"Again!" Beta's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
Percy's muscles burned, but he pushed forward, his wooden sword carving arcs through the air with growing precision. The Imperial Swordsmanship movements were an intricate dance—a fusion of grace, control, and unyielding strength. Each step, each strike, demanded perfect harmony between body and blade.
And yet—
His foot faltered.
A misstep. A fraction of imbalance. His weight collapsed inward.
"Damn it—!"
He barely had time to curse before gravity did its work, sending him tumbling onto the hard floor in a graceless heap.
A beat of silence. Then—Beta's voice, unimpressed.
"Master, your balance is off," she noted, floating beside him with the detached patience of an instructor who had long since expected better.
Percy pushed himself up, exhaling sharply. "No kidding," he muttered, brushing the dust from his shirt.
Beta's digital gaze bore into him. "You're letting your emotions interfere. Again."
Percy's grip tightened on the sword hilt. She wasn't wrong. His thoughts were not on the sword. They hadn't been since—
Beta sighed, reading his silence all too well. "Master, you just have to give Angelica some time."
His jaw clenched. Three weeks. Three weeks since they had shared that moment. Three weeks of her avoiding his gaze, retreating into her shell, stumbling over her words.
"How much time does she need?" The words left him in a quiet exhale, tinged with frustration, confusion, and a faint trace of hurt he barely admitted to himself.
Beta's expression softened. "Master, this may not have been your first time, but it was hers."
His throat tightened. Of course, he knew that.
"She's still processing everything. Naturally, she's going to need time to adjust," Beta added gently, her tone uncharacteristically patient.
Percy ran a hand through his damp hair, exhaling. He had expected awkwardness, sure—but not this distance.
"I thought it was great," he admitted, voice lower now, as if saying it out loud made it more real. "But now I'm starting to wonder if I was the only one who enjoyed it."
Beta gave him a deadpan look. "Master, if she didn't enjoy it, you would know."
Percy winced. Fair.
Beta continued, more composed now. "Angelica is still figuring out what she wants. If she's avoiding you, it's not because she regrets it—it's because she's unsure how to handle it."
His fingers flexed on the sword hilt. The logical side of him understood. But understanding didn't make it easier.
Beta sighed. Time to redirect.
"Look, Master, your entrance exam is right around the corner," she reminded him, her voice shifting into that clipped, instructional tone. "You need to focus. Just for today, set this aside and train."
Percy groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're getting really good at dodging emotions, Beta."
"I learned from the best."
He snorted. Alright, point taken.
Rolling his shoulders, he settled back into position. "Fine. I'll deal with Angelica later. Right now, I need to be ready for that exam."
Beta nodded approvingly. "Good. Your swordsmanship has improved, and your magic is finally matching your potential. Thanks to the integration of your elements and mana cores, your spells are more refined than ever."
Percy glanced at his system menu, watching as every spell proudly displayed Level 3. A smirk tugged at his lips.
"Let's see how much further we can push it."
Beta's grin mirrored his own. "That's the spirit."
And with that, the next round of training began.
Percy, still lost in thought, twirled his wooden sword absentmindedly. His mind drifted toward a question he hadn't dared voice before.
"How would I fare against someone truly powerful?"
He spoke the thought aloud, half-expecting the question to dissolve into the air.
Beta, ever-watchful, had already anticipated his curiosity. Her eyes gleamed with data projections as she assessed his current combat parameters. "Based on your elemental control, strength, and swordsmanship," she began, a touch of pride in her tone, "I'd estimate you could hold your own against a C-rank or B-rank Adventurer."
Percy's brow furrowed. Adventurer?
"What's that?" he asked, curiosity flickering in his gaze.
Beta's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Oh, right," she mused, her tone teasingly light. "Sometimes, I forget you're not from this world. Your talent makes you seem like you belong here."
She drifted above his head, perching herself in her usual spot like a cosmic storyteller ready to unravel the mysteries of time itself.
"Looks like I'll have to start from the beginning," Beta announced, settling comfortably in his hair as if preparing for a grand tale.
Then—her voice changed. A shift in weight. A change in presence.
What she was about to say wasn't just a story.
It was history.
📜 The Origin of Adventurers & The Great Fall 📜
"In the early ages of civilization," Beta began, her voice dipping into the realm of ancient memory, "long before humans claimed dominance over this world, primeval beasts ruled the land."
These weren't ordinary creatures.
"These beasts, with their unrivaled might, could command the earth and rearrange the stars, crafting new worlds with a mere flick of their claws."
Percy listened, rapt with attention as Beta continued, her words painting a world far older than he had imagined.
"Humans, back then, were nothing more than servants—pawns in the great game of cosmic entities. But some, blessed by proximity to the Beast Clans' leaders, unearthed secrets of the cosmos. This knowledge was their salvation."
And with it, the rebellion began.
"Those who refused to remain as mere subjects broke free, forging a new civilization in distant lands. Their dreams were simple—a world where they could thrive, unshackled."
Beta's voice softened. "But peace never lasts forever, does it?"
Percy exhaled, already sensing where this was going.
"Calamity struck," Beta confirmed. "An event known as the 'Outbreak' ushered in a new era of strife."
Her holographic form flickered, shifting into the shape of a colossal ivory tower, piercing through the heavens.
"They fell from the sky," she whispered. "Towers of unknown origin, embedding themselves into the land like celestial daggers."
Percy's pulse quickened.
"These towers," Beta continued, her voice heavy with gravity, "weren't just structures. They radiated an energy so foreign, so invasive, that it began to corrupt the land itself."
Everything caught within their reach twisted beyond recognition—beasts, humans, even the very earth.
"At first, humanity cowered," Beta admitted. "But soon, they discovered a truth hidden within these spires. Each tower held trials inside."
She met Percy's gaze.
"And those who conquered them… grew stronger."
Percy's hands tightened around his sword.
"One by one," Beta continued, "humans rose to the challenge. Every tower conquered erased its corruption. With each victory, they pushed forward, believing they were reclaiming their world."
Hope was rekindled.
But it was all a lie.
"The towers," Beta said, voice now cold, "weren't just invaders. They were barriers."
Percy's heart skipped a beat.
"They were holding something back."
Beta's projection shifted. Where once the ivory towers stood, now loomed a vast, hellish expanse, rippling with shadows not of this world.
"And by destroying them," she said grimly, "humanity did exactly what they were never meant to do."
They opened the gates.
And Hell itself poured through.
"The war against corruption became a war for survival."
Demonic entities spilled forth from the abyss beyond, their existence defying all logic.
"Humanity was outmatched," Beta said simply. "Their power, once their greatest triumph, became their downfall."
They had no defenses left.
Nothing to keep the invasion at bay.
Percy swallowed hard. "How… how did they survive?"
Beta's gaze darkened.
"They didn't," she said softly.
"The world burned. Entire civilizations were lost overnight. The first era of mages, warriors, and emperors—wiped from existence."
Beta's voice carried the weight of forgotten history, her tone steady as she continued the tale.
"Unlike the Primeval Beasts, whose power was an extension of the world's natural order, the demons wielded something else—a force unnatural, insidious, and corruptive."
Percy listened in rapt attention, the glow of mana gently flickering in his palm as he absentmindedly channeled energy.
"But in the darkest hour," Beta continued, "when all seemed lost, a single figure emerged from the chaos."
She paused.
"A hero, gifted with a power akin to yours, Percy."
Percy's pulse quickened. "Like mine?" he echoed, intrigued.
Beta nodded. "Yes. He was the first to wield pure, untapped mana."
A holographic image formed—a silhouette, bathed in radiant blue light, standing amidst an endless horde of demons.
"This hero," Beta said, "was not chosen by fate. He was not born a king, nor was he blessed by any divine power. He was simply the first to listen—to hear the voice of mana itself."
Her voice softened.
"And through him, humanity found hope once more."
The hologram shifted, showing ancient scholars gathering around the hero as he shared his knowledge, teaching others to unlock the flow of mana within themselves.
"He sparked a revolution," Beta declared. "With mana in their grasp, humans no longer needed to cower. They became warriors, mages, and scholars of magic."
Percy could almost see the battle unfolding before him—a desperate war between humanity and the abyss.
"But war demands sacrifice," Beta murmured.
The image of the hero flickered, showing him locked in combat with a colossal demon king, its form towering and grotesque, radiating a darkness that devoured even the light.
"And in the end," Beta whispered, "he gave his life to vanquish the Demon King."
The battlefield fell silent.
The hero's light faded.
"But his sacrifice marked the beginning of something greater," Beta continued. "With mana now accessible, a new chapter unfolded—the Age of Mana."
"With newfound knowledge and power, humanity flourished," Beta explained. "Mana became the cornerstone of civilization—from war to healing, from creation to destruction."
She gestured, shifting the hologram to show towering cities, floating islands, mages inscribing spells upon vast monoliths.
Percy exhaled in awe. "They built all this with mana alone?"
Beta nodded. "Yes. But as always… power breeds greed."
Her projection darkened, the utopian image fading into something far more sinister.
"As human civilization reached its zenith, their thirst for power only grew."
New ruins were uncovered—structures older than recorded history, buried beneath the remains of forgotten civilizations.
"These ruins," Beta continued, "contained knowledge predating even mana. They spoke of something even more fundamental—the Elements."
Percy's breath hitched.
"Through these discoveries," Beta said, "mages began to tap into the world's raw forces—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air."
The hologram flickered, showing mages wielding elemental forces, reshaping reality with newfound mastery.
"But power is never without consequence."
The projection twisted—showing figures unearthing something they shouldn't have.
Percy tensed. "Let me guess—they woke something up?"
Beta's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Not something," she corrected.
"Some one."
Percy's heart skipped a beat.
"They weren't just ruins," Beta revealed. "They were prisons. Cages built to contain ancient demon lords."
She clenched her hands together, her usual composure cracking just slightly.
"By unsealing these ruins, they shattered the last chains binding the Hellish Realm."
And once again, the demons returned.
"But this time," Beta said firmly, "humanity was ready."
Unlike before, they had mages, they had mana, and now—they had elements.
And so, a new kind of warrior was born.
"Adventurers."
Percy's eyes gleamed as Beta projected the first adventurers, their bodies clad in armor, magic-infused weapons in hand, marching into the corrupted ruins.
"These weren't just mercenaries or soldiers," Beta continued. "They were trained to explore ancient dungeons, slay demons, and push back against the resurgence of darkness."
She turned to Percy, her eyes sharp.
"And based on your abilities, you'd already rival a C-rank Adventurer. Maybe even B-rank."
Percy smirked. "Not bad."
Beta, always pragmatic, added, "But you still have a long way to go before you can stand against the true monsters of this world."
The hologram shifted again, this time displaying a sprawling network of adventurer guilds, each operating within a vast metropolis.
"Each guild," Beta explained, "has its own strengths, focus areas, and regional specialties. Let me walk you through them."
A map hovered before Percy, detailing the intricate infrastructure of Elysmyr's Adventurer System.
His journey had just begun.
And this world had so much more to offer.
Beta hovered before Percy, her holographic form casting a soft glow over the floating city map. Her gaze sharpened as she gestured towards the northwest quadrant, where an insignia of a fiery phoenix flared to life.
"This is the Crimson Phoenix Alliance," she began, her voice tinged with respect. "They are the embodiment of battle and conquest. Warriors, duelists, and those who thrive in high-risk missions seek them out. If you want raw combat experience, this is where you go."
The phoenix emblem flared, the flames licking at its edges before vanishing.
Percy nodded, taking in the details. A guild purely focused on combat... could be useful.
Beta then shifted her attention to the southeast, where a sleek, metallic insignia emerged—a faceless knight's helm, its surface polished like silver.
"Silverpeak Sentinels," Beta introduced. "Tactical, disciplined, and unwavering. They specialize in defensive strategies, city fortification, and counter-invasion operations. They are the first line of defense when external threats emerge."
Percy crossed his arms, intrigued. "Sounds like a guild filled with strategists and commanders," he mused.
Beta nodded. "Exactly. They don't just fight—they control the battlefield."
Moving her hand to the northeast, a shimmering eye-shaped insignia flickered into existence, surrounded by a swirling mist.
"Twilight Oracle Collective," Beta announced, her voice dipping into a more enigmatic tone. "Mystics, researchers, and those obsessed with the unknown. This guild doesn't just seek adventure—they seek knowledge hidden within the fabric of reality itself."
Percy leaned in slightly, watching as the eye emblem seemed to follow his movements. A guild dedicated to unraveling secrets… interesting.
Shifting westward, Beta revealed an emblem of a towering world tree, its emerald leaves pulsating with a soft, green glow.
"Emerald Tempest Brotherhood," she continued. "Masters of the wilderness, survivalists, and beast tamers. If you want to conquer the wild, this is the guild to seek."
Percy quirked a brow. "So, adventurers with an affinity for nature?"
"Not just that," Beta clarified. "They also regulate ecological balance and hunt down magical beasts. Some even act as intermediaries between humans and elemental spirits."
Finally, Beta gestured toward the very center of the city, where a grand insignia materialized—a celestial star encased in an intricate sigil.
"This is the Astral Society Fellowship," she announced. "The most prestigious guild. They oversee a broad spectrum of missions, from political dealings to artifact recovery. If you want influence, this is the place."
The star glowed brilliantly before fading, leaving Percy in deep thought.
Percy observed the vast network of guilds across the city, his mind already calculating which one suited his goals best.
Then, a thought struck him.
"Beta, with all these guilds, wouldn't there be constant conflicts over power and dominance?" he questioned.
Beta shook her head. "Surprisingly, no. Despite their competition, every guild operates under a higher governing force—one that ensures order is maintained across Elysmyr."
She flicked her wrist, causing the city map to zoom outward, revealing a colossal emblem—a golden laurel encircling a globe.
"The Federation of Global Adventurers, or FGA," Beta announced. "They are the central authority. The ones who set the rules."
Percy exhaled, impressed. "So, there's a single organization overseeing every guild?"
Beta nodded. "Yes. The FGA standardizes adventuring missions, regulates inter-guild disputes, and enforces global laws to prevent chaos. They ensure that no guild grows too dominant or reckless."
The holographic projection displayed the intricate structure of the FGA, with massive guild halls, ranking boards, and regional HQs spanning the entire continent.
"But their role extends beyond just governance," Beta continued. "They also handle large-scale missions—world-ending threats, kingdom-wide conflicts, and explorations into forbidden lands. When something catastrophic happens, the FGA calls upon the strongest adventurers to respond."
Percy tilted his head. "So, what's the benefit of joining an adventurer guild? What's in it for them?"
Beta smirked. "Plenty. Resources, training, missions, reputation, and connections. The stronger the guild, the more influence they hold."
A secondary hologram appeared, detailing the FGA's internal structure:
✔ Guild Licensing & Regulation – Only registered guilds can accept official missions.
✔ Adventurer Ranks & Evaluations – A strict ranking system determines a guild's status and its members' power levels.
✔ Global Resource Allocation – The FGA provides weapons, armor, magical tools, and supplies to certified guilds.
✔ Official Exams & Promotions – Adventurers must pass grueling trials to ascend in rank.
Beta glanced at Percy, her expression unreadable. "With the right guild, you could make a significant mark on this world."
Percy cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Then maybe it's time I see these guilds for myself."
Beta smirked. "Just remember—power isn't the only thing that matters in this world. Choose wisely."
Beta hovered just above Percy, her tone carrying a weight of caution. "It's definitely within the realm of possibility, Master. But remember, this path comes with its own set of challenges and dangers."
Percy's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Challenges and dangers… sounds like exactly what I need to push my limits."
His fingers drummed against the hilt of his training sword as he pondered his next step. "So, how do I get registered as an adventurer?"
Beta's holographic interface shimmered, illuminating a grand structure at the heart of downtown Perish City. The building's architecture was imposing, a fusion of elegant magecraft and sturdy battle-forged stone.
"This, Percy, is a branch office of the FGA—the Federation of Global Adventurers. It's where mages, warriors, and other aspiring legends become official adventurers," Beta explained, her voice tinged with enthusiasm.
Percy's gaze locked onto the projection. His instincts sharpened, his spatial awareness humming with newfound clarity. With a flicker of mana, he reached out into space, feeling the latent energy around the guild hall.
His grin widened. "With the Spatial Omni-Directional Lattice, I can pinpoint the exact coordinates of the branch's front door!"
Beta gave an approving nod, but just as Percy turned to leave, her hand pressed firmly against his shoulder.
"Master, may I propose something?"
Percy raised an eyebrow at her sudden interjection. "Go ahead, Beta. What's on your mind?"
Her holographic eyes darkened slightly, signaling a more serious concern. "For the adventurer's exam, consider using the Mask of 10,000 Faces."
Percy frowned, his amusement fading into curiosity. "And why exactly would that be necessary?"
Beta's expression remained unreadable, but there was a distinct edge to her voice. "You need to be careful with how much you reveal. Flaunting too much skill can entangle you in unwanted troubles."
Percy narrowed his eyes. "You're saying I should hide my strength?"
Beta nodded. "Master, I've observed unknown figures shadowing us during our outings. My sensors failed to identify them, which means they possess high-level cloaking techniques. That alone is concerning. While you are under the headmaster's protection, there are still forces at play watching you—waiting."
Her hologram flickered, emphasizing the weight of her words. "With the mask, you shield your identity while honing your skills publicly. Even if you draw attention, no one will connect it to Percy Magus."
Percy exhaled, digesting Beta's warning. The idea of being monitored unsettled him. He had suspected his uncle was keeping tabs on him, but if even Beta's sensors couldn't detect these watchers…
He needed to be smarter.
"Alright," he said at last, "let's proceed with your plan."
Beta retrieved the Mask of 10,000 Faces from the inventory, handing it to Percy. He examined the artifact—a smooth, black-and-white porcelain mask, featureless yet strangely mesmerizing.
"How does it work?" Percy inquired, turning the mask over in his hands.
"Place it on your face and will it to activate," Beta instructed. "The mask will generate a randomized visage, altering your facial features, voice, and even minor aspects of your body structure."
Percy inhaled deeply, then slipped the mask over his face.
The moment it settled, a ripple of energy coursed through him.
A cascade of faces flooded his mind—some familiar, some completely foreign. His heart pounded as he mentally selected one at random, and then—
Silence.
Percy opened his eyes…
And immediately frowned.
Nothing had changed.
His reflection stared back at him, unchanged—his sharp golden-blue gaze, his chiseled features, his midnight-black hair.
"It didn't work, Beta," he said flatly, irritation creeping into his voice.
To his surprise, Beta's lips curled into a teasing smile."Oh, it worked. You just can't see it."
Percy's brow furrowed. "Explain."
Beta hovered beside him, her amusement evident. "The mask's enchantment works by altering how others perceive you. When you're alone, your reflection remains your own. But to everyone else? You're an entirely different person."
Percy crossed his arms. "So, to others, I look…?"
Beta flicked her wrist, conjuring a holographic projection of his new appearance.
The face staring back at him was entirely unfamiliar—auburn hair, slightly rougher features, cool green eyes. Even his build had shifted slightly, appearing more streamlined but still powerful.
"Interesting," Percy muttered, running a hand through his illusory auburn locks.
Beta nodded. "The mask not only alters your face but subtly shifts your height, voice, and overall aura. The perfect disguise."
Percy smirked. "This could be really useful."
Beta crossed her arms, her expression turning serious. "It will be. And, Master? Remember—once you're done, simply remove the mask to revert to your original appearance. No one will be the wiser about your true identity."
Percy's eyes gleamed. "I like it. Alright, let's put it to the test."
Just as he turned toward the exit, the doors swung open.
Two strangers stepped inside.
Percy tensed.
Beta's expression darkened. "Master, be ready."
The newcomers barely spared Percy a glance, their conversation continuing as if he were just another passing face in the crowd.
"Who's that guy?" one muttered absentmindedly.
"No idea, never seen him before," the other replied before shifting the topic. "Anyway, did you catch the match between Annihilator and Rockler at the International Battle Arena? That disqualification was total bullshit."
Percy, slipping past them unnoticed, fought the urge to smirk.
"Incredible, they didn't even recognize me!" Percy murmured under his breath, reveling in the anonymity granted by the Mask of 10,000 Faces.
As he walked through the academy's quad, he could feel dozens of eyes flickering toward him, whispers circulating among the students.
"Who's that? A new transfer?"
"Must be an out-of-town applicant for the entrance exams."
"I swear I've seen him somewhere before…"
Percy kept his stride calm and composed, resisting the urge to glance around. He wasn't Percy Magus right now. He was someone else.
Rounding a corner, he let out a quiet exhale of amusement.
"This mask is truly astounding," he mused, catching a faint reflection of himself in a window.
Beta, perched lightly on his shoulder in her small holographic form, interrupted his thoughts. "Master, did you recognize any of the students back there?"
Percy, still grinning, shrugged. "I wasn't really paying attention to them. Should I have been?"
Beta let out a small, digital sigh. "Just an observation. Anyway, let's get moving to the FGA branch office."
With a whisper, Percy activated 'Teleport', his surroundings blurring into a cascade of silver and violet light.
In the blink of an eye, he materialized directly in front of the FGA branch office.
"No matter how many times I use this spell, it never ceases to amaze me," he muttered, stepping forward.
As he entered the grand foyer of the building, Percy once again caught his reflection—except this time, it wasn't his own face staring back at him.
His golden-blue eyes had shifted to a piercing emerald-green. His normally tanned complexion had paled, and his midnight-black hair now gleamed in shimmering shades of dirty blonde. Even his body looked slightly different, appearing leaner but still athletic.
Percy's grin widened."Damn, I still look good."
Beta rolled her eyes. "Master, the mask—oh, never mind. Just focus on getting registered."
As Percy approached the reception desk, he was greeted by a warm, welcoming smile from a kind-eyed receptionist.
"Hello, young man! I'm Carla. How may I assist you today?" she asked, her voice cheerful yet professional.
Percy responded with practiced politeness, concealing his usual edge. "Good afternoon, ma'am. I'm interested in learning about the process to become a registered adventurer."
Carla's eyes brightened."Ah, an aspiring adventurer! Well, you've come to the right place."
With a graceful motion, she retrieved a holographic registration form, swiping through the details as she explained.
"To officially become a registered adventurer under the FGA, there are four mandatory exams," Carla began, her voice smooth and informative. "Each test serves a crucial purpose in assessing your overall competency."
She gestured to the glowing interface, highlighting the first exam.
"The written exam evaluates your fundamental survival knowledge," she explained. "It covers topics like flora and fauna identification, survival techniques, demonic monster classifications, and ancient ruins. You wouldn't believe how many adventurers perish because they underestimated a monster or ate the wrong herb."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "So, a practical knowledge test?"
"Exactly!" Carla beamed. "You could be the strongest warrior, but if you drink from a poisoned spring or stumble into a cursed ruin unprepared, you're dead."
Beta, whispering into Percy's mind, added, "You'll ace that one, Master. Your photo-eidetic memorization skill alone guarantees it."
Percy smirked. "Good to know."
Carla swiped to the next section.
"The physical exam is fairly straightforward. We measure your endurance, agility, strength, and reflexes. While mages and ranged fighters have slightly lower thresholds than warriors, all adventurers are expected to meet minimum physical standards."
Percy's smirk deepened."So, basically, a fitness test?"
"Essentially," Carla nodded. "But it's not just about raw power. The test also assesses your reaction speed and stamina, which are crucial in real combat."
The next section illuminated in arcane symbols.
"The magical exam assesses your ability to manipulate mana," Carla explained. "We analyze your mana control, spellcasting efficiency, and elemental attunement."
Beta nudged Percy's mind again. "This will be easy. With your three elemental affinities, you'll stand out."
Percy suppressed a knowing grin."I'll keep it low-key."
The last section glowed red, an emblem of crossed swords appearing.
"Finally, the combat exam," Carla continued. "You'll be pitted against a ranked adventurer—someone experienced, trained, and skilled."
Percy perked up."A real fight?"
"Exactly," Carla confirmed. "The goal isn't necessarily to win but to demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and technique. Of course, if you do win, it'll reflect very well on your ranking."
Beta, her voice sly, interjected. "Master, don't go overboard."
Percy chuckled darkly."No promises."
"Finally, the specialized exam isn't mandatory," Carla continued, "but we highly recommend it. It allows candidates to explore a secondary skill set—something useful if adventuring doesn't work out."
Percy listened intently, his mind already calculating the benefits.
"This exam isn't a federation requirement," Carla clarified, "but it can provide you with a fallback career or a tactical advantage. Some adventurers take it to diversify their abilities, while others use it to refine an alternative expertise."
Percy tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Sounds like a solid option for long-term flexibility."
Carla moved on. "The examination fee is $5,000. If you pass, you'll receive a partial refund as a merit-based incentive. But failure means no refund," she stated, her tone businesslike yet fair.
Percy smirked, unfazed. "High risk, high reward."
Beta, perched nearby, whispered, "You're already wealthy beyond most examinees, Master. But to them, that fee could mean the difference between opportunity and financial ruin."
Percy acknowledged the weight of the investment. "It's a strategic filter. Ensures only the serious contenders apply."
Percy, ever the strategist, asked, "How is each exam weighted?"
Carla efficiently broke it down.
Written Exam – 20%(Essential knowledge of survival, magic, and monsters.)Physical Exam – 23%(Endurance, agility, and combat fitness.)Magical Exam – 23%(Mana control, spell efficiency, and elemental strength.)Combat Exam – 23%(Real-world adaptability in a battle scenario.)Specialized Exam (Optional) – 17%(A bonus to help borderline candidates reach passing scores.)
"The specialized exam contributes to the total score, whether you pass or fail," Carla added. "It can be a saving grace for someone who excels in a particular skill but struggles in another area."
Percy nodded. "A safety net for the ambitious and a challenge for the overconfident."
Percy, recalling some inconsistencies in the world's adventurer structure, asked, "Is there an age requirement?"
Carla smiled. "Mages can legally become adventurers at 16, while civilians must be at least 18. However, students enrolled in city schools—like Solarskis—receive a government-subsidized discount on the $5,000 fee."
Beta chuckled softly in Percy's mind. "Master, you're technically eligible for the discount, but given your current resources, I doubt you'll need it."
Percy smirked. "I'll pay the full amount. No need to cut corners."
"Then, I'd like to register for the adventurer examinations," Percy declared confidently, reaching into his pocket and producing a unique diamond-tier card.
Carla's eyes widened in surprise. "A diamond clearance card? That's… exceptionally rare."
She hesitated for a split second before proceeding with the transaction. When the system confirmed the payment, she studied Percy with renewed interest.
Beta whispered smugly, "Master, you just flexed without even trying."
Percy ignored her, keeping his expression neutral.
Carla, regaining her composure, retrieved a holographic form. "I'll need some basic details for your official registration."
Percy adopted his false identity as he dictated his information.
"Ethan Parker.""Age: 17.""Gender: Male.""Height: 6'2".""Weight: 200 lbs.""Element: Earth."
Carla swiftly inputted the data, her hands moving fluidly across the interface. With a final press, a new ID materialized—a sleek, metallic card embedded with a mana signature.
She handed it to him. "This is your adventurer ID. Keep it safe. It links to your progress and rank within the FGA system."
Percy twirled the card between his fingers. "Understood."
"Your written exam starts in two hours," Carla informed him. "You're welcome to wait in the lounge with other examinees. Many find it useful to exchange tips and insights before the test."
Percy considered the option. "Chat with potential competition? No thanks."
Instead, he turned toward the exit. "I'll return when it's time."
With a brief nod to Carla, Percy slipped out of the building, leaving behind a receptionist who was now thoroughly intrigued by the mysterious young man who had just signed up.