Seemingly hearing Xia Zuo's thoughts, the vial increased the force piercing his palm, yet the increment in health loss was minimal; whatever was inside seemed to be running out of strength.
Health deduction surged to 30.5 points per minute.
After using five free attribute points, would he still be concerned about the last one?
Audrey wouldn't want me to leave yet!
What's another year to grind for experience?!
"Cheating tool, boost me!"
【Vitality】13+1→14
【Health】25/40+5→45
【Basic Regeneration Speed】
0.077→0.1 points/minute.
【Real-time Regeneration Speed】
0.1-30→-29.9 points/minute.
("Emergency Moment" deactivated as health exceeds 50%)
The vial showed no further changes; the health deduction rate remained at 30.5 points per minute.
Finally secure. Very unlikely to drop below 25% health.
Hahaha~
Xia Zuo huddled on the ground, trembling from pain and exhilaration.
Taelus, wide-eyed, clutching his hair, wore a look of utter astonishment.
He cast a glance at the hourglass on the table, tidied his hair, adjusted his attire, smoothed the wrinkles on his robe, and then calmly spoke:
"It's time. Xia Zuo, congratulations on passing the test."
"Ah, is it over already?"
Xia Zuo loosened his grip on his thigh, creating a small gap between his right hand and the bottle. There was no movement in the bottle, and the pain in his hand vanished like an illusion.
Seated on the ground, he turned his wrist, examining his right hand. Except for the large red marks from the pressure and the lines etched into his clothes and pants, there wasn't a single trace of a pinprick.
He plugged the bottle and placed it back on the table, then slumped back in the chair, exhausted.
About 20 minutes passed.
Taelus noticed a slight return of color to the other's face and pulled out a wooden chip from his own robe, offering it. "Your astonishing willpower got you through the test. Hmm... anyway, you did manage to last five minutes."
Xia Zuo reached for the card but couldn't grasp it.
Taelus used his fingers to hold the other end of the card, mouth moving as if about to say something.
"Xia Zuo, due to your unique situation, I have some advice..."
He shifted his focus, releasing the card and leaning back in his chair. With a wave of his hand, he said, "Forget it. Your will is so strong; I needn't say more. Go out, deliver the wooden chip to the person who brought you here."
"Thank you, Lord Taelus."
Xia Zuo gripped the wooden chip and headed toward the door, thoughts swirling.
Is my will truly that strong?
He glanced at the character template.
【Willpower】3
1 point lower than Keli, 2 points lower than Moben Liley.
This was quantified willpower, determining one's resistance to abnormal effects, whether they targeted the mind or the body. Regardless of the nature of these effects, willpower could provide assistance.
It was clear that Taelus had drawn a new misconception.
Xia Zuo shook his head, revealing a bitter-sweet smile.
It wasn't entirely a bad thing; at least, it saved him the trouble of explaining.
For a long time, he would likely wear the shell of high willpower, doing things that required strong mental abilities, knowing full well that it was due to a high vitality behind it all.
Returning to the hall, facing the direction of the door, Xia Zuo raised his right arm and waved the wooden chip.
Audrey stood by the door frame, gesturing two thumbs up.
Mars Morton, who had previously brought Xia Zuo into the room, happened to walk from another corridor, holding a book. His gaze briefly stopped at Xia Zuo's hand before he brushed back the golden strands on his forehead, grinning:
"No wonder you can spout colorful flames. Follow me. I'll introduce you to the Starry Night Academy."
Xia Zuo gestured to Audrey, indicating he had to stay a while longer.
Mars followed his gaze to the door, nodding in greeting to Audrey.
The two entered the quiet corridor.
"Was that Audrey just now?"
Mars asked as they passed closed room doors.
"Yeah, she's my lifesaver. The boss of the circus."
As he spoke, Xia Zuo cast a probing spell towards Mars.
【Character Name】 Mars Morton
【Identity】 Starry Night Academy Member
【Health】??? (Healthy)
【Resistances】
【Water Resistance】 2%
【Wind Resistance】 2%
【Earth Resistance】 2%
【Fire Resistance】 0.5%
【Strength】 3
【Agility】 3
【Endurance】 3
【Vitality】 3
【Perception】 6
【Willpower】 5
【Spirit】 15
【Charisma】 6
【Character Specialties】 ???
Spirit attributes were similar to the Fat Mage of Pierke Fortress, both at 15 points.
Except for charisma being 1 point higher, other attributes were slightly lower than the Fat Mage.
"Xia Zuo..."
Mars hesitated, "The Academy covers the daily expenses of its students and doesn't charge tuition. But... your close relatives probably can't accompany you to Starry Night City. So, Audrey—"
Xia Zuo nudged him friendly with his elbow, "I discussed it with Audrey beforehand. She'll stay here in Rosac to continue running the circus. I'll go alone to study at Starry Night City."
"When you're in the Academy, I'll need your guidance, my senior Mars."
Mars was pleased with these words, his smile as warm as his light golden hair.
Stopping in front of a wooden door, Mars said, "This is the library of the testing station. It's small, specifically for books related to the Starry Night Academy. Every new student needs to spend some time here."
Mars opened the door a crack, and the two entered quietly.
Xia Zuo scanned the books on the shelves with his probing spell, a joyful expression on his face.
All books here offered enhancements to mental attributes!
All free to read!
This ticket station came just in time!
Mars approached with a thick book.
Seeing Xia Zuo's fascination with the book, he felt a kinship,
(Volume One, End)
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