Chapter 256: Field Training (1/2)

”There is, only that it's rarely encountered.” Jenny glanced at him with suspicion. ”I didn't think you'd be so knowledgeable.”

”My older brother mentioned it.” Arthur nodded, lying with a straight face. ”The guardian spirit of truth, only the headmaster gets a chance to meet them.”

”And a few lucky ones.” Jenny walked back toward the cafe. ”The champion of each year gets to meet the guardian for a reward.”

”What kind of reward?” Arthur furrowed his brows.

”Enlightenment, they say. The reward is the knowledge that would make you a master. That's why everyone cares so much about the ranking.”

”But there was no mention of a championship when the ranking was introduced.” Arthur hurried after her. ”Does that mean the ranking isn't the deciding factor?”

”Ugh, you ask too much.” Jenny stopped and pointed at him. ”The top fifty people compete at the end of the year for the championship. That's why ranking is so important. That will be all for today. I'll report back to Yurirl, you can go back to studying.”

Before Arthur could ask anything else, she was on her way back to the cafe. He sighed and turned around to head back toward the academy.

Even as he did, the gaze never left him. It was at that time that he remembered Lilo's ability to elude his enemies. He helped Arthur before, so why couldn't he do it now?

'Lilo, can you create a barrier like last time?'

'Zzzz...' He was sleeping and Arthur chuckled. He used his mark to wake him up.

'Mm, what is it, master?' Lilo woke up and Arthur repeated the question. 'Yes, I can. But there are certain conditions.'

'Like what?'

'The barrier is immobile, so you'll have to stay in one place. It's also limited in range, depending on the illusion you'd wish to create. If someone enters the barrier, it'll be broken immediately.'

'Mm, that's no problem.' Arthur sighed in relief. 'I'll need you to set up a barrier later, so rest before you do that.'

Arthur sent a text to Sarah to set up a meeting in the library later that night. As he returned to the academy, he saw many students chatting excitedly about something.

Sadly, everyone avoided him at the moment. He had to look for Oliver to tell him what was going on.

”Field Training!” Oliver exclaimed excitedly. ”Every year, Jerano receives many requests to either uncover mysteries or conquer the remote dungeons. The college allows us to take part in them as training.”

”Are there any rewards?”

”Hehe, other than fame and prestige, what do we even need?” Oliver said but continued when he saw Arthur unconvinced. ”We get Jerano Points and merit points based on our accomplished tasks.”

”Uh-huh.” Arthur nodded absent-mindedly. ”I still don't see why everyone is so excited. They can hunt in dungeons all they want.”

”It's because this is one of the few chances we have to hunt in the academy.” Oliver shook his head. ”Students aren't allowed to leave in their first semester unless it's on the field day. Most people use that to have fun outside. I guess you don't know what Jerano's students' privileges are.”

”Privileges on the outside world?” Arthur furrowed his brows.

”Yes, Explorers Badges! They're allowed to go everywhere and act as the law! They're even higher ranked than most police officers.”

”Wouldn't someone abuse this?”

”Well, that's why there was an interview. Those who would abuse this authority would get eliminated.” Oliver slapped Arthur's back. ”Rejoice for there are a lot of women after Explorers.”

Arthur smiled and didn't say anything. The two walked together toward the cafeteria where they ate. As they were eating, they received a notification with the list of tasks.