Looking at the effects I could actually use right away… not bad. Pretty useful, actually.
'Endurance' is the stat that actually matters here. It handles your body's resilience, stamina, and overall durability. In short: survive or die, mostly survive if you invest in it. The higher it is, the more your gear or skills actually do what they're supposed to without collapsing at the first sneeze.
Combine that with Last Resort, and congratulations—you've basically got a survival combo that even the academy can't lecture you about.
The kicker? It evolves.
Not instantly, of course. You have to use it, grow proficient, and keep yourself alive while doing so. But the fact that it can grow stronger is already a win. In Sera, anything that can level up tends to become hilariously overpowered if you actually stick with it.
Getting this at the start of the scenario? Free divine protection from a Lord Angel? Yeah… that's a huge head start.
'Nice. I've basically bought myself some breathing room.'
Normally, interacting with a main angel doesn't happen until after Chapter 2. And to get direct protection from one? That usually takes years. But somehow, here I am. Free protection. Easy mode unlocked.
Problem?
[ Consumes a small amount of mana. ]
Ah, right. That annoying little detail.
Skills usually require mastery of some trait—magic, divine power, whatever. And I? I have zero. Nada. Nothing. This isn't a skill window; it's a tease.
In Caldwell, students start learning these things from childhood. I, of course, did not. The academy basically handed me a shiny new toy and said: "Good luck, idiot."
So yeah… I'll have to improvise. Temporarily. With whatever clues or hints I can scavenge.
Meanwhile, the campus buzzed with typical Guide Event chaos:
"Come grab ten free bullets made from spirit stones! Only today, only here!"
"Alchemy Department is giving out exclusive reagents! Perform minor chores and join us!"
Guide Events are basically bait traps for freshmen. Bright smiles, fake compliments, easy chores… and behind it all, the unspoken truth: you are now unpaid labor.
Looking at all this, I couldn't help but smirk. No, thank you. I didn't survive this far to become someone else's task slave.
I was currently stationed at the Knight School's Magic Research Department booth.
Compared to the other booths, this one was suspiciously empty—but that's only because the department takes "Guide Event" extremely literally. They'd set up a long dungeon course, complete with a dummy doll that could reproduce real magic with magic fibers. Yeah… a full-on mock battle.
Who in their right mind would voluntarily sign up for that during a welcome event?
'Ah… apparently, one person does.'
Despite the grueling setup, the reward was absurdly good. Considering the difficulty, it was basically free power on a silver platter. I could practically feel the other freshmen crying in regret somewhere.
"Well, look at you… quite the blank slate, aren't you?"
"No. I was listening."
"Really? Then… what did I just say?"
"Didn't you tell me to form a team of two and wait?"
"…Hmph."
The senior receptionist crossed their arms, clearly unimpressed.
"You probably don't even know what that means. Where's your partner?"
"They'll show up soon."
"Ha! Who would bother coming to a department nobody cares about? Are you lying?"
I wasn't lying, of course—but I understood their disbelief. The Magic Research Department isn't exactly the most glamorous part of the Knight School. Most people aim to be regular knights with flashy titles, not researchers poking at magical fibers all day. The ones here were basically the unsung strategists—ignored by everyone, but quietly invaluable if you knew what you were doing.
'Get along with them, and you've basically got a comfy little hideout.'
They analyze magic weaknesses, track its ecology, and design overall strategies. Not flashy, often overlooked, but crucial when you need actual results. In short: the kind of people who make your survival in Chapter 1 way easier.
Since this department wasn't attracting many freshmen, I figured I'd give them a little boost.
"I'm not lying—my partner is coming. And soon, this booth will be crowded."
"…What?"
"Well, the person coming is… somewhat famous."
I checked my magic wristwatch. Right on time.
An 'experienced' freshman who understood that while this study looked modest, it was extremely practical.
"Hello! Is this the Magic Research Depart…ment…uh…?"
The newcomer froze, probably because they saw me. I waved casually.
"Hi."
I wasn't planning on interacting with this person. At all.
But after the advice from the Lord Angel, I decided to change my strategy. No more playing it safe.
"Is that offer to… get acquainted… still valid?"
Elize Kingsley looked genuinely stunned.