Chapter 39
Dinner Service (1)
Translator: N/A
Rewriter: Wynn
July 20th . D-Day .
In the auditorium, nobles from the Empire and the Western Kingdom Union were present . Freshmen and seniors students alike filled the auditorium to capacity . All of the students wore their Runegears; their profession was denoted by the color of their attire: blue for the magicians and red for the swordsmen . Their uniform appearance and orderly fashion gave the nobles the impression of a veteran military corps .
In front of the sizable audience, the Dean started speaking:
“Everyone— it has been many years since the Shadow World began threatening humanity . During that time, God’s Shield – the Empire of Artemis – has fallen and other nearby countries have met their end in similar fashions . We have lost substantial territory to the Shadow World, and loved ones who will never come back . ”
“As they fade away to our memories, humanity has remained divided even in our dire straits! There are knights who fight only in service of the King; nobility who wage war amongst themselves instead of protecting society against the Shadow Worlds; mages who stood to the side and became bystanders to the conflict . With the way things were looking, the end was inevitable . ”
“In the past, the Shadow World represented the inevitable end of days: an irreversible calamity .
With the world in such desperate times, we needed a beacon of hope to shine down on humanity . The Empire’s solution was the Hebrion Academy; the continent’s most prestigious school intended to raise a generation of students who could fight back against the Shadow Worlds . Since its foundation, Hebrion Academy has produced countless knights and mages: people who fought for humanity . And after years and years of hard work…”
The Dean clenched his fist and raised it above his head in pride .
“The Shadow World was conquered in its entirety . Subjugated into submission . The ones that appear this year will be no different . ” As if on cue, an announcement echoed through the auditorium .
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– Detecting Dimensional Crack . Based on its magical sequence, the requisite Shadow Gates will be opening .
“A long time ago, Shadow Worlds could only be accessed via Teleportation Gate exactly where the Shadow World spawned . With the technological advancements over the past 30 years, we are now able to enter the Shadow World from anywhere using 5th Circle Space Manipulation magic . In order to participate, all you have to do is select your preferred Shadow World and enter the gate . ” Something mechanical clicked behind the Dean and a quiet hum whirred as the mana in the atmosphere began to move . The Shadow Gate had activated .
– Currently, there are 4,728 Shadow Worlds accessible .
Shadow Worlds didn’t disappear until they were cleared . As time went on, the existing Shadow Worlds would continue to pollute and encroach on their territory . With the thousands of Shadow Worlds available, they were split between Hebrion Academy and the Western Kingdom Union . The most difficult instances were given to Hebrion Academy graduate students, whilst the actively enrolled students would often find themselves in low class Shadow Worlds to build experience .
Now that humanity had stabilized the Shadow Worlds, the tasks that the students had to take were relatively minor . The time that the students spent in the Shadow World was a rite of passage, and also the first steps they took towards becoming fully fledged heroes .
“From now on, your devices will be made aware of all Shadow Worlds that appear . Please work in teams at all times, and remember that points will be distributed based on the difficulty of the Shadow World . More important than anything else, please ensure that you know your limits and enter Shadow Worlds appropriate for your level . Your safety is paramount . Once you have selected a Shadow World, consult our historians for more information . If you need anything else, speak with the Support Team . Our Hebrion Academy offers its full support . ” Finally, students started to move around with their teams . The Alpha students leisurely browsed their options in groups of two or three . In contrast, the Beta Class students were restricted in their options; they were not allowed to enter Shadow Worlds above Class 5 .
In a different location, 27 students stood at attention and received a briefing from the academy’s commander-in-chief, Tashid . “For the rest of you, you are Hebrion’s finest . The Shadow Worlds you will be sent to are vastly different from that of other people . In terms of difficulty, Shadow Worlds Class 6 and below are fairly easy— just about anybody can clear them . The best corollary would be… Professor Nefan’s exam, I suppose . ” The students laughed .
“However, as Hebrion’s elite, the Shadow Worlds that you will be entering are vastly different . Above Class 5, you will be exposed to war and murder . Death is a very real possibility . ” The laughter stopped . Regardless, nobody shrunk away in fear— they were Single Rankers . They were prepared to die .
Seeing their reaction, Tashid had a satisfied grin on his face . This was what Hebrion had to offer . “Alright . While it’s true that you’ll be exposed to Shadow Worlds many times more difficult than your peers, the rewards are likewise that much greater . ” The rewards for clearing Shadow Worlds were magic crystals based on the difficulty . “As always, remember that the people in the Shadow World are not real . They are imaginary and only exist in the confines of the Shadow World . Do not feel guilty about killing them . ”
All students were reminded of this year after year, but there were always those who couldn’t make the distinction . For them, therapy and psychological treatment were available at the academy . “The introductions have been a little too long . Let’s dive right into the Shadow Worlds you will all enter . ” As soon as Tashid finished speaking, a prompt showed up on his communications device . On the display, it showcased the Shadow Worlds exclusive to Single Rankers:
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Expected Difficulty: Class 4
Location: Keyhole Desert
There are 1 related case[s] to this Shadow World .
Consult the historians for more details .
Expected Difficulty: Class 4
Location: Bitlugu Town
There are 3 related case[s] to this Shadow World .
Consult the historians for more details .
Expected Difficulty: Class 3 ~ Class 5 (unknown)
Location: North Sea
There are 48 related case[s] to this Shadow world .
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Consult the historians for more details .
“Select a Shadow World and notify the Central Committee . They will evaluate your skills and determine if you are fit to enter the Shadow World . Without approval, entrance into the Shadow World is strictly prohibited . ” Tashid paused and took a deep breath . “As for the Magic Crystal received from the Shadow World, it will be distributed based on your contribution points after taking into account shipping and taxes . Anything that you receive will be free for your use . However, other objects that are found must be reported to the Academic Department . Failure to report will result in severe punishments as per the 13th Tax Amendment . With that, I wish you the best of luck in your travels . ”
As soon as Tashid left the room, a noisy murmur from the students began to thrum in the room . Everybody was discussing the Shadow World selection and their plans moving forward .
“I heard that for a 1st year Single Ranker, it’s normal to enter a Class 5 Shadow World . ” Pram overheard another party’s conversation and looked over to Desir to gauge his reaction .
“No need to guess, Pram . I think I know which one Desir will choose…”
“…Which one is it?” Pram asked Romantica .
“Knowing him, he’s obviously going to pick the most difficult one: The Class 3 . ”
“Romantica, I would love to do that one if we could, but we currently lack the strength,” explained Desir . Up until now, there were no reported incidents of Class 2 or higher Shadow Worlds . Class 3, for all intents and purposes, was the highest difficulty . “If we were looking to do a Class 3 Shadow World, we would have to be like them to even get approval . ” Desir pointed over at two famous parties: the Red Dragon Party led by Radoria, and the Blue Moon Party led by Elheim . In the vicinity, there were three 4th Circle mages, two Bishop-Rank knights, and five Rook-rank knights . Not a single 1st year could be found, and each of the members was a veteran .
Don’t overdo it . That was Desir’s rule on tackling Shadow Worlds .
“I’ve already decided which Shadow World we will be entering . It’ll be perfect for us . ” He showed his device to his party members .
Expected Difficulty: Class 4
Location: Orrane Province
[…]
Reading over the information displayed, Romantica’s face paled . “Uh— I don’t think we can do this one . Read the last part . It says we need at least four people . Between you, me, and Pram, we only have three . ”
“You’re wrong, Romantica . Didn’t I tell you?”
Seeing Desir’s carefree expression, Romantica felt uneasy .
“Ajest joined our party,” said Desir candidly .
“What?”
A ding from Desir’s pad interrupted Romanica’s thoughts .
Request Confirmed . Entry approved .
Party Members: Desir Arman . Pram Schneizer . Romantica Eru . Ajest Kingscrown .
Please head towards Shadow Gate #2 .