And so the day of examination has come. Anssa-um and Jiang are shaking in anticipation as they have effectively done their best with their skill sets. Those who can be confident in their own capabilities while not displaying such anxiety visibly can still feel the palpation in the air. And then there’s Harold who just remained indifferent and is waiting for his breakfast to come.
“Don’t act like we’re not going to ever be able to return here. There’s still a lot to do before we move toward Floor 2 of the Tower.” Gwi-jaum said as he spoke with a calm composure.
“Then why do you push us to do so if there’s no real time limit?”. Anssa-um asked as the pressure of time limit while not exactly the harshest he endured but he didn’t like having constraint artificially applied.
“If we managed to pass the Instructors’ Examination early. We will be supplied with a consistent monetary income. 50 golds per week. Free of charges for all public training facilities. Even if this is the first floor, you are very likely to still return at times for recuperation”. Gwi-jaum explained the ordeals to everyone here.
“By the way, I heard about the property debt you still must completely pay for this tavern, isn’t it? If you don’t resolve it today’s exam then you would be unable to use the weekly income to pay off the interest”. Gwi-jaum said to Daegok-soo in the kitchen who is making everyone else’s breakfast.
“Don’t you dare remind me that right now! Or I’ll just lace laxative on your meal!”. A voice spoke from the kitchen in denial.
“Good luck getting something past my END stat this early, bud”. Gwi-jaum said as if he was deliberately adding fuel to the flame. Having friends that can insult one another without letting it hurt is worth more than any treasure.
In moments later.
You have consumed Mediocre Onion Fritters.
Activating Hyper-Metabolism, you have gained +2 END, +2 STR.
“Daegok-soo, this is the entire week that you forced us to have onion for breakfast. Have we done something wrong to make you treat us like this?”. Anssa-um felt like he just missed something crucial.
Meanwhile, Harold hides his snickering as he was the reason why Daegok-soo is even pushing the limit of the dishes he could make with onions because he fears that Harold would just leave them if dissatisfied. However, he is already too attached to them at this point regardless of whether Daegok-soo can keep cooking unique dishes or not.
Gwi-jaum silently kept the time. Awaiting the time when they would assemble at the town’s training ground where the Instructors will begin their test.
The examination differs depending on the chosen Instructor. The most of them are decided by dueling although alternate tests are also chosen depends on the match up. You really don’t want to see the duel between two crossbowmen, either the most drawn-out battle between two incompetents or the fastest decided by a single bolt, no in-between.
The Martial Instructors of the Town of Beginning are classified by their chosen weapons. They are the most experienced with the weapons they used and they can up to stronger individuals with their own skills and merit. They’re basically the most skilled that their mediocrity can strive despite and the peak that can be pushed toward with their limit.
The most frequent to be seen so far by them is the Sword Instructor, Victor. Who wields the sword and shield. Despite having a mediocre constitution, his combat experience and skills aren’t. If you dare underestimate him, you will sooner have your face flattened by his shield, ironically more likely despite being the Sword Instructor.
There are 8 Instructors all around the Town, which holds the title for the Sword, Spear, Axe, Hammer, Crossbow, Shield, Dagger, Spell. They were the best of their respective chosen title in this Town. Although defeating them as a Tower-climber is possible, just meeting their expectations is enough to open the path toward the next floor in the Tower.
If you managed to defeat an Instructor in dueling or contest of skills, you will earn an Ace which is above passing grade itself.
Much like all the Tower Climbing webnovels however, there are always rewards for overachieving, it is a standard trope at this point. Thus, by what he learned in his previous life that obtaining all 8 Aces during the Instructors’ Exam will earn the challenger a decent Title that helps their progress even more. It is even considered as a benchmark that separates the new-climbers and the veterans.
“It’s time…” Gwi-jaum said as he is the first to stand up and leave.
The moment of truth is about to come.
Two hours later, at the training ground of the town. Seeing how many people are gathered here, both town citizens and the Tower Climbers. It is difficult to tell who was who exactly but what truly mattered is that they passed the Instructors’ Exam.
“Everyone, listen here! This marks the initiation of the Instructors’ Exam. Any recipient who wishes to show your resolve and skills then you will choose anyone of us as opponents to duel. You can even try to challenge many of us at once if you find yourself confident. Just don’t come crying if you let your own hubris get ahead of you”. The Sword Instructor, Victor spoke as the Instructors’ Exam begins.
Many examinees step forward to see themselves tested, many of them are mixed in between of this town's residents and the Tower Climbers in the midst. However, they will soon come to realize just how high the wall that is preventing them from passing the exam is. And that it is unforgivingly difficult to even accomplish such a thing within the first exam.
"Lasted for 8 seconds. Failed!"
"Lasted for 11 seconds and 3 bouts of exchanged blows. Failed!"
The Sword Instructor announced the result in equal tone for both the passed and failed examinees.
"Are these people even taking the Instructors' Exam seriously?! The Instructors hasn't yet used any serious technique or movements and they already fall over like reeds." Gwi-jaum said as he saw 7 out of 10 examinees flunked their test right out of the bat. The rest barely making past their passing mark. With some looking like they just fought through hell already for that point.
"Lasted for 63 seconds and 32 bouts of exchanged blows! Passed!".
Gwi-jaum already knew that this is the likeliest outcome at the beginning. The Tower doesn't fool around when it comes to matter of livelihood and these people better have their first fall here to take their own training seriously.
"I chose to challenge the Spear Instructor!". One of the examinees try to make themselves standing out of the norm. Displaying themselves in excessive confidence in their capability.
Then stepping into the dueling ground is a young woman in dressed in leather armor that held to her figure. Long brown hair tied into a braid. Face that lies toward cuteness in the beauty scale. A simplistic kind of beauty that people can't help but appreciate. When the focus shifted toward the spear however, one can't help but realized that her cuteness betrayed by the essence of her spear skill.
The spear itself is nothing but ordinary but it was honed to utmost limit it could be, the essence that stirs within deceives the plain appearance that it has to the eyes of the more masterful.
Gwi-jaum wonders just what is going in the mind of the challenger to make that decision. People are already struggling to overcome the Sword Instructor which can be considered as merciful by comparison yet by the challenger's choice of weapon being a dagger only reinforcing that disadvantage against the spear even more. With that in mind, he knew that the challenger is likely a Tower Climber and will use his Innate Skill to swiftly take down their opponent in the first move.
A wry smile appears on his face, that guy is in for a swift and humilating defeat.
The challenger and the Spear Instructor gets into their respective position on the dueling ground. Then, right as the Sword Instructor announces the beginning of the duel, the challenger immediately moved at great speed that would have left every other examinees in a daze if put into the same position.
Even if no words were spoken, Gwi-jaum could tell the exact thought in the challenger's mind through the expression on his face. He doesn't feel like describing in details because it felt disgusting to do so.
As the dagger made its thrusting path toward the Spear Instructor's neck at blistering speed, she stayed calm despite the swift attack. Because after all, if your entire tactic relies only on one trick, you have failed as a combatant already. Because in the very beginning, she has already read its path thoroughly thus she will easily deflected it regardless of speed.
With a spear twirl, the dagger was promptly deflected out of the challenger's hand and then struck him by the head which leads to disorientation. And then, a swift defeat at the end of her spear as he sprawls all over the ground, not realized when he just got bested.
"Lasted for 7 seconds. Failed!" The Sword Instructor announces the unanimous result of the duel.
"Ten thousands of days to master the sword, a thousand days to master the saber, and a hundred to master the spear. I don't know what exactly compels him or his logic to go through with such a decision. But the spear is unfairly easy to master for the lethality it has. If this was real combat, he would have just died instantly without aware the slightest." Gwi-jaum made his assessment of the challenger's performance in the duel just now.
The Spear Instructor's name is Caroline. Hailed from a farmhouse in the outskirt of the town, she inherited her parents' diligence and patience from their long years of hard labor. Despite entering a predominantly male profession, her relentless work ethics and diligence to train her spear arts to the utmost limit of her capability dispelled any illusion and rumors involving her. Eventually, her skill was recognized by the town's council as she is assigned as the Spear Instructor of the Town of Beginning.
The reason why chose the spear? Well, she happened to resonate with it the most as she was familiar with the pitchfork to move hay in mass.
The Instructors' Exam continues in earnest. Daegok-soo realized that this is about to go far longer than they anticipated and that they didn't bring enough snack to last through this event.
"Gwi-jaum, I'm relying on your Regressor's knowledge right now. How long does Instructors' Exam last?". Daegok-soo asked as the amount of people filling the audience seats are staggering beyond counting and that the Instructors are nowhere close to done.
"This event usually last for a whole day. From daybreak to sundown. This hundreds of people that are present here right now are only the first batch of this exam. Later this afternoon, there will be another hundreds of examinees come to be tested by the Instructors themselves." Gwi-jaum explains to Daegok-soo.
And additionally, they held the Instructors' Exam every month. Suddenly, Daegok-soo felt pity for the Instructors for having to deal with this every month on ends when they're already have plenty on their plates.
"Welp, guess that it was a good thing that I brought this cookbook with me. It surprisingly has a lot of things to learn about other than just recipes". Daegok-soo said as he pulls out the Dragon Queen's Cookbook from the spatial inventory that the Tower's System provide for everyone of its climbers.
"Alright, who will step up next to the dueling ground?!" The Sword Instructor Victor said as numerous examinees have been tested at this dueling ground.
Jiang then stood up from the audience seat as he made his way toward the dueling ground, mustering all the courage that he has to make his posture straight as possible.
"I've come to challenge the Crossbow Instructor". Jiang said as resolutely as he can for his voice would succumb to fear if he stall any longer.
"I see, and that you're using a crossbow too. Instead of a traditional duel for exam, we will use an archery contest to determine the result". The Sword Instructor spoke to Jiang as he calls upon the Crossbow Instructor.
Making her way into the dueling ground is a woman with blond hair tied into a bun. Dressed in leather armor and chainmail. Definitely on the latter end of beauty scale. If anything, the more-cultured would definitely associate that look of her with a certain maid well-known back in their world but that's a different story for another time.
"This is Monica, the Crossbow Instructor. She will be your opponent in this examination". The Sword Instructor introduces her to Jiang.
In the archery range not too far from the dueling ground before. At a distance of 200m away from them is an archery target that will be used to test their marksmanship. With the Heavy Crossbow given, something that the Crossbow Instructor without a doubt has her expertise wielding it while he was only accustomed to the hand-crossbow at best.
"Your passing mark is 8. If you can land a better shot than your challenged Instructor then your received grade will be Ace". The Sword Instructor explains the premise of contest.
Despite the Tower's System enhancing his strength, he struggles to pull the Heavy Crossbow's string back while the Crossbow Instructor already did her in with ease. While Jiang's struggle goes on, the Crossbow Instructor takes aim at the target in the distance. A moment of silence passed and she fired her Heavy Crossbow.
Moments later, the bolt struck the bullseye of the target. A brief silence infected the examinees as they can already perceive the outcome of this contest. Unlike many before, Jiang just wasn't given a chance to begin with.
"Welp... Maybe good luck next time. Or you could go for a passing grade". The Sword Instructor said as he confirmed that the Crossbow Instructor landed the bullseye. Again.
Monica, the Crossbow Instructor hailed from a maid of an upper-class noble in this town. However, because of how no one knows who her father is and it remained as such even until now. It was rumored that her mother has an illicit relationship with her own master thus making her a bastard daughter. She would have received scorn and scrutiny if it weren't for her skills with marksmanship that developed from her knack for details and attention to focus at a young age.
From there onward, as she trained herself diligently, the rumors ultimately didn't matter as her ability is recognized by the town's council thus leading to her appointment as the Crossbow Instructor. And she carries herself with dignity that no baseless rumors can blemish her image.
Shooting a bullseye at a range of 200m. That's a feat that even the most experienced knights and hunters can't consistently perform.
Jiang felt as if he was put into an insurmountable task when Monica fired a bullseye thus setting the already difficult mission into borderline impossible. Unless a miracle occurs, Jiang would never achieve the Crossbow Instructor's Ace.
"It's okay... You'll be fine. You will achieve that Ace and show that even the most helpless can achieve miracle by their own efforts. It doesn't matter if my body is trash or not, I'm still going to commit everything I has to into my next shot". Jiang said as he takes a deep breathe to calm himself down. But the anxiety still makes him felt as if everything in his body is weakening.
According to Gwi-jaum, Jiang has a major problem with his physical physique that makes him vulnerable to close-quarter combat. To say that his constitution and aptitude for melee combat being below garbage is still sugarcoating it. Thus the reason why he has to pick up the crossbow to begin with. To him, it felt like Gwi-jaum has contemplated the idea of abandoning him if he couldn't pull his slack up.
However, Jiang didn't remain idle throughout the seven days before the Instructors' Exam. He wouldn't wait for a miracle to occur but enact one right now with his own efforts.
As he stood there in position, with his Heavy Crossbow finally loaded and ready. With his aim of the crossbow toward the target in the distance, mustering every single confidence that he has to keep his aim straight. The rat friend of his hidden in his shirt's pocket conversed with him to remain calm, its words of encouragement did wonder to help him from succumbing to his fear on the spot.
The wind bellows in anticipation of everyone else, the tension thickens to the point one could cut it with a knife.
His Innate Skill, [Animal Communication] can't assist him directly in combat. So, how did this skill trained him in the art of marksmanship? The answer, is surprisingly a lot simpler than one may thought.
A bird flew by him and it talks to him first in which only he understands. "The wind is blowing toward east at exactly 4m/s". Its chirps sound innocent to those around but carrying vital information for him.
When conversation with animal becomes possible. Suddenly, a new world opened to him where everyone else is blind to. And animals can surprisingly carry a lot of information on themselves that can be shared. An entire treasure trove of information that no one will know or circumvents in. The past seven days before the Instructors' Exam when he trained himself like crazy, making use of his Innate Skill to the utter limit.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
He bribed a flock of bird with a pack of seeds so that they can become his flying targets to practice his crossbows. Obviously using blunt arrows but injuries still occurred and compensation must be paid fairly.
When he practiced outside the outskirt of the town, an old wise owl landed nearby and shit-talked of him how terrible his form is in comparison to actual hunters of the Town. Learning of how to maintain his posture, keep his breathing paced, and his aim true from it as it continue remarks him, the improvement become obvious as he diligently practice his form to the utmost limit and reducing chance of misfiring to the absolute that he can in that short time.
He learned about how his bolt's trajectory can be altered by environment factors. Such as wind speed and direction. All from a squirrel yelling its stream of endless profanities as it throws acorns with accuracy at him because he happened to keep using the tree it resided in as target practice and it found out.
Throughout the seven days, he kept his routine while everyone else in the party doing with their own business. The repetitive and mind-numbing motions that he practiced couldn't have been done if it weren't for his pet rat kept encouraging him. Otherwise, he would have found himself given up somewhere along the way but since he has made it this far, he can't give up no matter what.
Over ten thousands of bolts have been fired. He has fired his crossbow so many times that he started to formulate the landing destination of the crossbow bolt in his mind while it is still linger. He could gauge the speed of the wind just by its blowing alone. And as his mind enters its hyper-focused state, everything of him starts to tremble in anxiety. As if he could fall apart in seconds if he stays like this any longer.
Placing the entirety of his faith into his efforts, he pulled the crossbow's trigger. The bolt fired as he no longer could adjust the outcome any longer. The moment of truth is about to come and all he can do now is wait whether or not if his efforts bore result.
The crossbow bolt that Jiang fired is now moving at speed imperceptible to untrained eyes. But to Jiang himself, he is seeing every single detail of it due to just how heightened his state of beings are. All of his senses were perceiving everything from all the adrenaline flooding into his veins in critical dosage.
He could hear the whistle of the bolt, the tip cutting through the wind, the rotation of its shaft. The world itself has crawled to a halt as something that was only a moment in time was an eternity to him. A solemn expression maintained on his face as if he is being judged by the almighty themselves.
The bolt struck the target. The Sword Instructor moved from the safe spot as he approaches to check up on the final result. Then, Jiang's hard work was promptly answered.
His bolt has pierced through the Instructor's bolt through the shaft, splitting it in half. A feat of accuracy so extreme that it only exists in folklores. But Jiang's effort has made it happened. Even if he could never perform such a thing again.
The Sword Instructor remained stunned at this revelation for a moment before announcing the result. "The examinee has split the bolt that already landed on bullseye with another one. He has far surpassed the passing grade with his feat. His examination grade is Ace!".
The stunned silence soon spread across the crowd of audiences as they take in what was spoken and happened. In mere seconds later, the crowd immediately erupt into cheers as all the noise merged into a deafening roar singing his feat for all to hear.
"Huh? Did something happen?" Daegok-soo pulls himself out of the cookbook that he engrossedly focused upon.
Gwi-jaum looks upon Jiang who still stood there while looking back at the crowd toward him in return. Within his eyes are a stern determination that is not easily found, even if his body is still shaking from the lingering effect of adrenaline rush and fear, he looked past his own insecurity and performed that extraordinary feat by his own effort.
Gwi-jaum smiled as he confirms Jiang's aptitude and the path that Jiang could walk alongside.
"Just that Jiang did something miraculous. Splitting an arrow in half by its shaft, or the Robin Hood shot if you know what I mean". Gwi-jaum said as he watches as the weakest amongst them become the first to achieve Ace in Instructors' Exam.
Ding! You have completed a secret quest!
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Fastest Ace (Secret)
Quest completed!
You have become the fastest to achieve Ace in the Instructors' Exam.
Keep up that spirit that brought you this far and success will keep coming
your way.
Reward:
-2500 XP
-1 Active Skill (depends on chosen Instructor)
----------___{\\\\////}___----------
You have leveled up! (x3)
Daegok-soo noticed the Tower's system notification pop-up and then nudged Gwi-jaum if he felt regret for not going for it first.
"Hey, you see that hidden quest pop-up right? Knowing the thing that a regressor would do, they would certainly covet all the hidden resources for themselves. So why do you let Jiang have it?". Daegok-soo made his question.
"I didn't accomplish that quest in my last life, a lot of people who would become High Rankers in the Tower didn't either. But that didn't stop them from reaching their own position of power at all with just one quest alone. What Jiang needed is an uplift of confidence and a secret quest here while not the most rewarding is still something that Jiang will no doubt cherished. So that instead of being deterred, he will keep fighting no matter the future hardship". Gwi-jaum made his explanation as he certainly doesn't regret his decision.
Gwi-jaum climbed the entirety of the Tower and surpassed the infamous 98th Floor in his previous life without being an extreme perfectionist. Sure, he suffered at time because he was too weak but he wants to set a clear line between self-improvement and greed for power. Because he saw so many people makes the mistake of crossing that line of no return and lose themselves to their own power instead of the other way around.
Jiang made his way back to his seat before while people's attention are pouring at him. Some with adoration and reverence, and some were of envy and bitter jealousy. Either way, he is no longer perceiving himself as the mediocre like before anymore.
"Good job, you did very well". Gwi-jaum said to Jiang as he continues his solemn profoundness as if he did something to help Jiang. Jiang wasn't amused at the ploy that Gwi-jaum tried to pull.
"So... what's the skill that you received for the hidden quest?". Daegok-soo asked as he is interested in the active skill that Jiang received.
"Analyze it yourself. I just don't feel like doing it with my mind out of whack now". Jiang said as his mental exhaustion has clearly reached its critical threshold.
Daegok-soo sighed before he just uses his [Eyes of Secret] to read Jiang's status screen. "Here it is". Daegok-soo said.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Deadeye (Rank D)
Classification: Active Skill
The testament of any true marksman. Its origin lies in an extreme feat of
accuracy - splitting an arrow in half by its shaft with another. This legendary
act is often only attributed to skilled marksmen in folklore.
It's not merely just the act itself but the consistent replication of it under most
stressful condition possible.
This skill grants user the ability to perform extremely accurate ranged attack
for a brief moment. When activated, the user's senses and reflexes, allowing them
to lock on to their target with unerring accuracy.
The world around will seemingly slow down and only the target remains in their focus.
As if there was only two entities exist in this world, connected by the trajectory of user's
attack.
However, this skill requires immense concentration to make use for any meaningful
extents thus its brief duration. Take caution and make their shot count.
Passive: [Increase user's DEX by 70% of innate value]
Active: [Increase user's DEX by 280% of innate value]
Duration: 4 seconds (Depends on innate INT); Cooldown: 6 hours.
Holder: Jiang Hyeongsa
----------___{\\\\////}___----------
"Damn, so you're going for the sniper build. I can only hope that things will turn out fine for you". Daegok-soo said as he reads the skill that Jiang received.
"Dude, why do you make it like I am going to die?". Jiang said as the tone that Daegok-soo responded him with didn't exactly bring him peace of mind.
The Instructors' Exam then continue like it has as Gwi-jaum discusses with his party about which Instructors they can take on to achieve their respective Ace. In other word, defeating their testing Instructor. After roughly 200 examinees tested later, a general 'battle plan' has been formulated.
Anssa-um stepped toward the dueling ground, his motion remained calm as it could be. "I chose to be tested by Dagger Instructor". Anssa-um said as he placed his faith in his combat experiences as a Spec-Op back in his world.
Then from the unseen place, emerged an individual in a cloak. A seemingly cold demeanor and silent type. A typical description of a rogue used in any fantasy story.
Moving grace almost eerie, each step is silent yet powerful as the same. The cloak absorbs the light around which left very little to be discerned of his features. Dressed entirely in black with their lower face veiled by a piece of clothe, his head ruffling with black hair. Even with that little to describe, Anssa-um roughly estimated the man in front of him is within the range of mid-20 in age.
His eyes, the only visible detail were piercing blue, seemingly cold and emotionless. Its gaze scans the surrounding in such scrutiny that would make even seasoned warriors uncomfortable. From the slightest twitch it perceived, the indication of the enemy's next move is read thoroughly.
Numerous blades and tools tied to a belt that goes around his waist, fitting of his title and the essential of any rogue. One single thing stood out is the dagger that simply adorned but Anssa-um unquestionably knows its effectiveness despite being sheathed.
An intimidation presence conveyed, the other Instructors doesn't seem alarmed by the Dagger Instructor but it is likely they have long used to each other's proximity by profession already. Despite the two of them already stood in their respective positions, the aura around Dagger Instructor makes many other examinees quaking in fear despite not being his opponent.
To Anssa-um however, he has faced far many more dangerous opponents as his time in Spec Ops and this would be no different. If there's anything he could say for sure about the Dagger Instructor however, is that he gave of the air of a reformed criminal.
"Let the duel begin!" The Sword Instructor yelled and the Dagger Instructor makes no hesitation to draw out his dagger to strike at Anssa-um.
Anssa-um also draws out his replication of a combat knife of his world as he swiftly clashes with the Dagger Instructor's repeated thrusts of the dagger.
Once the words of announcement of the Sword Instructor's become only echoes, replacing it is the sharp and continuous metal clashing between two blades. The two distinct blades become an extension of their own respective wielders as neither of them disconnects their gaze with one another. Every move calculated, adjusted accordingly in every passing moments. The two were of equal match to one another at this very instant.
Swift and sudden, the Dagger Instructor's blade moved in an unseen feint that would have left any unprepared opponent vanquished in that there. But Anssa-um recalled skill of a Spec Ops quickly pulled his own body away from the imminent danger on his own thus narrowly evaded the match-ending blow. Seizing this opportunity, Anssa-um's combat knife lunged toward the Dagger Instructor in counterattack yet his opponent disengaged in return, sending both of them back to square one of the duel.
The Dagger Instructor's cloak billows beneath the casting light of high noon's sun like a shadow coming to life. The shade casted down from Anssa-um's hair hide his eyes away from the crowd, making his expression mysterious more than ever. Even if the shade shrouded his eyes, the embers of determination burned fierce within that only the Dagger Instructor can perceive as his opponent.
Underneath the corner of his mouth belies a focus so sharp that it could replace the knife he is wielding on his hand. The trace spittle beneath a mirror reflection of his inner self, one that must not show a single shred of hesitation or fear. Calm and composed he was, but now donned upon is an expression of extreme concentration back in his line of duty. Every line and contours that defined his face is etched with single-minded focus as sharp as the blade itself.
The crowd hold their breath in anticipation, because the majority of the duels in the Instructors' Exam has been one-sided so far, leaning toward the Instructors in general but Anssa-um is making his differences in this very duel itself. The probability of him succeeding isn't just a passing thought anymore.
The decisive moment approaches as the two found themselves standing right at the edge of the dueling ground opposite to one another. As the two gazes locked at one another, their grip on their own blades tightened as the outcome of this duel will be decided in the next attack.
The Dagger Instructor, originally not even has a name to himself. But as an Instructor of this town, having a name is his first step to redemption. All of it changed, just because someone smiled to him unconditionally. That's just all it took for him to change.
His received name is Joshua, and he was a mere lowly assassin that would get disposed like a tool by his former employer in the unseen underbelly of society. The concept of emotions was distant to someone like him who didn't even get treated as human as first. It all changed however when he was sent to assassinate someone in this town for unspoken reasons. However, his mission this time ended in failure instead, and perhaps for the better of him too.
His target was the town's mayor's daughter who was around his age at the time, clueless of the danger that she was in. But she was wholeheartedly sincere to him regardless of his state of being as the previous Instructors back then apprehended him. And by her request that she wished to see him reformed, to be granted mercy in which his previous caretaker didn't even bother to give him.
Once he got accustomed to the life that a normal person supposed to have, he realized that he can no longer return to that dark world that he come from anymore. And knowing that his previous employer won't let him go, he decided to completely root out the entire criminal organization by himself alone. Every single individual related that empire of deceit eliminated without a trace. It was an impossibly dangerous mission that he undertake himself without others' awareness and only comes to light at the near-end when he himself was on the brink of dead from the recent altercation with said organization now collapsed on its own.
His skill was only further honed since then. But since this is a merely a dueling exam where he tested the mettle of the examinees, thus he is holding back by a lot. However Anssa-um is pushing that imposed self-limit upward as the duel between them goes on. Even if Anssa-um himself can't gauge the strength of his opponent with precision like Daegok-soo's [Eyes of Secret]. He knew that the Dagger Instructor is a lot stronger than he letting on. Because of it, they come to decide to end this duel in the next blow.
The sun of high noon was blinding at the very moment. Then both Anssa-um and the Dagger Instructor rushed at one another with speed that seemingly tear the wind apart with brute force. The screeching came to a halt as the result was promptly decided at the next moment.
"I should have known that I would be defeated at your hand the moment our gaze met".
The voice come from the Dagger Instructor himself, having conceded defeat. As skilled as he is, the majority of the opponents he dealt with are but amateurs who can be disposed so easily. But not Anssa-um whose experience as a Spec Ops in his world become indispensable as a factor that lead toward his victory.
There are a lot of nasty things that Anssa-um unquestionably fought as a Spec Ops, especially when he has to rely only on his knife of all the things. Against a knife-user, there are a lot of methods that is refined to fight specifically against them with great caution. Techniques that are cross-examined by many experts in his world to push the effectiveness to the maximum, so that its practitioners can survive with greater chance than otherwise.
So while the Dagger Instructor has the advantage of experience and strength, his technique however are ultimately self-taught by himself alone. Anssa-um's combat technique however, is the culmination and refinement of all the painstaking efforts of those capable and the crucible of real combat so that they can be taught in most effective manner. One mind no matter how brilliant can't cover every flaw that inexplicably arise.
To use the least to inflict the most. That's the principle of Spec Ops in general. It wasn't the most mystical or profound thing that can be said but knowledge is knowledge, and wisdom is still wisdom. Nothing is useless and wasteful no matter how trivial.
The audience saw the Dagger Instructor knelt down to the ground, and his dagger flew outside the dueling ground as Anssa-um pointing the combat knife at him. The Sword Instructor himself can't believe the scene in front of him as he announced the result of the duel.
"Examinee Anssa-um has defeated the Dagger Instructor. Ace!" The Sword Instructor could hardly believe what he has to say. Especially after the previous examinee managed to also achieve Ace on their own even if different dueling method is used.
The crowd once more erupted into thunderous cheer, again. Anssa-um looks calm as ever as if he knew this is predestined. That for people like him, desired outcome can be reached with sufficient resilient and will. A living embodiment of a romance novel protagonist, indeed.
"Alright, who will come to have themselves tested?". The Sword Instructor said as he looks at the crowd of examinees sitting in their audience seats still being rambunctious about the recent duel just now.
Then, the mentor of the party, Harold himself made his approach toward the dueling ground. Gwi-jaum could tell that this man is about to demolish the entirety of every Instructors here at once.
"I chose to duel with everyone of you. Let us make this quick". Harold makes his bold statement to the Instructors as if he considers all of them nothing to be worried about. Even the Instructors was met with confusion and bewilderment at the statement that this old man is making.
"I'm not sure if you're being overconfident or delusional. But since there was no explicit rule about whether or not it is acceptable to duel with multiple Instructors at the same time, I'm going to allow it for this instance. Just don't come crying when you got beaten badly", The Sword Instructor spoke his last warning which Harold simply doesn't care.
Situated on the dueling ground is Harold who stood at one side while all of 8 Instructors lined up behind one another with the Shield Instructor at the front then the Dagger, Hammer, Sword, Axe, Spear, Crossbow, Spell. All within Harold's request to make it slightly more fair for him although that probably makes little difference to Harold himself.
This old geezer is their mentor and even if his stats doesn't reflect it too well, his Skills are no laughing matter however which will be proven very soon, or right now.
Once all recipients got into their position. The Sword Instructor made his announcement of the duel beginning yet right when he complete his utter, Harold made his offensive approach immediately as he draws out both broadswords that he carried on his back. The Shield Instructor raised his shield to block the incoming attacks but only a single combined strike was done with both of his sword.
Immovable Swordsmanship - Foolish Old Man Moves Mountain
Harold mustering all of the strength in his body as he then started to push the Shield Instructor with great force that even the weight of all the armor couldn't stop him. Seeing the Shield Instructor visibly pushed back against, their initial formation that seemed overtune and overkill for its purpose ended up becoming their own undoing as they couldn't move out of the way before the Instructor in front of them started to press against them. Leaving them with no choice but to try to overcome Harold by his test of raw strength.
The combined efforts of all 8 Instructors narrowly avoid them from being pushed out of the edge of the dueling ground. But when it seemingly the end of it all, Harold gave his final push toward the 8 of them.
Thousand March Footwork Motion Form - Unstoppable Force
Harold's legs then start to accelerate as his then push all 8 Instructors. His expression was unmoving, but behind that neutral face is an inexplicable sense of heightened fury as he continues to push against them. All of 8 them couldn't keep their own footing afloat as Harold's legs are now starting to move faster until it starts to become a cyclic motion of its own.
His legs now moved like a well-oiled machine, each step only continues to push the Instructors further toward the brink. The spectating examinees watched in awe and anticipation as this old man alone is performing miracle against all initial odds. Watching as this man single-handedly pushing all eight of the Instructors of this town.
The Shield Instructor, at the forefront of the formation, gritted his teeth as he tried to hold his ground. But the force was too much. His feet began to slide backwards, scraping against the ground and leaving a trail of dust in their wake. The other instructors behind him were pushed back as well, their faces filled with disbelief as they struggled against Harold’s relentless force.
Now desperate, tried to break their formation, hoping to escape the force that was pushing them back. But it was too late. Harold’s final push, a surge of strength that seemed to come from deep within him, sent them all tumbling out of the dueling ground.
Strength that is beyond hysterical, speed that is beyond physical capability. If those things just now are applied outside the duel, it would have been an impossible sight to believe in the first place. As the dust settles after the duel, Harold sheathed the broadswords behind him again as its blade gleamed ominously beneath the high noon sun.
The Instructors still bewildered at the scene just now as they themselves were at the receiving end of his ferocious strength yet all of them combined can't overcome. It isn't just them either, the entirety of every examinee here witnessed this can only remain in completely stunned silence at what Harold did.
"What? Did I do something wrong?". Harold said as if he doesn't remotely think about what he did before. To him, any task that he is assigned to do will be done with extreme haste and precision. Because that's what life is to someone like him who lives with time paid in literal hard-earned cash. Where the threat of time limit looms over him since his first conception of life.