Chapter 365

Time went by, and the exam period approached. The first-year students and our assistants moved to the Examination Ground to take the test.

First, the students entered, followed by the assistants, including myself.

Normally, we would have to blindfold ourselves for fairness, but the assistants didn’t wear any blindfolds.

We could even choose starting positions, and the professor personally handed out maps.

The map indicated where to find treasures placed all around the testing area, but we just gave it away.

‘The students probably won’t complain about it.’

As mentioned earlier, the assistants are akin to a third power. But calling them the third power is a bit ambiguous.

It should be described as somewhat dual-meaning. They’re closer to public enemies, but the professors likely did this on purpose.

Even if the students figured it out, they’d probably let it slide due to ‘regulations.’

Above all, unless they know what I truly desire, the students can’t afford to let their guard down.

“What kind of effect does this have?”

“Should I try using it?”

Our starting point was the lake in the center of the Examination Ground. A massive lake, too.

After the test began, we checked the treasure we’d received beforehand.

In the center, there hung a necklace embedded with a shimmering green gem. We started by examining its abilities.

“Should we pour some magic power into it? It can’t be exclusive to wizards, right?”

“Um…”

Hearing Kara’s words, I inspected the necklace from all angles. I didn’t really know what it was either.

This was a necklace and gem I had never seen, even in the Soul World. Such things didn’t even exist.

It must be because my existence is twisting the future. Not that it matters.

“I’ll give it a try first.”

To test the performance of the Green Treasure, Karas put on the necklace.

The professors explained that the treasure’s abilities weren’t very complicated. Instead, it turns the tables in unfavorable situations.

Surely this green gem must have a fitting effect. We needed to find out what that was first.

– Woong!

As Karas channelled his magic power into the necklace, the green gem started to glow.

Simultaneously, green letters began to appear in the air, resembling pre-set magic.

Soon after, the letters switched to the common language and explained the gem’s ability.

[Resurrection Time Reduced: Waiting Time 6 Hours]

According to Dis, it’s a very simple yet special ability. The power to reverse unfavorable situations.

We reacted similarly upon witnessing that ability. It was a positive reaction.

“Resurrection time reduced… That’s a tremendous advantage.”

“Six hours waiting time too. That’s amazing.”

“This would suit you better than me, Kara.”

“What about you?”

Kara looked puzzled. The reduced resurrection time is a significant perk.

It’s weird for the one with the least power, Karas, to let that go.

“To be honest, Sivar is almost certain not to get eliminated, and even if he does, he can just resurrect. I think it took three hours last time, right?”

“Probably around that.”

“Meanwhile, for me, being eliminated doesn’t matter at all. I’m the weakest here. So, this necklace is more suitable for you, Kara.”

That sounded pretty persuasive. Kara seemed to think so too as she nodded.

Karas is the type to compete with brains rather than brawn. But that doesn’t mean our brains are lacking.

Especially since the purpose of this exam was ‘scrimmage,’ a keen sense is far more important than an overall plan.

Thus, Karas naturally has a smaller role. Though he’s not completely useless.

“Then, I’ll wear this. Where should we go first?”

“Hmm…”

At Kara’s question, Karas turned to look at the lake. We shifted our gazes toward the lake as well.

Dis said that to find treasures, you need to look for clues. Also, it was explained that you could find treasures while seeking those clues.

“Honestly, for me, this lake seems the most suspicious. Don’t you all think so?”

“I think so too.”

“Me too.”

“Alright. Then, Sivar, let’s go.”

“?”

I stared at Karas in disbelief at the completely natural command.

But Karas had a blatantly clueless expression on his face, as if wondering what the issue was.

“You can’t swim?”

“Is there any reason royalty would swim? If I fell in, that would simply be someone else’s fault.”

“Kara… No. I’ll go.”

Kara hails from the desert, so swimming is not her forte. Plus, I can’t bear to see her clothes get wet.

She usually prefers thin clothing, and right now she’s in a pretty breezy outfit. If she gets wet, her underwear might show through.

That’s a sight I absolutely can’t witness. If I did, I’d poke my eyes out with my own fingers.

With a sigh, I stepped into the lake. It was somehow reassuring hearing Kara’s cautious words from behind.

– Splash!

“Huh?”

But it was shallower than I expected. The deepest part only came up to my waist.

If I had known it was this shallow, I would have sent Karas instead. But it was too late for regrets now.

– Bang!

While I rummaged through the lake, I heard a faint noise near my ear. It seems like fighting has already started.

They’ll lose if they fight among themselves anyway. I wonder when I’ll be able to reveal my plan to all the students.

‘Karas will handle it, right?’

Karas is perfect for this. He’s aware of my ambitious plan and will disseminate it appropriately.

Or even if I just spread the rumor that I’m gathering treasures, the students might collaborate.

– Sparkle!

“Ah.”

Just as I thought about how I hoped that moment would come quickly, I reached the middle of the lake and saw something twinkling.

Did they set up some light magic to make it easier to find? It looks like a treasure that glows orange.

Eventually, I cleared the rocks surrounding the treasure, protecting it, and was able to pull out the treasure box.

Overall, it was palm-sized.

“I found it!”

I shouted exaggeratedly that I had found it. That should attract a crowd.

I walked confidently out of the lake, holding the box.

“Is it really okay to find it this easily?”

“I don’t know. Let’s check it out.”

Kara spoke incredulously, but verifying the treasure was the priority.

With a sense of anticipation, I cautiously opened the palm-sized box.

Inside, there were two rings glowing with brilliant orange light, side by side.

“Huh? Why are there two?”

“Good question.”

“Let’s check them first.”

To see the effect, you only need to pour a tiny bit of magic power into it, just like Karas did earlier.

– Woong

Not long after, I found something intriguing. Karas only channeled power into one of the rings.

But the other one started glowing with the same brilliant orange light. It seems like they interacted somehow.

[Communication: Radius 3km]

This is a very simple yet powerful advantage, just like the green gem. Especially effective in a vast Examination Ground.

There’s no need to elaborate on the importance of communication. Information is vital for tests like this.

We nodded in agreement, satisfied with the treasure’s performance. Everyone had a positive reaction.

“This would be perfect for me and Sivar. Karas, you stick with me.”

“That’s fine, but just having me with you should be enough. I can act like a scout.”

“I’ll go alone. I think that’s best.”

Kara and Karas wearing the same ring? That’s so ridiculous it borders on absurd; I’d cut off Karas’s finger.

Fortunately, Karas quietly handed over the ring upon being given a pretty good reason.

Next up was putting on the rings. I first put the ring on Kara.

“I’ll put it on for you.”

“Huh? You, Sivar?”

“Yeah. I want to try something.”

“I don’t know what it is, but… here.”

Kara innocently extended her left hand. This allowed me to see her hand properly.

It was marked with clear proof of the many grueling battles she had gone through. Quite far from delicate hands.

But overall, her long fingers and unique skin made her feel attractive.

Even the larger and smaller scars seemed to tell the story of her life. Definitely not ugly.

– Slide

I placed the ring with orange gem on her left ring finger. The color difference made it stand out even more.

As everyone knows, putting a ring on the left ring finger is something reserved for lovers or partners. A kind of common sense, you could say.

But Kara showed no sign of understanding. She had no clue what it meant.

“I’ll put it on for you too. Lend me your hand.”

“Okay.”

Kara looked at the ring with satisfaction before doing the same for me. She placed the ring on my left ring finger.

Now it really felt like couple rings. Of course, Kara still had no idea.

“Oh…”

Except for Karas, who knew what it meant. He switched his gaze between us with a peculiar look.

He even flashed a mischievous smile that could only be described as somewhat perverse. So much so that even Kara reacted with a slight grimace.

“Why are you looking at us like that? Did we do something wrong?”

“Not really. I’m just saying that Sivar is quite bold.”

“What’s so bold?”

“Sivar, do you know what it means to wear a ring on the left ring finger?”

“Yeah.”

Of course, I knew. I nodded and replied.

“It’s something you do for someone precious. That’s what I learned.”

“Is that all?”

“Yep.”

“Mm… Alright, that’s fair enough for you.”

Next was Kara. Quick-witted Karas seemed to sense something odd and turned to her.

“Kara, do you really not know?”

“Know what?”

“Really?”

“No. What are you talking about? Does it have some meaning?”

Her reaction showed that she truly didn’t understand. This left Karas flustered.

As mentioned earlier, wearing a ring on the left ring finger holds a very special meaning. It’s been established since ancient times.

Strictly speaking, it has been passed down since the ancient ‘civilization.’ And Tartar is a civilization that has only recently been founded.

Lover? Marriage? Those customs were replaced by the barbaric practice of abduction marriage. It was only abolished after a state was established.

‘Coming to the Academy, she faced all sorts of discrimination as well.’

Things didn’t change at the Academy. Before learning about culture, her relationships with others were already terrible.

No one likely approached her in the first place, so it would have been difficult for her to learn such culture.

‘So it makes sense she doesn’t know.’

Even though she’s carefree, she has a lot of innocence. Kara’s growth has often been influenced by culture.

“Hmm… Then how does Tartar’s men court women? I’m a bit curious about that.”

“In the past, it was abduction marriage, but these days it’s more about mutual respect. If you forcibly take someone’s virtue, you’d end up being castrated.”

“That’s not what I meant… No, let’s skip that. This isn’t what’s important.”

As Karas faced the pressing Kara, he displayed a flustered reaction. Quite the culture clash mishap.

“Karas.”

“What is it?”

“After we find the treasure, are you going to do it too?”

“Get lost.”

Honestly, I didn’t want to either.

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