Amidst the cold ruin of destruction, a sole youth's hollow gaze at the bright lights of the test chamber.
"—Ha…haa…haa…"
His chest rose and fell—the heavy breath stung his lungs as his whole body boiled. It was hot; his muscles screamed, and his heart pounded hard like it wanted to escape.
The frozen hellscape around whispered a harsh blizzard to protect him, and smaller beasts pushed through the storm, but they eventually crystallized. As for the bigger foes, they charged, leapt into a solid block of ice—the golden-eyed youth clenched his fist, splashing red paint across the snow as another cube accelerated and crushed the beasts in between.
—BOOOM!
A loud noise erupted—the screech of splintering ice speared the beasts around—Beeep
[Wave 77 cleared. Prepare for wave 78,] the automation announced.
"Tch…"
Alum clicked his tongue—PARC-PN6 was out of ammunition, the sword he'd picked for the stress test had but shattered, and he was almost out of mana despite being conservative with reusing the ice and water around him.
—I just got to reach 80… right?
With only a few waves left, he steeled himself further. His once untouched hands were rough, frostbitten; deep crimson bled through the cracks.
"Sigh…"
With voided eyes, he heaved another sigh—the vapors instantly crystallized into powdered snow.
[Initiating wave 78. Initiating wave 78.]
After hearing the announcement, he stopped the storm, reaching out his hands as splinters of ice formed gauntlets that perfectly fit—I'll just save a little more energy… he thought, then, bug-like creatures were dropped from the ceiling.
Once the first bug hit the floor, Alum leapt—KRRRCH. He cracked its armor, crunching like hard candy and digging into its soft flesh. The impact caused the powdered snow to shelter him from their line of sight.
—2,1,5. -3,2,3
Ripping the bugs' limbs, freezing them, and throwing them like javelins at the two closest bugs. He dashed toward the left one, smashing in the frozen limb, tearing it out, then threw it toward the next bug closest to him and launched the left gauntlet to hammer it in.
"—Uugh…"
He groaned involuntarily as the pain coursed through his arm. But he didn't stop; he used the bug like a platform to jump to the next one, then the next one, until he reached the ceiling, panting heavily as he stood upside down.
Tsk… 12 still moving.
As the bugs frantically searched for him, the screech that came from them was ear-piercingly sharp. It'd be over if he could just liquify all the snow and ice to then instantly freeze them, but then, he wouldn't have enough mana left. Besides, his head's been throbbing from mental exhaustion from mana use, even though he hadn't used most of his reserves until wave 40.
If it was like when he sparred with Rigeld or Amethely, after he'd used a massive amount of mana, he'd faint. But now, he'd gotten more used to high condensed outputs—like with [Droplet Bomb.]
Of course, it wasn't a spell he could use whenever there was a decently long mana channel, and the spell itself isn't stable in its current state.
Even for him, he knew he wouldn't last much longer—his resources had been stretched beyond his calculation. It was a stress test, of course, it would go on until he was unconscious.
Although the bugs weren't as strong as the creatures at each 10th wave, it wasn't exactly like the furred, fleshy beasts he'd gotten prior to wave 50. Each wave had some sort of plating or armor, but the bugs all had an exoskeleton covering their whole body—
[What's wrong? You've been still for a while now. If you can't continue, we can end the test here—]
"…Affirmative," Alum spoke as he looked at the people behind thick glass.
Hearing the old man's voice through the speakers, Alum gritted his teeth—Damned old man; fine, I'll just clear this.
The ice beneath his feet slowly liquefied, releasing him—KRRrrrch-ch-THOMB! Alum struck down like lightning, melting all the snow and ice, steaming all the bugs alive, their armor cracked from the sudden change in temperature as they were electrocuted and steamed at the same time.
"Ah…haaah…haaah… urgh… aaah…" Alum panted hard, his hair was soaked, and a small waterfall ran down his chin.
On his knees, supported by his palms, he locked eyes with his reflection in the small puddle—hah… he scoffed inwardly. You look awful, he thought to himself.
[Wave 78 cleared. Prepare for wave 79.]
"…" —OLD MAN…! Alum cursed.
[Initiating wave 79. Initiating wave 79.]
…
..
A day after the test was conducted, Alum regained consciousness again—his body was heavy. When he opened his eyes, he saw a white ceiling with patterns that symbolized light. Not far away, he saw a healer checking on his condition.
"Oh, you're awake, Mr. Alum," the elf said, his green eyes filled with excitement for some reason.
"How long?" Alum inquired, removing the tubes.
"A day—wait a little, we'll do a check-up and…" he looked at the papers and the magitech devices' data. "Your condition has been stable for a while when you were asleep—just wait here a little longer, it might change once you get up and move."
"Got it, I just got to move around a little, right?" Alum asked, glancing at the Reader on his wrist.
"Yes… Right this way," the elf healer said, guiding him to a rehabilitation facility. But on the way… "I was really impressed, you know? You've endured the stress test for two whole days—for a new recruit, that's unheard of!" the elf started small talk.
"I see," Alum replied casually.
"Sir Rigeld was right in adopting you, ah! What tactical brilliance."
"I guess…" Alum replied, but—sigh… why do people talk so much? He thought.
"Oh, yes, my name is Rowell, by the way. I'm honored to be your personal healer for the time being!"
"Mm," Alum nodded.
Seeing Alum's tired expression and maybe indifference, Rowell had to ask. "So… Do you mind me asking, but who were the others taking the test with you?"
Alum tilted his head a little, "Nobody," he said.
"—Huh?"
..
In the rehabilitation facility, Alum ran and used basic magic while Rowell analyzed the live data of the Reader. After confirming there were no abnormalities, Rowell handed Alum a drink.
"You're all good, Mister."
"Thanks," Alum said, flashing Rowell a faint smile as he chugged down cold juice. "Phew…" he sighed lightly. "Mm? What is it?" he asked Rowell, who looked at him with widened eyes.
"Oh, um… It's nothing. You just smiled, is all—I heard you rarely, so I was caught off guard."
"Is that so?" Alum's head leaned to the side—the motion was almost cute.
"It is… ahaha…" Rowell laughed. "See, everyone here is a little surprised as well," he noted.
Alum looked around, and it was indeed as Rowell said—he'd seen some of the soldiers before, and they seemed surprised that someone like him could smile.
Just as they finished the check-up, Rigeld walked in. "Hey, glad to see you doing well," he said, patting Alum on the shoulder.
"It went so-so. I couldn't reach wave 80. I already lost after clearing 77."
"Oh, yeah? I thought you were already done at 60, hah-hahaha!" Rigeld grinned, seeming proud. "Although… I never thought you'd willingly enter melee combat."
"Mm. After reaching wave 77, I thought that 80 might be doable, so I needed to conserve mana."
"I bet. But, along the way, you realized, right? That you wouldn't reach wave 80," Rigeld's grin widened as he nudged Alum with his elbow.
"No. I could, but it would be pointless if I couldn't clear the wave."
"So you gave up?" Rigeld teased.
"No, I simply chose not to fight."
"…" Rigeld said nothing for a moment, but the smile on his face never disappeared. "Good. You shouldn't die for nothing on the battlefield." He then turned toward the exit. "Let's go. You deserve some rest at the office—I've got our chefs to make you something you like. And also, good job, Rowell, for keeping an eye on him."
"Thank you, Sir! It was an honor!" Rowell replied brightly.
"Well, let's go, Alum."
"Huff," Alum scoffed, but there was a slight tug on his lips. "Sure—damned old man" he said, his expression oddly smug despite being deadpan.
Rigeld looked at him with a side eye. "Hey, hey… your thoughts are leaking."
"Mm? Did I say something?" Alum tilted his head innocently.
"…" Rigeld frowned a little, rolling his eyes. "Whatever," he shrugged.
"…" Rowell, on the other hand, silently felt like a third wheel—I'm truly impressed… Mr. Alum is still able to act like after a stress test… now I'm even more curious. What made Saint Amethely fall for him?
…
..
On the way back to the HQ, they came across the others jogging. Apparently, most don't remember the trauma caused by Boail. As for those who still remembered, they looked shaken, but determined—their core forged by Boail's despairing mist.
"It's been a few days. You worried about them?" Rigeld asked, halting as he watched, his arms crossed.
"Worried? I suppose," he replied.
His gaze was fixed on Emely, who was running alongside some girls. Her hair was tied, her arms swinging back and forth. His eyes wandered, landing on Noel, who ran alongside Chely. The others seemed to keep their distance from the two—understandably so; it would be awkward to get between them during their silly banter.
They are in their own little world, Alum chuckled, smiling somewhat wryly.
Miu, who wasn't that physically strong, didn't seem to struggle; she ran with her friends, chatting with a soft smile on her face. She looked his way for a moment, eyes widening slightly—as if to double check, she averted them and looked back, finally giving him a small wave.
"…" Alum returned the wave while Rigeld stared at him with a deadpan expression.
Contrary to Noel and Chely. At the very back were Luna and Amethely, quietly running side by side, but then, chatted about something. Luna cast her gaze over toward Alum and Rigeld. She nodded as if to acknowledge them, then Amethely smiled elegantly, her course changed—she swiftly ran up the hill where they stood.
"Al!" Amethely affectionately called his name.
Alum glanced at Rigeld, who smiled in amusement. "I'll go on ahead. You can join me in an hour or two," he shrugged before walking off.
"Mm," Alum nodded, then faced Amethely. "Long time no see, Ame," he said, spreading his arms to welcome her.
Amethely smiled shyly and leaped into his arms—he caught her, making a little spin as he tightened the embrace. For a brief moment, and for some odd reason, he wanted to fall down with her on the grass and just hold her.
"How've you been?" Alum asked, his tone soft and soothing.
Feeling the vibration of his voice, Amethely relaxed, wanting to melt into the embrace, yet she resisted the temptation, leaving his cozy warmth and feeling a little disappointed.
"Good, I've gotten somewhat used to things around here. The people are all friendly, too," she smiled gracefully.
He hadn't seen much of this side of hers, but it wasn't strange. She remained herself, despite not being a flustered mess—rather, she was mature, which she usually was. He knew that, but it was just that he hadn't seen much of it; hence, a small chuckle escaped his lips.
"Hey… why are you laughing?" Amethely pouted slightly.
"Don't mind me, Lady Amethely," he said, trying to hold back a laugh.
"Hmph, meanie," Amethely huffed, crossing her arms and looking away. "…Hey Al, I'm free this weekend—"
"What a coincidence. Same here," Alum said, not letting Amethely finish her sentence.
"…You really are a meanie."
"Really? I thought I'd invite you out to the city—a casual date."
"…"
"…"
"I'm not going, you're a meanie."
"…"
"…" Suddenly, Alum looked dejected, his gaze lowered, and his shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry. I teased you too much," he apologized with innocent golden eyes.
"You're forgiven!" Amethely smiled brightly as she clasped his hands, beaming like sunshine. "Al, let's go on a date, shall we?"
"Mm, let's," he replied, smiling affectionately at her. "By the way. Mind if I join?"
"Join…?" Amethely tilted her head inquisitively.
..
A few minutes later, Alum joined them for sparring—it didn't take five seconds for Alum to encapsulate his opponent in blade-like ice. Of course, that poor victim was David.
"…You never go easy, do you?" David said, unable to move. Because, if he did, he'd instantly lose if the protective badge deemed he took too much damage.
From the sidelines, Amethely watched in disbelief. He didn't even give David a chance—Chely and Luna didn't think much of it since it was just him being efficient. But Amethely was right. It wasn't a learning experience for David if he just lost before it started. And so, he wasn't allowed to spar with the others and had to watch from the sidelines, looking somewhat disheartened.
Feeling bad for him, Amethely decided to spar with him, even though she's meant to instruct. But of course, it wouldn't be a spar with Alum if he wasn't dropping a cubed glacier on his opponent.
And if the result wasn't obvious enough, Amethely had learned from their prior combat encounter and ignored the block completely, going straight for him. She knew it was an intimidation tactic and that a wave of water would soon flood the battlefield. But now, when he has nobody protecting him like last time, she could easily close the distance.
Alum dodged, narrowly dodging the dull practice sword. Amethely swiftly changed the trajectory of the blade. Alum let the blades grind against one another as he redirected them. Swiftly, he was about to knee her abdomen, but was stopped by her hand. He dashed away before being grabbed, but Amethely was relentless in close combat, following with a thrust.
He chilled his hand and grabbed her blade, tossing it to the side and letting her crash into his. Yet, Amethely pinched the sword, letting go of her own, but then a water ball appeared in front of her face. Swiftly dodging it not to be blinded, she disarmed him and tossed him onto the ground.
"You've improved a lot, Al—" she said, but she knew what was coming.
But, Alum also knew that if he used ice against her, she'd use it to counter him, which was why…
—Swosh
The cold waves washed them both away. Afterwards, he helped her dry up by draining the water out of her clothes and giving her his coat to warm up. Amethely wore with a delight expression and went back to instruct the others while he headed to HQ.