(Unio Academy - Training Room)
That afternoon, in one of Unio Academy's magic training facilities, the booming and rumbling of spells filled the air. Rows of practice dummies burned, froze, and even shattered into pieces by the attacks of students taking turns practicing their techniques.
Amidst the din, Louisa stood tall. Her face remained impassive as always, devoid of any exaggerated expression. She raised her wand slowly, chanting the spell in a soft yet controlled voice. Silvery orange energy enveloped the tip of the wand, then shot straight into the target, producing a perfect, small explosion.
Louisa never made any exaggerated movements, as if it were all a routine that didn't need to be flaunted.
However, her focus began to be disturbed when a calm yet authoritative voice came from behind her.
Morian: "Your training is as smooth as ever, Louisa."
Morian arrived, immaculately dressed, his handsome face sporting a friendly smile—a figure who always exuded authority without trying too hard.
Louisa: "Morian. What's wrong?" She replied dryly.
Morian: "Nothing special. Just passing by and... happened to want to talk. We rarely talk outside of formal forums."
Their conversation began with general topics: theory exam results, lab evaluations, and instructor comments. Louisa answered as needed, not seeming particularly interested. She rarely enjoyed small talk.
But Morian didn't seem bothered. She continued with the topic of her preparation to become the new leader of the Magic Tower, a position that would eventually give her power equal to that of a head of state.
Then, Louisa started asking questions.
Louisa: "How do you compare to Lucius?"
The question stopped Morian in his tracks. His expression barely changed, but his eyes narrowed slightly, a sign that the name held special weight for him.
Morian: "Lucius? His grades are… pretty high, but… I'm still a bit ahead. Although… well, he seems pretty relaxed."
Just by hearing it, Louisa knew the subtle undertones behind the conversation.
Rivalry
She knew that Lucius, the prince of Cryztolia, was the center of attention. Despite being only a first-year, he had already become the leader of the Eagle Prism club and had successfully executed numerous difficult tasks with results that even the seniors admired.
To Morian, that meant one thing: a rival not to be underestimated.
Before their conversation could deepen, a male student hurried over. His breath was slightly labored, and he held a folded piece of paper in his hand.
Student: "This is from Professor Syit. And please, don't tell group 14."
Without waiting for a response, he handed the paper over and turned, leaving them alone. Morian and Louisa exchanged glances before Morian unfolded the paper.
It read simply: Change in practical exam assignment: L-Type Strengthening Potion → Anti-Toxic Venom Potion
Louisa reread the message, her brows furrowing slightly.
Louisa: "Except group 14? Why?"
Morian: "Perhaps... there's a special reason. I can guess it has something to do with Wim," she replied flatly.
The name immediately conjured up an image in Louisa's mind of the eccentric student who was often the source of trouble, and who Professor Syit hated the most. If this was intentional, then Wim and his group's practical exam would be an unavoidable mess.
Morian: "None of our business. We're just making sure our own group is ready for this change."
Louisa didn't answer immediately. She stared out the skylight of the training facility, where the afternoon sky was beginning to fill with a golden orange glow. In his heart, there was a curiosity that he hadn't yet decided whether it was worth pursuing or not.
....
(The Next Day - Anchorage Island Southern District)
As promised by Helbert, Wim and Art began their journey to the southern district to obtain the Fire Salamender Skin there.
They took the train to get there.
The atmosphere on the train was quite lively, the roar of the Magitek engine and the conversations of the merchants mixed with the sound of the train's wheels rubbing against the rails. Wim stared out the window, observing the bustling South District, which was very different from the other districts he had seen at Unio Academy.
Just like his experience in the Victori Shard game, the South District was an energy distribution center, where Magitek factories operated daily and its residents busily managed energy production and the transportation of raw materials.
A few minutes after boarding the train, they arrived at the South District station and began to disembark.
As the train doors opened, the smell of hot metal, factory smoke, and the sound of roaring engines assaulted their senses.
Wim: 'OMGGG,' he thought to himself.
His eyes widened, his mouth began to open slightly, and his gaze began to focus on something.
His eyes widened, his mouth opened slightly, and his gaze began to focus on something.
He saw that the atmosphere in the Southern District was very similar to the one in the game.
It was bustling with activity.
After boarding the train, they continued on to a waiting horse-drawn carriage. Throughout the journey, Wim complained as he held the large metal box they were carrying.
The box was quite heavy, so much so that Wim had to put it down to regain his stamina.
Wim: "Haaah... I swear, this is like carrying a double-door refrigerator. What's inside?" he protested.
Helbert: "Patience, kid. You'll see soon. Don't ask too many questions yet."
After traveling for five minutes, the horse-drawn carriage finally stopped. Before them stood a large, red-brick, palace-like building with a golden, glowing cogwheel symbol mounted on the gate.
Wim's eyes widened again, this time at the cogwheel symbol.
Wim: "Mach Faction," he muttered.
The Mach Faction is a faction consisting of experts specializing in the use of Magitek magic tools, and it was also a faction Wim had joined during his playing days.
In the game, this faction plays a crucial role in every major event, especially in the ending.
At a glance, Wim began to reconsider the items he would bring to the Mach Faction. It's probably something important to them.
Helbert: "What do you think? I used to be one of them... before I retired. This item we're carrying belonged to an old friend of mine. You've helped me more than enough."
Helbert then took the box from Wim and began pointing a dirt road to an empty lot on the outskirts of the district.
Helbert: "The Fire Salamender you're looking for is in the empty lot southeast of the district. It's been left untouched for magical monsters to thrive, so be careful. Remember, we must meet again before three in the afternoon."
Art: "Understood, before three in the afternoon."
Helbert: "Then, see you later," he said, waving and entering the palace.
...
(Empty Lot - South District)
The vast field was hot and dry. The grass was burnt to the ground, blackened by the fire. Trees were sparse, with only a few charred trunks. The air vibrated like a furnace.
Wim: "Yup... the perfect setting for a fire monster."
They began their journey, searching for the Salamender.
Until suddenly...
GROOAAAAARRR!
A Fire Salamender appeared, its body covered in fiery red scales, its scales glowing like fire. Its flames licked the air before transforming into a rapidly spinning wheel of fire that then attacked Wim and Art.
Art: "Wim!"
Wim: "Yeah, I know."
He ducked and jumped to the side. The flames flashed, creating a path of fire behind him.
WHOOOOSH! BLAARRR!
Wim began using his Hidden magic item and went into sword mode.
FWHUUMMM
A blue energy blade flashed, extending like a knife of light.
Wim prepared to kill this monster.
The Salamender launched again with its wheel of fire. Wim remembered that move from the game; its weakness was always the side of the neck. He waited for the momentum, then jumped to the side, spun, and...
STAB!
The blue sword pierced the monster's left neck.
SKREEEEEHHH!!
The salamender roared, hot blood splattering to the ground. Its body toppled over, the flames in its belly slowly extinguishing.
One fell, and Wim gained an experience bonus.
[You gain an experience bonus of 24]
But before he could rejoice, a voice came from another direction.
From there, three more Fire Salamenders appeared, their flames licking ferociously. They didn't stop there, two more followed from the right side, five in total, their eyes reddening like embers.
Art: "So, what do you think, Wim?"
Wim: "What do you think? Let's slaughter them!"
Instantly, the empty field was filled with the roars of the Fire Salamenders.