Chapter 137 (1/2)

A voice boomed out above him, drawing his attention upwards. “The Tassles will now be updated to display the winners of the respective stages. To those who have made it… congratulations. You have earned your way to the Northern Regional Tournament for the Spearman School. Bring us honor.”

Once again, seemingly expanded to an even larger size, their Tassles unfurled: Randidly’s Emerald and Gold, Tartet’s Piss yellow and Black, and Dian’s Red-Violet and White. They were all eyecatching, each for their own reason, especially when compared against the sea of red, oranges, and goldens that fluttered on the other stages. The one other color of note was a sky blue, with black lettering, which seemed to be on the stage directly opposite theirs, on the other side of the observation tower.

The old man nodded to them all, then gestured imperiously for them to follow, and then began striding away, walking towards the viewing tower. The three glanced at each other, eyes narrowed. Especially between Dian and Randidly, who both felt their own immediate weakness after their previous confrontation, and also the other’s weakness. If there was any good opportunity to strike, it would be now...

“Violence from you… will be met by violence from me.” The man remarked, once again coughing after he spoke, not even turning around.

Tartet just snorted and walked forward. “Idiots. We have time enough in the tournament. Why are you so hasty to die without an audience? There is no honor in that.”

Moving stiffly, Randidly walked forward to follow, his skin prickling as he allowed Dian to be behind him. But he felt instinctively that displaying weakness here was not what he wanted. Instead, better to let her see how little this bothered him… Even though Randidly didn’t know how good of an actor he really was.

And when he felt a hand settle around his elbow, he barely suppressed his instinct to lash out.

“You…” Dian said, frowning at him, her sharp features narrowed even further as she struggled inwardly with something. Finally reaching a decision, she lowered her hand and finished, somewhat lamely. “...what is your name…?”

“Ghosthound…” Randidly said, somewhat at a loss. Dian raised her hand and ran it through her spiky red hair, which was sticking up in all directions, covered in dirt, blood, and insect ichor. Then she nodded seriously and walked away.

Somewhat confused, Randidly lengthened his stride and followed, until all three of them were walking in line.

There was a rather tedious ceremony, after they ascended to the topmost floor of the viewing tower, and each was given a medallion that would serve as their ticket of admission into the tournament. The winners from each stage stood seperate, 23 in total, due to a few stages having less than 3, but all stared at the Stage 7 victors, with their distinctive Tassles over their heads.

What Randidly found most interesting was that although he was given a cursory glance, which was a little more than Tartet’s brief glance, it was Dian that received most of the attention. But she held her head high and received the stares without batting an eyelash. Which was for the best, because one of the things that Randidly liked most about his time here in Shal’s world, was how little attention he received. But it appeared to be slowly changing.

Still, Randidly remained optimistic. After all, they would probably go to another city for the Regional Tournament. And based on what Divvit said, Randidly would be forced to face opponents a level higher, even higher than Dian and Tartet. With that sort of competition, hopefully he would no longer attract attention.

But then again… Randidly resolved himself to receiving it. Because it wasn’t participation in the Regional Tournament that was necessary. It was placing within the Top 8. Under the thunderous applause, Randidly walked out the the arena, struck by how… ridiculous this all seemed. But then again, this was another world. And here, strength and honor were what earned accolades.

****

Shal eventually found him, surrounded by crowds and brought him out. When they returned to the boat, Shal gave him a long look. “You have an hour. After that, the training will begin. Do you agree?”

And although Randidly’s head was really pounding now, he nodded. Although he was able to use his magic to make up the difference, the fight had clearly demonstrated his own insufficiencies, especially in regards to the spear. Maintaining powerful spells was important, but it wasn’t enough. His Spearmanship must at least rise to the level where he could hold his own.

So after around 30 minutes of silent meditation in his room, where the worst of the rebound from overtaxing his mental resources passed, Randidly opened his eyes and viewed his skill screen.

He had gained 3 Skill Lvls in Spearing Roots, 1 in Root Control and Pollen of the Rafflesia, 2 in Mana Strengthening and Wall of Thorns, 1 in Agony, Incinerating Bolt, and Circle of Flame, 3 in Plantomancy, 2 in Spear Mastery and Spear Phantom’s Footwork, 1 in Phantom Thrust and Eyes of the Spear Phantom, 1 in Phantom Half Step, 2 in Dodge and Block, 2 in Haste, 5 in Phantom Onslaught, 2 in Empower and Fighting Proficiency, 1 in Calculated Blow and Edge of Decay, 2 in Pierce the Skies, Shatter the Earth and Struggle, and 5 in Battle Intent.

Randidly also gained 3 Levels in the Spear Advances, Ash Trails, he had 2 levels in Engraving from the morning, 1 in Physical Fitness, Meditation, and Running, 5 in Poison Resistance, 2 in Mental Strength and Grace, 1 in Bacterial Regeneration, 3 in Superiority, and 4 in Mental Fortitude.

An excellent haul for a day and a half’s work, but this was the reward that came with experiencing several near misses with death. And for using his moves on actual people, rather than just training alone.

And since he currently had no path, Randidly considered his options.

Watcher: 0/??, ?????, Heretic VI 0/???, Oathbreaker 0/25, Initiate of Ash I 0/75, Path of Carnage I 0/???, Nexus Traveler Cohort 5 0/50, Path of Control 0/200, Grace I 0/75

There were two changes of note in his options. The first was foreboding, but Heretic had increased to VI. There was no corresponding notification, as Randidly scrolled through the still fuzzy notifications, affected by the potion, but it would bear watching. However, if there wasn’t a notification… there probably wouldn’t be another Judgement soon. For now, Randidly hoped it wouldn’t be until Heretic X and moved on.

The other new choice was the addition of the Grace I Path. Grace was a passive skill, but it had real, tangible effects on his balance and center of gravity. It was hard to tell what the path would get him, but it was an option.

He had gained 73 PP, but wasn’t sure which direction to head. Path of Control still seemed like the most worthwhile, but it came with a hefty price tag. And Randidly wanted to focus more heavily on his physical attributes. His spells were currently sufficient, while his physical prowess was not.

Nexus Traveler Cohort 5 seemed like a reward path, but was somewhat fishy. Initiate of Ash was something he should research more before going into…

Weirdly, Randidly found himself selecting the Watcher path. Although it was one that he had possessed for a long time, that was part of the appeal; it was likely a short path. And he would rather start it quickly and finish it now, while there was no obvious option, other than Path of Carnage I. But that might take a while, and it would be good to get it out of the way.