The Power System
(I have previously released this chapter, but I deleted it because I wanted to change some things.)
Third day after the royals' arrival
That morning, all students gathered in the grand auditorium for a comprehensive explanation of the progression and monster hunting system—crucial information given the arrival of advanced-level royal students.
Professor Aldric stood on the podium with various magical displays showing charts, monster classifications, and artifact examples.
"Students," his voice echoed with authority, "with the arrival of senior students from royal families, we feel it necessary to provide a full explanation of the academic progression system and monster hunting protocols in effect at the academy."
Carsel sat in the very back row with the other Onyx students, trying not to draw attention. Since the royals' arrival, the atmosphere at the academy had become increasingly oppressive for him. Hostile whispers and stares intensified.
"First, let's discuss the Class Advancement System," the professor continued, projecting a diagram into the air.
Academy Class System
"The academy has twelve class levels," the professor explained. "Classes 1 to 6 are for the Junior Level, classes 7 to 9 for the Intermediate Level, and classes 10 to 12 for the Senior Level."
The diagram showed a complex progression tree:
JUNIOR LEVEL (Classes 1-6) - Typically ages 6-11
* Classes 1-2: Basic literacy, fundamental magic theory
* Classes 3-4: Elemental affinity discovery, basic combat training
* Classes 5-6: Intermediate skills, role specialization begins
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (Classes 7-9) - Typically ages 12-15
* Classes 7-8: Advanced magic/combat techniques, team tactics
* Class 9: Leadership training, advanced artifact usage
SENIOR LEVEL (Classes 10-12) - Typically ages 16-19
* Classes 10-11: Master-level training, independent research
* Class 12: Graduation preparation, internship with professional guilds
"What's important to understand," the professor emphasized, "is that advancement isn't based on age, but on competency testing. Exceptional students can advance through classes faster than their peers."
Carsel glanced towards the area where the royals sat. They were all 12 years old but already at the intermediate level due to the exceptional training and resources they had from childhood.
"The royals joining today," the professor continued, nodding towards them, "have passed their placement tests and been placed in classes 7 to 9, according to their individual abilities."
Of course, Carsel thought bitterly. They get advanced placement while I'm stuck in basic classes.
Monster Classification System
"Now, for the Monster Classification System," the professor said, conjuring holograms of various terrifying creatures.
TIER F (Novice Threat)
* Examples: Small goblin, weak slime, giant rat
* Characteristics: Low intelligence, basic attacks, easily defeated
* Recommended for: Junior students with supervision
TIER E (Basic Threat)
* Examples: Common wolf, young orc, skeleton warrior
* Characteristics: Some tactical thinking, coordinated attacks
* Recommended for: Junior students classes 4-6
TIER D (Moderate Threat)
* Examples: Hobgoblin, dire wolf, minor earth elemental
* Characteristics: Magic resistance, pack hunting, environmental advantages
* Recommended for: Junior students class 6 with senior supervision
TIER C (Serious Threat)
* Examples: Orc chief, young wyvern, shadow stalker
* Characteristics: Advanced magic usage, leadership abilities, dangerous special attacks
* Recommended for: Intermediate students in groups
TIER B (Major Threat)
* Examples: Adult wyvern, lich apprentice, elemental guardian
* Characteristics: Powerful magic, tactical genius, area-of-effect attacks
* Recommended for: Intermediate students classes 8-9
TIER A (Elite Threat)
* Examples: Young dragon, ancient lich, titan elemental
* Characteristics: Devastating power, high intelligence, magical artifacts
* Recommended for: Senior students with preparation
TIER S (Legendary Threat)
* Examples: Adult dragon, elder lich, primordial beast
* Characteristics: World-changing power, centuries of experience, unique abilities
* Recommended for: Graduate-level hunters only
TIER SS (Mythical Threat)
* Examples: Elder dragon, dragon lord, ancient gods' avatars
* Characteristics: Continental-level destruction capability
* Recommended for: Master-level hunters with army support
TIER SSS (Catastrophic Threat)
* Examples: Dragon emperor, world serpent, fallen divine beings
* Characteristics: World-ending potential, reality-warping abilities
* Recommended for: Legendary heroes only
TIER Z (Theoretical Threat)
* Examples: ???
* Characteristics: Unknown, possibly mythological
* Status: Unconfirmed existence
"As students," the professor stressed, "you are NOT PERMITTED to hunt monsters above your clearance level without explicit permission and proper supervision."
Monster Core and Artifact System
"When a monster is defeated," the professor continued, showing colorful crystals, "they will drop a Monster Core and potentially Artifacts."
MONSTER CORES:
* Function: Absorbed to increase mana capacity or aura strength
* Quality: Directly proportional to monster tier
* Usage: Must be purified before absorption to avoid corruption
"The purification process requires special equipment and expertise," the professor warned. "Using an unpurified core can lead to mana corruption, mental instability, or worse."
ARTIFACT SYSTEM:
* Drop Rate: Higher tier monsters = higher chance for rare artifacts
* Categories: Weapons, armor, accessories, consumables, miscellaneous
ARTIFACT RARITY CLASSIFICATIONS:
COMMON (White)
* Basic stat bonuses
* No special abilities
* Easy to maintain and repair
RARE (Blue)
* Moderate stat bonuses
* One special ability
* Requires periodic maintenance
EPIC (Purple)
* Significant stat bonuses
* Multiple special abilities
* Expensive to maintain, requires skilled artificer
LEGENDARY (Gold)
* Massive stat bonuses
* Powerful unique abilities
* Extremely rare, often has history or legend
* Requires master artificer for maintenance
UNIQUE (Rainbow)
* Special Category: Not necessarily powerful
* Defining trait: One-of-a-kind abilities that don't exist in other artifacts
* Range: Can be very powerful or completely useless, depending on the ability
* Examples: A ring that can change the user's eye color, a sword that always points north, a cloak that makes the user smell like roses
"Unique artifacts," the professor explained with emphasis, "are wild cards. Don't assume they're powerful just because of their rarity. Some unique artifacts have interesting but practically useless abilities in combat."
Hunting Restrictions and Safety Protocols
"For the safety of all students," the professor said with a stern tone, "there are strict restrictions on monster hunting activities."
JUNIOR STUDENTS (Classes 1-6):
* Maximum monster tier: D
* Mandatory supervision from a senior student or faculty
* Group minimum: 4 students with balanced roles
* Weapons: Academy-provided equipment only
INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS (Classes 7-9):
* Maximum monster tier: B
* Supervision recommended for tier B monsters
* Group minimum: 3 students for tier A-B hunts
* Personal equipment allowed with approval
SENIOR STUDENTS (Classes 10-12):
* Maximum monster tier: A (S tier with special permission)
* Independent hunting allowed for tier C and below
* Advanced personal equipment permitted
* Can supervise junior student expeditions
"Violation of hunting restrictions," the professor warned with a serious tone, "will result in immediate suspension or expulsion, depending on severity."
Upcoming Expedition Announcement
"With this explanation," the professor said, concluding the presentation, "we announce that there will be a Monthly Monster Hunting Expedition starting next week."
Excited murmurs spread among the students.
"Junior students will participate in supervised hunts in Thornwood Forest for monsters tier F to D. Intermediate students will have access to Shadowmere Ruins with monsters up to tier B. Senior students... will have a special assignment that will be announced separately."
Carsel felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. This was an opportunity to prove himself and gain power, but also the potential for another disaster if he made mistakes.
"Artifacts and cores obtained from the expedition will become the property of the students who defeat those monsters," the professor continued. "However, the academy reserves the right to purchase rare artifacts for academic research purposes with fair compensation."
Royal Advantages Revealed
After the presentation, students began dispersing with excited conversations about the upcoming expeditions. Carsel overheard a group of royal students discussing their plans.
"Tier B monsters shouldn't be a problem for us," Prince Aldric said with casual confidence. "I've defeated a tier A monster before entering the academy."
"Same here," Princess Seraphina agreed. "Family artifacts significantly help with combat effectiveness."
Carsel realized with a sinking feeling that the royals not only had advanced placement but also access to high-quality personal equipment far superior to standard academy gear.
"Plus," Prince Lucian added with a smirk, "we can supervise junior expeditions. That means... additional opportunities to ensure certain students learn their proper place."
Their eyes briefly glanced towards Carsel, and he felt a familiar chill.
They're planning something, Carsel thought with growing dread. And that expedition will be the perfect opportunity for them.
Kael's Concern
That night, Kael—who was still recovering but could move around with crutches—approached Carsel in the library.
"Hey," he said, sitting down with difficulty. "Are you planning to join the expedition?"
"Maybe," Carsel answered hesitantly. "I need stronger artifacts and cores to improve."
"Carsel..." Kael's expression was serious. "I've heard rumors about the royals. They... they don't like you. And with them having supervision authority for junior expeditions..."
"I know," Carsel interrupted. "But I can't just hide forever. I need to become stronger."
"Stronger, yes. But don't be reckless," Kael warned in a gentle but firm tone. "Remember what happened last time you tried to prove something with dangerous methods."
Those words hit like a physical blow, bringing back memories of the tragedy that still haunted Carsel's nightmares.
"I know," he whispered. "But... I don't know what else to do. Everyone hates me, teachers ignore me, and now royal students are actively planning to make my life miserable. Maybe if I can prove that I'm capable and useful..."
"Your worth isn't determined by others' opinions," Kael said with conviction. "But I understand your desperation. Just... promise me you'll be careful. And don't try to hunt monsters above your level alone."
"I promise," Carsel replied, although in his heart, he was already considering breaking the rules if necessary.
Kael looked at him with visible concern, clearly not convinced by the assurance.
I hope he'll be okay, Kael thought with worry. But with the royal students targeting him and the expedition coming up... I have a bad feeling about what's going to happen.
In the shadows of the library, a figure in a black robe observed their conversation with interest. The mysterious organization that attacked the academy previously was still monitoring developments, and the upcoming expedition would provide the perfect opportunity for phase two of their plans.
Everything is proceeding according to schedule, the figure thought with satisfaction. Soon, the target will be pushed beyond their breaking point, and the real chaos will begin.
Storm clouds were gathering on the horizon, and the upcoming expedition would be the catalyst for disasters far worse than the previous tragedy.
Carsel Nightshade, in a desperate attempt to redeem himself and prove his worth, would unknowingly walk straight into a trap designed to destroy him completely—and the consequences would ripple far beyond just his personal suffering.
Power, greed, revenge, and desperation would collide in a perfect storm that would test everyone's true character, and not everyone would survive what's coming next.