Chapter - 21

As Mr. Luke's words hang in the air, a heavy silence descends upon the classroom. I can feel the weight of everyone's gaze upon me, their eyes boring into my very soul as if I've uttered the most forbidden question imaginable.

My mind races to comprehend the implications of Mr. Luke's statement. Is this some unwritten rule, a common sense of this world that I've yet to grasp? Before I can dwell on the thought for too long, a wave of confusion washes over me as Mr. Luke's words sink in.

"If a student kills another student, willingly or unknowingly, he will be held responsible," Mr. Luke declares, his tone grave and somber.

The implications of his statement hit me like a sledgehammer. "So, if someone can accept responsibility, they can kill?" I blurt out, my voice betraying my shock and disbelief.

Instantly, the atmosphere in the room shifts, and I can feel the collective tension rise. It's as if I've stumbled upon some dark secret, something unspeakable that no one dares to acknowledge. I'm met with a barrage of stares, each one more intense than the last, and I can't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over me.

As I glance around the room, I'm met with hostile glares and icy stares from my classmates. It's as if I've crossed some invisible line, breached some unspoken taboo with my innocent question. Confusion clouds my expression as I struggle to comprehend the gravity of my words, but the hostility in the room is palpable, and I can't shake the feeling that I've unwittingly stumbled into dangerous territory.

Mr. Luke's sigh resonates through the room, a heavy acknowledgment of the tension that hangs in the air. "Well, people from all over the world get selected here. So it's not something out of the ordinary that someone don't know. Let's get started," he says, his voice tinged with resignation.

With that, the class begins, but I dare not utter another word. I sit in silence, my mind still reeling from the earlier exchange, as Mr. Luke's lecture unfolds over the course of an hour.

As the lecture draws to a close, Mr. Luke announces, "Now everyone, follow me to the training hall." Without hesitation, 350 of us rise from our seats and fall into line behind him, making our way to the designated destination.

It takes us five minutes to traverse the sprawling corridors of the Academy, and I can't help but marvel at its sheer size. "This Academy is freaking huge," I mutter under my breath, a sentiment echoed by many of my classmates.

As we enter the training hall, a collective gasp escapes our lips at the sight that greets us. Before us stands a vast array of weapons, gleaming in the soft light of the room. They are arranged neatly on racks, each one sparkling silver and beckoning us to take hold.

As Mr. Luke addresses the assembled students, his words carry a sense of reassurance. "Everyone, each of you must be comfortable with your own weapon," he declares. "Some of you have trained with swords, while others have mastered the art of the shield. We will not attempt to change your preferred weapon by forcing you to use something different. Instead, we will support you in the path you choose."

With that, he gestures towards the array of weapons laid out before us. "Today, each of you will select a weapon for yourselves. You've got twenty minutes."

Surveying the vast assortment of weapons, I'm struck by the sheer variety on display. It's not just swords, spears, shields, and bows—there's an incredible diversity of options available. From single-edged swords to double-edged swords, from traditional katanas to more unconventional variations, the choices seem endless.

At that moment the green screen popped up

-----------[ Green System - Free Style Path ]-----------

[Decision Point: First Weapon]

Remember that your first weapon is more than just a tool - it's a symbol of your journey's beginning. Consider your choice carefully, for it will lay the foundation for your path ahead and shape your destiny in this world of challenges and triumphs.

Chose your main weapon wisely.

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At that moment countless different green screen popped up everywhere.

-----------[ Green System - Main Weapon Selection Process ]-----------

[Weapon Options]

1. Sword:

- Versatile weapon, balanced offense and defense.

- Rewards: Sword Mastery, Parry Technique, Sword Dance.

2. Bow:

- Ranged weapon, precise and deadly.

- Rewards: Archery Proficiency, Eagle Eye, Arrow Rain.

3. Staff:

- Magical weapon, harness elemental spells.

- Rewards: Elemental Attunement, Arcane Shield, Elemental Burst.

4. Hammer:

- Heavy weapon, devastating blows.

- Rewards: Brute Strength, Ground Pound, Hammer Throw.

5. Dagger:

- Swift weapon, agile and lethal.

- Rewards: Swift Strikes, Shadow Step, Poison Blade.

[Scroll Down for More Options]

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As I gaze upon the array of weapons before me, my eyes are inevitably drawn to the katanas. The allure of these traditional Japanese swords tugs at something deep within me—a longing born from a lifelong fascination with Japanese culture in my previous life.

But as I consider my options, a wave of uncertainty washes over me. The previous owner of this body was a skilled swordsman, and suddenly switching my main weapon could raise suspicions. It's a risk I can't afford to take lightly. And unfortunately Katana doesn't fall into the sword cetagory.

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25. Katana:

- Elegant and deadly blade, known for its precision and lethality.

- Rewards: Masterful Strikes, Swift Precision, Graceful Execution.

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It has it's own cetagory in the system. So my opinion was already decided.

Despite my deep-seated desire for a katana, I know that discretion is key. With a heavy heart, I set aside my childish longing and instead opt for a sharp, double-edged sword.

-----------[ Green System - Main Weapon Selection: Sword ]-----------

[ Sword - Description ]

- The sword is a versatile weapon, offering a balance of offense and defense. With its sharp blade and sturdy hilt, it is suitable for various combat situations.

Rewards :

1. Sword Mastery: Increase damage with swords by 10%.

2. Parry Technique: Learn to parry enemy attacks, reducing damage taken .

3. Sword Dance: Unlock a special sword technique that deals area-of-effect damage to surrounding enemies.

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' System, I choose sword as my main weapon.'

-----------[ Green System - Main Weapon Selection: Sword ]-----------

Selection Complete!

You have chosen sword as your main weapon.

(Your reward is pending.)

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"Hey you!" a boy with short hair came toward me. He pointed his katana at me. He was looking at me as if I killed his parents.

'Oh, look at him. He has chosen a Katana. I wanted that.'

"I challenge you to a duel. If you're not a coward, then accept it," he declares, his voice laced with contempt.

My watch vibrated .

{Rank 1014 has requested a duel with you.}

I looked at the green screen,

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Your reward is pending.

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'Oh great. What a timing.'

I pause, considering his offer. Winning could boost my rank, but his aggression makes me wary.

"Why do you want to fight me? You won't gain anything," I ask.

The boy's response is immediate, his words dripping with venomous fury. "I'll teach you a lesson for running that stupid mouth of yours," he sneers, his anger boiling over.

-----------[ Blue System - Quest Path: Emergency Quest ]-----------

[ Emergency Quest Activated: The Duel Challenge ]

Quest Name: Accepting the Duel

Quest Type: Emergency Quest

Description:

You've been unexpectedly challenged to a duel by a fellow classmate. As a true warrior, you know that backing down is not an option. Will you accept the challenge and face your opponent head-on, or will you seek alternative solutions to avoid conflict?

Rewards:

- Victory: Low rank Inspection card × 10.

- Defeat: None.

Failure:

- Refusal to Duel: None.

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