There were too many miraculous things hidden inside the Tower and Novacter Academy—artifacts, trials, forgotten inheritances—each capable of boosting someone's power to the next realm entirely.
But finding them… and knowing the exact conditions to unlock them…That was the true difficulty.
Still, there were people who dedicated their entire lives to it.
They were called "Foul Hunters."
Individuals who had abandoned climbing the Tower altogether and instead hunted for rare opportunities—hidden mechanisms, ancient clues, forgotten treasure rooms—then sold the information for absurd profit.
There was even an incident where a Foul Hunter discovered an Intel Orb revealing the secrets of First Resonance along with its terrifying benefits.
He later sold that information for a mountain of World Points.
'Now that I think about it… I only have three months before the Seeker gets that ring. I can't let that happen. Not this time.'
I tore my gaze away from my thoughts and looked up at Lunara, who was still giving her typical overly long principal speech.
Sigh…
"So! Now that you all know everything," she continued, voice cheerful in a way that made half the room twitch,"and now that my purpose of boring you has been accomplished, you may go to your assigned houses in Hope City. The location will be sent to your armbands.
Also—keep those armbands on at all times. They have many features and also function as your ID."
A collective mental groan swept through the entire auditorium.
Everyone thought the same thing:Finally.
Most students were exhausted—mentally, physically, spiritually. The only thing they wanted now was a bed. Many had already suspected the principal of intentionally dragging out her speech, and when she openly admitted it…
The frustration level skyrocketed.
'This woman is truly too annoying… I hope she stays as far away from me as possible.'
Even the staff and teachers looked annoyed, clearly used to her antics. They were already leaving the stage the moment she dismissed everyone.
I was just about to check the location of the Apex Mansion—the special residence given to the Ace—when a voice called out behind me.
"Arthur."
Sigh.I knew I couldn't escape without answering a few questions.
It was Anastasia's voice—sharp and demanding. I turned around and saw her standing beside Aldric and Elyndria, all three of them wearing expressions full of questions.
Fortunately, I already had the perfect one-line explanation prepared.
"I awakened a physique after my awakening completed," I said calmly. "It's very versatile. I used its strongest ability to kill my exam monster in about five seconds."
Their disbelief was obvious—but not unreasonable.
In the second exam, while we were eating lunch with Elyndria, she had already explained how we had managed to secure first place so overwhelmingly. It wasn't a full explanation, but enough to confirm I had some sort of special physique.
Since I had already admitted to having a physique earlier, there was no going back.
They stared for a moment—then slowly nodded.There was still suspicion in their eyes, but they chose to trust me.
"If you don't want to tell us everything, that's fine," Aldric said with a smile.
Anastasia nodded in agreement.
Sigh…
I thanked them, and they both congratulated me sincerely on becoming the Ace—without a shred of envy. That alone showed how much they cared.
I checked my armband.
My assigned mansion was around 600 meters away from the academy's main building.
'Well… it is for the Ace.'
The Ace of each year was treated almost like nobility and received benefits incomparable to regular students.
Among them—
A personal mansion
A private training hall
Access to exclusive missions
And even a gravity chamber that regular students had to pay for
There were countless other privileges too, including more mission slots to earn Student Points.
After saying goodbye, Aldric and Anastasia headed toward their assigned residences—they were exhausted and needed rest. Classes would begin the day after tomorrow, allowing new students time to adjust and bond.
I glanced once more around the auditorium.
A new chapter was beginning.
A new future.
And unlike in the book—
this time, I was in control.