Multiversal Ascension-Chapter 82: Surprising News!

***

"Before the course ends, I have an important announcement to make," exclaimed Emily, her tone serious.

Her words, especially her tone, captured the class's attention.

Satisfied, Emily continued, "I know most of you are already aware, but in two days, there will be an exam."

"However, what you don't know is the context of this exam. It's special and will be different from what you've experienced before."

"This exam, unlike the previous ones, is optional. Participation isn't mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. Those who participate will receive better grades than those who opt out. Additionally, rewards in credits will be distributed based on your performance."

A buzz of chatter erupted in the classroom, but Emily pressed on, unperturbed. "The exam is straightforward. Students from all four years will be deployed to various towns to act as defenders, protecting these towns against beast wave."

At the mention of beast wave, the classroom's chatter grew louder, tinged with unease. An anxious energy filled the air.

It was understandable. Beast wave were no trivial matter. A beast wave occurs when a large number of magical beasts—creatures mutated by mana, far stronger than regular animals and often aggressive towards humans—leave their natural habitats, such as forests and mountains, to attack human settlements.

A visibly worried woman voiced her concern. "We're being sent to face a beast wave? Isn't that like sending us to die?!"

Emily raised her hand to calm the room. "I understand your concerns, but there's no need to panic. The beast wave you'll face aren't like the catastrophic ones you see on the news, where entire towns are razed. These wave are much smaller in scale. Furthermore, professors will accompany each group of students to ensure your safety if the situation becomes dangerous. That said, there is still some risk, which is why participation is voluntary."

Despite her reassuring words, tension lingered in the room.

Emily sighed before continuing, "I know this sounds intimidating, but if you aspire to become rankers, you must learn to face danger. This exam provides you with a controlled environment where you can gain experience while being protected. When you graduate, you'll face similar threats, but without the safety net of professors. It's better to prepare now."

Her words seemed to soothe part of the class, but many students remained uneasy. Fear often dulls logic, especially when danger is imminent.

Noticing the lingering apprehension, Emily let out another sigh. "I'll end the class here to give you time to think it over. Detailed information about the exam will be sent to your bracelets. Take the time to decide."

"If you choose to participate, meet at the central plaza two days from now at 10 Am. I'll be there, and you just need to find me."

With that, Emily dismissed the class. As Mikael rose from his seat, his gaze locked with Amelia's. He understood she wanted to discuss the announcement. Giving her a small nod, he walked past her, and she silently followed.

Their actions drew some attention, though less than before. Over time, Mikael and Amelia had grown closer, their relationship resembling that of a couple rather than mere friends.

Initially, the boys in class were furious. However, as time passed, their anger gave way to dejection, and they avoided watching the pair altogether, finding the situation too depressing.

Not everyone reacted the same way. Aria, for instance, watched them with a disapproving look, recalling a conversation she'd had with Amelia.

***

Amelia and Aria were in Aria's dormitory, the atmosphere tense as they sat across from each other. The room, bright and adorned with Aria's cheerful decorations, felt at odds with the seriousness of their conversation.

Aria hesitated before speaking, her voice uncertain but firm. "Amy, what exactly is your relationship with Mikael?"

Amelia raised an eyebrow, her expression calm. "Didn't I already tell you? We're a couple."

Aria pressed her lips into a thin line, sighing in frustration. "Yeah, you did, but I don't think it's a good idea." Her tone sharpened. "Mikael doesn't come from the right background. You're a duke's daughter—practically royalty—and he's a commoner. You live in completely different worlds. This won't work."

Amelia's green eyes narrowed slightly, though her voice remained composed. "What exactly are you trying to say, Aria?"

Aria stood abruptly, pacing the room. "I'm saying your father won't accept this! You're setting yourself up for heartbreak. Stop this now, before it hurts both of you!" Her words spilled out rapidly, as though convincing herself as much as Amelia.

Amelia stood as well, crossing her arms. "So, I should just give up? Pretend I don't care about him because he wasn't born into wealth or status?"

Aria threw up her hands. "It's not just that! It's about your responsibilities, your future. You have so much ahead of you—things Mikael can't understand or support."

Amelia's voice hardened, defiance flickering in her eyes. "You don't know Mikael like I do. He supports me in ways that actually matter. He pushes me to be stronger, better. I don't need his background to justify what we have."

Aria shook her head, frustration evident. "You're being naive, Amy. This isn't some fairytale where love conquers all. Reality doesn't work like that!"

Amelia's gaze didn't waver. "No, it's not a fairytale. It's my life. And Mikael is part of it, whether you or anyone else approves."

Aria stared at her, her shoulders sagging slightly. "You're really willing to risk everything for him?"

"Yes," Amelia said without hesitation. "Because he's worth it."

Aria sighed heavily, sinking back onto the bed. "You're impossible. I just don't want to see you throw everything away for someone who—"

"Someone who what?" Amelia interrupted sharply. "Someone who wasn't born into nobility? Mikael is enough, and I don't care if the world disagrees."

Aria looked at her friend, her expression softening despite the tension. "Fine. Just don't come crying to me if it all falls apart, okay?"

Amelia smiled faintly, her posture relaxing. "I won't. But it won't fall apart. Mikael and I are stronger than you think."

Aria muttered something under her breath before managing a faint smile. "You're lucky you're my best friend. Otherwise, I wouldn't put up with this."

Amelia chuckled softly. "And you're lucky you're mine, or I'd be furious with you."

Despite their clash, the two shared a brief moment of understanding, their bond intact.

***

The memory faded, and Aria let out a sigh as she watched Mikael and Amelia. She decided to let the situation unfold, having done all she could. Now, all she could do was hope for the best.

As Mikael and Amelia walked toward the training section of the Academy as usual, a conversation began.

"So... will you participate?" Mikael asked.

"Of course. Like Teacher Emily said, it's a good opportunity to gain battle experience," she declared, her tone confident.

"And I shouldn't face much danger since I'll be an archer in the backline, but for you..." she added, her voice tinged with concern.

"I'll also participate, but I'll be careful, so don't worry about it. And worst case, you know how strong I am!" he said, his tone both reassuring and confident.

His confidence stemmed from his strength, which had increased significantly to the point where he suspected he might be the strongest student in the Academy. Even among the fourth years, he knew he could hold his own.

Despite his confidence, Mikael wouldn't have necessarily accepted the mission without this incentive:

[Beast Wave

Rank: C

Description: Beast wave have emerged and are threatening several towns. The Academy has issued an optional exam where students will protect these towns from the threat posed by the wave.

Central Academy rewards: Increased grades and a variable number of credits based on student performance.

System rewards: Minimum 3,000 LP, with the potential for more depending on performance.]

Mikael was running low on LP, so the opportunity to gain experience while earning LP made this "exam" a perfect chance to achieve two goals at once, pushing him to accept.

"Yeah..." Amelia replied halfheartedly, still a little worried in her heart. Logically, she knew Mikael's strength and even if she didn't know his full power she knew that he was a lot stronger than her, and believed he would be safe, but emotionally, she couldn't help but worry.

Sensing her unease, Mikael took her hand silently to reassure her.

They continued their journey in comfortable silence until they arrived at the training section.

There, Mikael suggested, "Instead of the usual sparring, why don't we use the virtual training pods to practice together against beast wave?"

Hearing his suggestion, her eyes sparkled with excitement, and she nodded in agreement, finding it an excellent idea.

With their decision made, they changed their destination and soon entered a room filled with multiple sleek, blue pods that looked like something out of a science fiction movie.

They each approached a pod side by side and rented it for five hours, planning a long training session.

A mechanical voice announced, "Payment confirmed."

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As the words echoed, the pods opened. Before lying down, Mikael activated a new limiter at 100, this time affecting all of his stats. He wasn't certain how much the pod could scan his body and didn't want to take any chances.

Once inside, the pod's interior lit up with a soft blue glow. An advanced VR helmet, suspended by cables, descended from the ceiling. Mikael, already familiar with the process, placed the helmet on his head without hesitation.

As soon as he did, a strange sensation coursed through his body. Moments later, his surroundings changed completely, and he found himself standing in an endless white space.

Knowing what to do, Mikael used the settings menu to send an invitation to Amelia. After a brief wait, she materialized beside him, as radiant as ever.

After configuring the settings, Mikael warned, "It'll begin soon. Be ready."

Amelia nodded, a bow and quiver materializing in her hands. Mikael prepared himself as well, summoning two swords.

Just as they finished preparing, their surroundings shifted, and they found themselves standing atop a high wall, several meters tall. A quick glance revealed that they were alone on the wall, with no one else in sight.

Behind them lay a town that appeared to be a blend of medieval and modern styles. Judging by its size, it seemed to house a few thousand residents.

Before they could take in more details, a deep rumble echoed, and the ground began to tremble.

"Roaarrr!"

The feral cries of beasts reached their ears. Turning toward the source, they saw it—a horde of beasts charging from the forest, hundreds of meters away. The tide of creatures moved like an unstoppable wave, bearing down on the town behind them, intent on destruction.

Both Mikael and Amelia stared at the scene, their eyes wide with fear. Even knowing it was virtual reality, the sight of the ferocious beasts was unnerving.

Mikael quickly regained his composure and acted. Using a second-circle neutral spell, Energy Detection, he scanned the incoming horde to assess their mana and aura levels.

A nearly invisible blue wave of mana radiated from Mikael, enveloping the rapidly approaching beasts. "Sixty E rank beasts, twenty E+, five D-, and one D rank," he announced, warning Amelia.

Amelia understood immediately and prepared herself before she said "When you will fight I'll cover you!" Her grip on her bow tightened as she fixed her gaze on the charging horde, feeling a mix of restlessness and resolve.

There was no time for further discussion. Mikael unsheathed his swords, enveloped himself and his weapons in an aura cloak, and leaped off the wall.

"Thud."

As Mikael landed on the ground with a thud, a cloud of dust rose around him, but he ignored it, his gaze fixed on the horde of beasts. At that moment, as his eyes fell on the seemingly unstoppable force of the horde, he felt no fear. Instead, his blood began to boil with excitement at the prospect of facing an army as a single man.

Author Note:

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