablet, finalizing the decision.

Percy, relieved but curious, followed Lucas out of the testing chamber.

As they stepped back into the main hall, a new presence awaited them—a woman radiating an undeniable authority.

Lucas stopped beside her and gestured toward Percy. "Mr. Parker, allow me to introduce Helen Hippolytus, the proprietor of this branch office."

"Hello, Ma'am," Percy greeted, maintaining his respectful demeanor.

Helen's golden-hazel eyes swept over him in a slow, calculating appraisal. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

"I see why you brought this to my attention," she murmured to Lucas.

Her gaze carried the same weight of judgment Percy had seen before in high-ranking figures—assessing, measuring, probing.

"Who's been chosen for his combat exam?" she asked, shifting her attention back to Lucas.

Lucas straightened slightly. "I've arranged for Alexander Montgomery. He recently attained C-rank status."

Helen's expression flattened."No. Let's bring in Joseph Toll."

A noticeable tension settled into the room.

Lucas stiffened, his fingers curling slightly. The assistant's face lost all color.

"Ma'am, Joseph Toll's rank is—"

Helen lifted a single hand, silencing him instantly.

Her decision was final.

Lucas hesitated for only a fraction longer before bowing his head slightly in reluctant acknowledgment. "…Understood. I'll make the call."

With a clipped nod, he swiftly left the room.

The moment he departed, the tension deepened.

Helen turned her gaze fully onto Percy now.

The air thickened, and though Percy remained calm, Beta's voice echoed in his mind.

"Master, be cautious. She is no ordinary administrator."

Curious, Percy internally asked, "What do you know about her, Beta?"

"Helen Hippolytus. Age: 32. She wields the 9th mana circle and has mastered the 10 Revolving Draconis Nexus Technique. Her elemental affinities? Earth, Water, and Fire."

Percy's eyes subtly narrowed.

"The 10 Revolving Draconis Nexus Technique? That sounds… serious."

Beta's response came instantly, her tone sharper than usual.

"Master, this isn't just any technique—it's an ancient, legendary dragon cultivation method."

Percy's interest piqued. "Dragon cultivation?"

Beta elaborated, her tone filled with deep reverence.

📜 1st Revolving: Harmonizing Breath

✔ The cultivator synchronizes their breathing with a dragon's, establishing a deep spiritual resonance between their energies.

📜 2nd Revolving: Elemental Infusion

✔ By tapping into the primal elements, the cultivator enhances the dragon's innate abilities, fusing Earth, Fire, and Water into a single harmonious force.

📜 3rd Revolving: Nexus Awakening

✔ The heart of the technique. This stage awakens the dragon's inner nexus, amplifying both power and potential.

📜 4th Revolving: Spectral Scales Fortification

✔ The cultivator's body mimics the durability of dragon scales, rendering them impervious to physical and magical harm.

📜 5th Revolving: Wings of the Cosmos

✔ The cultivator's movement techniques ascend beyond human limitations, allowing them to traverse different realms and dimensions.

📜 6th Revolving: Ethereal Claw Mastery

The dragon's claws are honed to perfection, each strike capable of rending through magic and reinforced armor with lethal precision.

📜 7th Revolving: Celestial Roar Calibration

The dragon's roar resonates at a celestial frequency, strong enough to shatter dimensional barriers, disrupt spells, and send shockwaves through reality.

📜 8th Revolving: Astral Tail Weaving

The dragon's tail becomes a conduit for astral energy, bending space and time with each movement, allowing teleportation and warping attacks.

📜 9th Revolving: Eyes of the Nexus Seer

The dragon's eyes awaken to the deepest truths of the universe, piercing through illusions, concealments, and deceptions, making it impossible to hide from its gaze.

📜 10th Revolving: Infinite Draconis Spiral

The final stage where dragon and cultivator become one, achieving an unparalleled fusion of power, wisdom, and transcendence.

Beta's voice carried a note of reverence as she concluded, "Each revolution strengthens the connection between the cultivator and the dragon. To master this technique is to reach the pinnacle of dragon cultivation—one step from true ascension."

Percy exhaled slowly, absorbing the sheer magnitude of what Beta was telling him.

"That explains the aura she carries. This technique alone makes her a monster."

His golden-blue eyes flickered toward Helen, who continued watching him, her gaze knowing—too knowing.

Beta's final warning rang in his mind.

"Master, do not underestimate this woman. If she wanted to, she could crush you in an instant."

Percy's lips quirked into a small smirk.

"Yeah, well, let's see how this plays out first."

Percy exhaled sharply, his mind racing through the implications of Beta's explanation. "So, this woman… she's sitting on a technique that essentially turns her into a dragon in human form."

Helen's gaze flickered toward him, sensing his distraction.

"Seems like you're pondering something interesting," she remarked, her voice laced with amusement.

Percy, caught off guard, quickly masked his thoughts. "Oh, I was just... contemplating the next exam," he replied casually, forcing an easygoing smile.

Helen's laughter was light, but knowing. She let it go—for now.

Meanwhile, Percy sent an urgent mental message to Beta.

"Are you sure she can't see through my disguise?"

Beta's response came hesitantly.

"Master, I must admit… I'm not completely certain."

Percy stiffened. "What?!"

"Under normal circumstances, your disguise is impenetrable. However, Helen's mastery of the Nexus Seer might allow her to sense abnormalities. If she focuses, she could—possibly—discern that something isn't right."

"Possibly? Beta, you told me the mask was foolproof!" Percy snapped internally, though he kept his outward expression neutral.

"I said it was secure under most conditions, Master. But there are always beings who can break the rules." Beta's tone remained calm but firm.

"Stay cautious. If she looks too closely, divert attention."

Percy took a slow breath, steadying himself. "Great. Just what I needed."

A sharp knock on the door drew everyone's attention as Lucas returned, a short, wiry man with gaunt features following closely behind.

"Ma'am, I have brought Joseph Toll," Lucas announced.

The moment Helen laid eyes on him, her expression brightened.

"Joseph! It's been ages since we last met."

Joseph grinned, though there was a calculating gleam in his sharp brown eyes. "Indeed, ma'am. Seven years, if my memory serves. Time does fly."

Helen stepped forward, embracing him briefly before turning back to Lucas. "He's the one."

Lucas visibly hesitated.

"Ma'am, Joseph Toll is—"

Helen raised a hand, cutting him off without a word.

Lucas swallowed his objection. "...Understood. I'll make the arrangements."

He exchanged glances with the assistant, who looked ready to faint.

Joseph Toll chuckled lowly, his gaze drifting toward Percy. "So this is the kid?"

Helen smirked, her golden-hazel eyes flickering with mischief. "Indeed. He's been quite the standout so far. I figured it's only fair we test his mettle properly."

Joseph's expression darkened slightly.

"What."

The single syllable dripped with incredulity.

His eyes flickered back toward Percy, assessing him with mild amusement—and annoyance.

"You want me, an A-rank adventurer, to spar against some F-rank hopeful?" he asked, as if Helen had just requested something utterly absurd.

Percy, watching the entire exchange, quickly checked his system notifications.

🔹 Delta Quest (3) Generated:

"Become an F-rank Adventurer."

🏆 Reward: 20 AP

🔹 Delta Quest (4) Generated:

"Defend against 5 attacks from A-rank Adventurer Joseph Toll."

🏆 Reward: 25 AP

Percy's lips twitched into a smirk.

"Well, this just got interesting."

Without missing a beat, Percy stepped forward, cutting through the tension.

"Hello, sir. Sorry to interrupt, but can we start soon? I have other commitments, and time is running out." His voice was polite but firm, pushing the tempo.

Joseph's brows shot up. "Arrogant, aren't we, kid?"

Percy shrugged. "If you're scared, just say so. No need to make a fuss when you're too afraid to face me."

A thick silence fell over the room.

Lucas visibly winced.

The assistant sucked in a sharp breath.

Helen's eyes glimmered with amusement.

Joseph Toll?

His lips curled into a grin—but his eyes flashed with something far more dangerous.

Joseph's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching at Percy's audacity. "These young ones are far too cocky. It's time someone reminded them of their place." His voice carried a low, simmering fury, his fingers twitching at his sides.

Percy, internally smirking, took note of Joseph's seething expression. "Damn, that was easy," he mused, watching the older adventurer's temper flare like dry leaves catching fire.

Helen, standing off to the side, observed with clear amusement. The corner of her lips curled slightly as her gaze flickered between the two combatants. "Interesting," she thought, waiting to see how this would unfold.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's begin," Percy declared, stepping to the center of the training room with a casual yet confident stride.

Joseph, marching forward with an air of controlled rage, shed his coat, revealing a lean but battle-hardened frame. He rolled his shoulders, exhaling slowly before speaking, "Fine. Defend against five of my moves, and I'll concede. But if I win… you better be ready to crawl home."

Percy's expression remained impassive, his stance relaxed. "Let's get this over with."

Lucas hesitated slightly, his instincts screaming that something was about to go horribly wrong. But a glance at Helen's unwavering expression told him that the decision had already been made.

With a deep breath, he raised his hand and shouted:

"The combat examination begins... NOW!"

The moment Lucas's hand dropped, Joseph vanished.

Percy barely had time to process the blur before a presence appeared directly behind him. His instincts screamed danger.

"Fast—!"

Before he could react, a chilling whisper ghosted past his ear.

"Blighted Breath."

A thick, noxious cloud exploded from Joseph's mouth, aimed directly at Percy's face. A debilitating, toxin-laced fog.

"Master, MOVE!" Beta's urgent voice rang in Percy's mind.

But Percy was already moving.

"Mud Shots!"

With a snap of his fingers, clumps of solidified earth formed in his hands. Percy twisted his body mid-dodge, hurling the projectiles directly at Joseph.

Joseph, not expecting a counter so soon, barely had time to react. The first mud shot struck his shoulder, sending a sharp sting through his nerves. The second caught his ribs, knocking him back with force.

He grunted, stumbling as the Blighted Breath spread through the air.

Percy, however, wasn't unscathed.

A searing pain burned in his eyes and throat.

"Damn it—!" Percy gasped, the irritation spreading fast. His vision blurred, and his throat felt like it was being scraped raw.

"Blighted Breath causes temporary blindness and throat irritation," Beta informed him swiftly. "It's a classic disorienting technique used for gaining an upper hand."

"I can't talk or see properly right now, can I?" Percy grimaced.

"Correct, Master."

Percy gritted his teeth. "Beta, I need you to guide me."

Simultaneously, his Sensory Field activated.

Suddenly, he wasn't relying on sight anymore. He could feel Joseph's movements—the shifting of air, the weight of his presence, the ripple of mana around him.

Joseph, rubbing his ribs, scowled.

"That spell had more force than a first-circle mage should be capable of." He eyed Percy warily as he pushed forward again.

Beta relayed, "Master, Joseph is at 3:00, about 15 feet away and closing in fast."

"Earth Spikes."

Percy slammed a foot down. Jagged spikes of earth erupted from the floor, forcing Joseph to pivot mid-stride.

But Joseph was already adjusting.

"Miasma Arrow!"

A dark green projectile formed at his fingertips, then shot forward at terrifying speed.

Beta's voice was instant."Joseph dodged the spikes—he's now at 11:00, firing a Miasma Arrow."

"Earth Wall!"

A thick barrier of stone rose in front of Percy just in time. The Miasma Arrow struck, sizzling against the surface.

But Percy could feel it.

The wall wasn't holding up.

"His poison is corrosive—it's eating through the stone."

With a sharp inhale, Percy pushed himself further into his Sensory Field, trusting Beta's voice and his instincts.

His lips curled into a wicked grin.

"Liquid Ground."

The very earth beneath Joseph's feet shifted—solid floor turning into unstable quicksand in an instant.

Joseph looked down, eyes widening.

He was sinking.

"What the—?"

For the first time since the match began, his balance was compromised.

Percy, still temporarily blinded, lifted his chin slightly, sensing the shift in control.

"Got you."

Joseph's mind raced, frustration creeping into his normally disciplined demeanor. "How the hell are his spells this potent?" His gaze locked onto Percy, who, despite his injuries, remained relentless. This kid is different. Too different.

But Percy wasn't about to waste his advantage.

"Whirlwind Kicks!"

Launching himself into the air, Percy twisted mid-flight, his legs spinning like a cyclone as he aimed a series of powerful kicks straight for Joseph. The force of his strikes sent gusts whipping through the room.

Joseph, eyes widening, barely had time to react.

"Toxic Ward!"

A sickly green barrier of corrosive energy formed around him just in time. Percy's foot connected—only to feel a burning sensation seeping through his clothes.

Sssst—!

A sharp, searing pain licked at his skin. "Poison?!" Percy's reflexes kicked in, and he immediately used "Earth Spike" beneath his feet to launch himself backward, widening the gap between them.

Landing in a crouch, Percy gritted his teeth against the pain radiating from his leg. Damn it. That barrier's nasty. He could feel the venom eating into his skin, but there was no time to dwell on it.

Joseph was already on the move.

"I don't know how you're tracking me despite being half-blind, kid, but this ends now!"

Joseph thrust his palm forward, sending "Venomous Gale" spiraling toward Percy, a toxic wind infused with paralyzing agents.

Simultaneously, a "Miasma Arrow" ripped through the air.

Beta instantly relayed the information, but Percy cut her off.

"I see them, Beta."

His Sensory Field pulsed, feeding him the precise trajectory of both attacks.

"Earth Wall!"

A sturdy earthen shield rose in front of him. The moment Joseph's spells collided with it, a putrid green mist burst outward, dissolving chunks of stone upon contact.

Crack!

The wall crumbled, unable to withstand the sheer corrosive nature of the attack.

But Percy was already retaliating.

"Mud Shots!"

A volley of dense, compacted earth bulletsblasted toward Joseph, aimed at his exposed flanks.

Joseph, however, was no rookie.

"Toxic Ward."

The familiar green barrier flickered to life again, neutralizing the mud projectiles before they could even reach him.

His smirk returned. "Impressive instincts, kid. But here's the final move—one I doubt you can defend against."

The temperature dropped instantly.

A biting cold swept through the training area, frost forming along the walls as the very moisture in the air crystallized into a thin layer of ice.

Lucas's expression darkened.

"He can't be serious—that's a three-star spell!"

The spectators who had gathered to watch shivered, their breath misting as the oppressive chill grew worse.

Helen remained composed, but her gaze intensified, intrigued by the unfolding spectacle.

Joseph's body pulsed with a dark blue aura, mana surging around him like a blizzard made flesh. His eyes, previously sharp with irritation, now gleamed with lethal precision.

"Frostweaver's Lance."

A gleaming spear of pure ice materialized in his grasp, its tip razor-sharp and radiating a deadly, bone-chilling energy.

Percy's body reacted instantly to the danger. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to move.

Beta's voice rang in his head.

"Master, that spell crystallizes ambient moisture into an icicle-like lance, enhancing its piercing power. On impact, it releases a burst of freezing energy that can cause immediate frostbite and drastically reduce mobility."

Percy clenched his fists. "This is it—the final move. I have to counter this completely, or I'm finished."

He concentrated, pushing all of his remaining mana into a single surge.

Helen and Lucas both felt it—a spike of raw elemental force, the very foundation of magic shifting under Percy's control.

"What...?" Helen murmured, her composed demeanor faltering for the first time.

Lucas, standing beside her, swallowed hard. "His mana pressure... it's overwhelming."

Percy felt the strain as he redirected everything into his earth mana core. The sheer amount of energy circulating through his body was almost unbearable, but he had no choice.

"Let's see how much you can really handle."

A deep rumbling emanated from beneath his feet as the training ground trembled.

⚠ SYSTEM ALERT! ⚠

"WARNING! WARNING!"

"HIGH LEVELS OF PRIMAL ELEMENTS CONCENTRATING INTO MAGI CIRCLE."

"DUE TO PRIMAL ELEMENTAL FACTORS, ELEMENTAL SPIRIT EGG INFLUENCING MAGI CIRCLE!"

Unaware of the system's urgent warning, Percy remained laser-focused, his sole priority: countering Joseph Toll's devastating attack.

Joseph's expression twisted into a smirk, sensing victory. "Let's end this," he declared, hurling the Frostweaver's Lance forward.

The massive ice spear shot through the air like a comet, freezing everything in its path. A trail of frost expanded from the floor, cracking stone and steel alike as it carved toward its target.

Percy stood his ground. He felt it—a pulse deep within his being, a shift that wasn't entirely his own. Something was awakening.

Then, to the absolute shock of everyone watching—

The Frostweaver's Lance... stopped.

Midair.

Completely frozen in place.

Silence.

Lucas gaped, his mind struggling to comprehend the scene before him. Joseph staggered back, disbelief painted across his face. "What...?"

Percy's eyes opened.

A deep, earthly green hue shimmered in his irises, flecks of golden-brown pulsating with raw, elemental force. The very ground beneath him trembled, as if responding to its chosen heir.

"Earth King's Crown Spikes."

The arena erupted.

A formation of jagged, earthen spikes—each one towering and dense with primal energy—shot upward, forming an impenetrable barrier around Percy.

Then, without warning—

A second wave of immense, monolithic spikes emerged in a perfect circle, trapping Joseph within its unbreakable walls.

The entire training room fell into a stunned silence at the sheer dominance of the spell.

Joseph, now completely cornered, could do nothing but watch as Percy raised his hand.

With a single flick of his fingers, the earthen spikes surged forward, colliding head-on with the suspended Frostweaver's Lance.

The moment the two spells connected—

💥 BOOOOOOOM! 💥

A shockwave of raw, opposing energyexploded outward, sending ripples of frost and dust through the room. The entire area shook violently, walls groaning from the sheer impact.

As the dust settled—

Both attacks had been nullified.

But one warrior still stood strong.

The moment hung in the air, the weight of the battle pressing down on everyone.

Then, clap.

Clap. Clap.

Helen Hippolytus slowly began applauding.

With a composed expression and a knowing smile, she announced:

"The winner of this spar—Ethan Parker."

Joseph Toll, stunned and out of breath, could only stare at Percy in disbelief.

Lucas and the assistant examiner exchanged baffled looks, the words "I can't believe it" muttered under their breath.

Percy, his energy completely spent, staggered backward. His vision blurred as the world tilted, and—

He collapsed.

As Percy's unconscious body rested, the system began its work.

"Delta Quest (3) modified: Become a D-rank Adventurer. {Reward: 30 AP}"

Due to exceptional performance, you have impressed the examiners enough to skip ranks.

"Delta Quest (4) updated: Defend against 5 attacks from Joseph Toll. {Reward: 45 AP}"

You have officially gained Helen's interest.

"Helen is now interested in recruiting you."

!!WARNING!!: Helen 'Zephyr Fist Shenlong' is adjusting her personal plans.

"Due to the use of one of the Earth King's Primal Skills, the Earth King Spirit Egg has settled within your Earth Mana Core."

Elemental Spirit Egg has successfully merged with host's Earth Element.

"Mana Utilization mastery now at 50%. Upgrading abilities..."

LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP!

"LEVEL 5 ACHIEVED!"

SPECIAL SYSTEM REWARDS UNLOCKED

Due to leveling up thrice, a special reward is granted.

WARNING: CONSTITUTION MAXED. FURTHER STAT UPGRADES LOCKED UNTIL OTHER ATTRIBUTES REACH 100.

"All stats reached 100. System upgrade in 1458 hours."

"Job class trial countdown started. Available in 730 hours."

"Open reward boxes for further enhancements."

∞ INFINITE OMEGA SYSTEM ∞

Chapter 27 - Chapter 27