The Academy's training grounds were quiet… for now.
Most students avoided the areas near Lyselle Snow's class. Rumor had it that anyone under her tutelage came back battered, broken, or sometimes didn't come back at all.
I, of course, voluntarily chose her. Twice a masochist, once a genius.
"Move faster," Lyselle barked as we ran drills. "Every step, every strike counts. No hesitation."
I groaned but obeyed.Pain = growth. Got it. Let's go.
Unexpected Assignment
Just when I was starting to adjust to the rhythm of her drills, a horn blared across the campus.[SYSTEM LOG]Minor Rift detected at southern perimeter. All available students assigned to reconnaissance and suppression.
Everyone else panicked.
Novices huddled, whispering
Adepts tried to mask fear behind fake confidence
Bullies Derek and Jensen stared at me, their faces pale
Lyselle's voice cut through:"Cross, you're going. With me."
I blinked."Oh. Directly to the real thing, huh? Guess my system likes skipping tutorial levels."
[SYSTEM LOG]Recommended: caution advised. Host level: Apprentice 2. Average Rift-level monster: Novice 3–5. Survival probability: 68%.
I smirked.68%? Statistically, that's a gamble. Practically? Watch me demolish it anyway.
The Southern Rift
The Rift wasn't massive, but it pulsed with dark energy. Shadows twisted inside, eyes glowing red. A stench of decay hung heavy in the air.
First glance at the monsters:
Two Shadow Wolves, the size of horses
One Rift Hound, jagged horns dripping black ichor
My stats before engagement:
Strength: 31
Agility: 23
Stamina: 18
Spirit: 26
Perception: 21
Normal students nearby:
Strength: 15–20
Agility: 12–18
Stamina: 12–16
I glanced at Derek and Jensen. They paled.Yep, still stronger than them. Let's make this quick.
First Strike
Lyselle stayed a step back, dagger ready."Your turn," she said, voice icy.
I rushed forward.
The Rift Hound charged. My instincts screamed.[SYSTEM LOG]Perception 21 > average 16 → anticipate attack trajectory.
I sidestepped, narrowly avoiding jagged claws. Reflexes kicked in:Agility 23 > Rift Hound's speed 19 → dodge successful.
My first punch connected with the hound's jaw.[SYSTEM LOG]Strength 31 > expected monster resistance 28 → damage applied: moderate.
It snarled and recoiled. Not dead. Not even close.Okay… real fight. This is fun.
Pain Conversion Kicks In
The wolf lunged. I caught a swipe on my shoulder. Sharp. Hot. Pain registered.
[SYSTEM LOG]Pain Conversion Activated → Strength +1, Agility +1.Current stats: Strength 32, Agility 24
I muttered, grinning through the pain:"Guess I like getting hit. Makes me stronger. Nice system, broke my face but improved me."
Lyselle's eyes narrowed, noticing."This kid… actually grows from damage. Abnormal."
Tactical Advantage
Using the stat gap:
My Strength 32 > Shadow Wolves' 27–28
My Agility 24 > average 18–19
My Spirit 26 → slightly better resistance against Rift corruption
I exploited every weak point.A quick feint here, a jab there. Within minutes, the wolves were down, howling in fading red light.
The Rift Hound tried to escape. I calculated trajectory and distance:
Distance: 10 meters
Speed: Hound 19, Me 24
A running jump, fist aimed squarely, and BAM! It exploded into shadow dust.
[SYSTEM LOG]Reward: Base Strength +100 → actual +2. Base Agility +100 → actual +1. Pain Conversion: +1 Strength, +1 Agility.
I glanced down at my stats:
Strength: 34
Agility: 26
Stamina: 18
Spirit: 26
Perception: 21
Derek and Jensen stared."Is he… cheating?"
I shrugged."Nope. Just a broken system that makes me stronger when it hurts. Enjoy the show."
Aftermath & Recognition
Other students whispered:
"How did he take on a Rift Hound at Apprentice 2?!"
"He's insane…"
"Lyselle must have trained him."
Lyselle's lips twitched slightly. Approval? Perhaps. She finally spoke, quiet enough only I could hear:"Interesting… very interesting. Keep surviving like this, and maybe you'll be worth my attention."
I smirked.Worth attention? Already am. She just hasn't realized how much yet.
Reflection
Back at the Academy, the wounds throbbed. Bruises, scratches, and a small burn from residual Rift energy.
Stats recap:
Strength: 34
Agility: 26
Stamina: 18
Spirit: 26
Perception: 21
Compared to peers, I was now clearly superior, but still fragile if I overextended.
I yawned, glancing at the horizon where Rift energy still pulsed faintly.More challenges, more pain, more growth… just another day in the "school that wants to kill the weak."
[SYSTEM LOG]Hidden Passive: Host thrives under extreme punishment → potential growth extremely high.
I smiled, lying down against the dorm wall.Tomorrow, someone else will probably try to get me killed again. Can't wait.