[Congratulations, your magic power has increased]
Magic Fragments: [210/1000] +
Strength: 90 → 190 +
Stamina: 57 → 157 +
Agility: 69 → 169 +
Endurance: 47 → 147 +
Intelligence: 535 → 635 +
Booza's eyes kept blinking, as if he couldn't believe how drastically his power had increased. All his attributes had gained so many points, it left him utterly confused. Completing daily missions usually only gave him a small boost. But now, out of nowhere, each attribute rose significantly, including his magic fragments.
He could even feel it—his muscles thickening, blood surging faster through his veins. It was like a surge of power had exploded inside him, itching to be released. His body felt in perfect condition; the fatigue and injuries he had endured seemed to vanish completely.
Booza suddenly remembered what Elsie had once told him. Magic power could evolve if the wielder's body were deemed worthy. So, did this mean Booza's body had finally qualified?
He quickly rose from his small cot and jogged to the corner of the room where a mirror stood. It was clear now—his body looked far more muscular, a sign of the drastic power-up he just received. And one more thing—his eyes had turned darker.
"What kind of new power do I have now?"
---
This morning marked the day of the battle arena. Every student was required to participate—no exceptions. The rules were simple: two students would fight until one was defeated. The winner would be promoted to a young knight, one rank below an Elite Knight like Elsie, and two ranks below a Supreme Knight like Yonvi Virosta. The loser, however, would become an ordinary soldier with no special privileges. Still, it was better—they at least had a chance to live. But for students from the outskirts, defeat only meant one thing: death.
Now, all the students, including Booza and his friends, had gathered in the field in front of the royal palace. They stood at the edge of the battle arena, waiting for the event to begin.
The queen herself had arrived, seated on her palace balcony, flanked by Yonvi Virosta. The excitement in her eyes was clear—she couldn't wait to be entertained and amazed by the students' battles.
The battle was about to begin.
But first, the students were paired randomly. Elsie announced the results. Booza would fight in the tenth match, and his opponent—of course—was Liam.
"This was definitely planned from the beginning."
Students from the outskirts were sent in first. One by one, they stepped into the arena to face noble-born students. Confidence radiated from the nobles, but the kids from the outskirts didn't back down. Their sharp eyes were filled with a readiness to fight to the death.
Training never betrayed the effort. The students from the outskirts gave their opponents a hard time. They dodged attacks, countered fiercely, and some even managed to injure their enemies. The battles grew more intense, merciless.
But no matter how strong they were, the outskirts students couldn't beat the nobles. All their efforts were close—almost killing their enemies—but in the end, they failed. The nobles were gravely wounded, some losing limbs or sight, yet the outskirts students still ended up dead. Out of eight battles, none from the outskirts survived.
"Damn it!"
Seeing his friends die only filled Booza with rage. He couldn't accept how little their lives were valued. The rules were incredibly unfair. Yet, he was powerless to stop it.
Then came the ninth match. A woman named Yumi was called. Her opponent: Alen, from the outskirts.
"So her name is Yumi!"
Booza was shocked. The orange-haired woman who often appeared at the library—that was her.
Their battle began. Yumi pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and slid it between her index and middle fingers. She flicked it, and suddenly it multiplied. In a blink, the papers shot toward Alen, sticking all over his body. He struggled, but the papers kept covering him—until he could no longer breathe.
He died.
"Damn it!"
"She beat Alen that easily? Her power is terrifying."
Once again, Booza was consumed by anger. But he didn't have time to stay angry—his turn to fight Liam had come. The moment was here.
As Alen's body was carried away, Booza was summoned into the battle arena—alongside Liam. The two walked forward, facing each other, eyes locked in a deadly stare.
This was it. The battle of vengeance!
"I must not die here."
"I have to find my new power—fast!"
Booza kept analyzing his newfound power. He'd been trying since earlier, but nothing worked. He'd even attempted reading the minds of those nearby, but the range was still the same—just a meter and a half. No improvement!
Booza and Liam now stood a meter apart. Elsie, acting as referee, stood between them.
"Are you ready? Fight with all you've got and entertain the queen."
"Return to your positions!"
Booza and Liam turned and walked away from each other.
"I already know your power is mind-reading."
Suddenly, Booza heard that thought—it was Liam's.
"Damn it! Who spilt it to him?"
"Ready! Begin!" shouted Elsie, marking the official start of Booza vs. Liam.
This was a revenge battle.
Booza's strategy was simple: close the distance. No matter what, he had to get close if he wanted to win. But Liam already knew this and kept his distance.
He ran, drew his sword, and launched ranged attacks at Booza. It was troublesome—Booza couldn't predict the moves. He dodged with all his strength.
"Why aren't you fighting back?" Liam laughed mockingly.
Booza didn't respond. He had no other strategy but to bring out his black axe to block the attacks. Still, he didn't give up. He charged forward, deflecting Liam's strikes. His speed caught Liam off guard—panic started creeping into the noble's face.
Suddenly, Booza's body froze. His limbs went stiff. Panic surged through him—fear was written all over his face. This wasn't good. Another attack now would definitely land.
"What's wrong with my body? Damn it!"
"Confused? My power is controlling the muscles and nerves of my enemies. You're my puppet now," Liam sneered.
"When did I get hit with this?"
Then Booza remembered. They had collided in the hallway days ago. That must've been when Liam's power infected him.
"Coward! So you set me up days ago. You lowly bastard!"
Liam didn't care. He lunged toward Booza like a rocket. His sword slashed across Booza's chest.
Blood gushed.
But this wasn't the end of the battle.