Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Kalon Vs Test Director (1)
Chapter 10: Kalon Vs. Test Director (1)
"Yes, like that. You see me? You have to hit the bull's-eye of the target I just hit. Easy, right?"
Kalon was currently in the Spear Bearer class, learning from the instructor Yu Bok Dol. The news of him going to fight against the Test Director in the next few days had already spread. He would need to utilize all the positions in his arsenal to push Yu Han Sung back just one step.
[Skill Detected: Ranged Type Spear Bearer – Stored in System Space.]
He looked at the system prompt. Even without this skill, he could hit the target easily. As a Sword Grandmaster, his senses allowed him to perceive everything within a 100-meter radius. One of the reasons he hadn't copied any skill until now was because he wanted to copy skills from the best—not amateurs.
"Here." Yu Bok Dol handed him a spear. The moment Kalon held it, his aura changed. He became more somber. He bounced the spear in his right hand, feeling the weight—it was a solid 100 kg. No wonder only Rak and one other regular had directly passed the position test. But for Kalon, it wasn't much of a challenge.
"Oh! I'm surprised you didn't fall. Looking at your lean body, it doesn't seem like you exercise." Yu Bok Dol smirked. He often pulled this trick on weaker-looking regulars, handing them the heaviest spear just to watch them collapse under its weight. But this time, his plan had backfired.
"Now give it back. I'll get you the proper spear."
"No, it's okay, teacher. Since I'm up against an entity like the Test Director, I can't take the conventional route to grow strong, can I?" Kalon replied, his eyes fixed on the floating target hidden behind the clouds. His sharp gaze pierced through the mist and locked onto his target. Veins bulged as his grip tightened around the spear. He stepped back, using the spear to gain momentum.
Swoosh!
Kalon's hand blurred momentarily, and a swooshing sound echoed through the air. The ground beneath his feet cracked as he launched the spear. It tore through the air, reaching its target within seconds.
Boom!
The spear didn't stop—it pierced through the floating target and struck the mountain behind it.
"I-Is this really your first time using a spear?" Yu Bok Dol was stunned. Passing in one attempt wasn't unheard of, but it was rare, usually reserved for princesses of Zahard, geniuses from the Ten Great Families, or irregulars. As the thought of irregulars crossed his mind, an image of a certain brown-haired boy flashed through his head, sending a chill down his spine.
"Could it be that he's also an irregular… like that kid?"
"Instructor, did I pass?" Kalon asked innocently, his expression back to normal.
"Y-Yes, you passed with flying colors. May I ask—are you related to the Ten Great Families?" Yu Bok Dol asked nervously.
"No. And, teacher, can you show me more skills a Spear Bearer should know? I want to be fully prepared," Kalon said resolutely.
Director, it looks like you've awakened a sleeping dragon, Yu Bok Dol thought, wiping imaginary sweat from his forehead. He imagined the Test Director's reaction when he discovered yet another monster—one perhaps more terrifying than that irregular kid, a figure that evoked memories of Urek Mazino's younger days.
"Have you ever used a weapon?" Hax asked.
Hax wore a smooth, silver-like mask and had long, flowing dark hair styled in pigtails. She was dressed in a light blue blouse paired with a pink dress striped with white.
"Yes, I'm familiar with the sword," Kalon replied honestly.
Kalon took out a worn-out sword from his pocket. Hax examined the blade closely and remarked, "How long have you been using this sword? Its blade has lost all sharpness. In the Tower, where Shinsu concentration is strong, this sword wouldn't even cut grass."
"It works fine for me. I don't have enough points to afford a new one," Kalon admitted. He glanced at the sword in his hand. It hadn't always been this dull; the blade had worn out because ordinary swords couldn't withstand the power of his strikes as a Sword Grandmaster.
"Take one from the armory for now. If you manage to learn my techniques in a day, I'll gift you a new sword that even A-rank regulars use. Deal?" Hax proposed, folding her arms. She gestured behind her, where five training robots stood waiting.
"These robots won't stop until you completely destroy them. I'll judge whether you're more suited to the sword, reel, or needles. No Shinsu—only physical strength," Hax instructed. She walked to an empty field, pulling a chair from her inventory. Sitting down with her legs crossed, she rested her chin on her palm.
As Kalon stepped within range, the robots activated, their eyes glowing red. The sudden hostility startled him; he had little experience fighting opponents. One robot lunged. Kalon ducked, a swooshing sound passing over where his neck had been moments earlier.
The second robot attacked vertically, leaving cracks on the ground. Kalon rolled backward, unbothered by appearances since only the instructor was present. He knew he couldn't afford to take this lightly—any injury would hinder his upcoming fight against Yu Han Sung.
Gripping his sword tightly, Kalon unleashed his full strength. In an instant, his body vanished. Seconds later, he reappeared, the robots lying destroyed beyond repair. Broken circuits and debris littered the ground. Kalon inspected his sword—it had worn out further. No ordinary blade could handle his power.
Hax, who seemed to have been dozing off, was shocked. Although her face was covered, Kalon sensed her surprise.
"Y-You… did you use Shinsu? No, I didn't sense any Shinsu. But that speed… is that even possible for a human?!" Hax's mind raced. Humans were considered the weakest race in the Tower, apart from the King and the Ten Great Family Heads. Yet, this regular, not even E-rank, displayed raw physical strength that rivaled legends.
"Did I pass?" Kalon asked in his usual straightforward manner.
"Yes… though the positions have already been decided. Otherwise, I'd have reassigned you to Fisherman. You're far better suited for combat than sitting in a Lighthouse, supporting from the sidelines," Hax sighed. Frustrated, she silently blamed the Test Director for such a glaring mistake. If Evankhell were here… this wouldn't have happened.