- - -
Name: Lionel Silvestre Exelio
Age: 14
Mana: E
Swordsmanship: B (S+)
Archery: D+ (S+)
Horseback Riding: C- (S+)
Hunting: D (S+)
Magic: D-
- - -
Lionel stared at his own stats as he sat at the corner of his bed. It was already bedtime, a few hours after his duel with Rufus had ended. He had already ate, bathed, and changed clothes.
However, how tired and prepared he was, he couldn't fall asleep.
"The system hadn't given me a mission for days. Is this normal?" he whispered through the air.
Because of it, his stats have been stagnant for the past 3 days. He was hoping that he could at least upgrade 1 attribute while he was in the retreat, but without any missions, it would be slow.
Lionel waited for the system to respond to him. However, a few seconds of silence and there was none.
"I guess the system wants me to enjoy this retreat," was the only thing he could conclude now.
"But I really wonder what the use of this is?" Lionel glanced over at the hourglass on his side. This was what he received after accomplishing his previous mission.
The system didn't give him any instructions about this. When he asked, the system also didn't answer him.
Lionel stared at the hourglass for a few seconds more before he shifted his gaze upward, as if looking at something only he could see.
"System," he called out quietly. "What is the use of this hourglass?"
"…"
"You're really not going to answer, huh?" Lionel exhaled slowly. His shoulders relaxed a little as he leaned back against the headboard of his bed.
"System," his voice was calmer this time, more patient. "At least tell me if it's important."
For a moment, he thought it would be the same as before that he would receive no answer. But then, just a few seconds after, he heard a chime in his head.
[Ding!]
A faint sound echoed in his mind.
Finally.
A small translucent screen appeared in front of him.
[You will know its use soon, Host. The information cannot be accessed due to a low grade in your Magic Level.]
[To access information, upgrade your magic level to D]
"Oh, I see…" Lionel slowly nodded his head at that.
It seemed like he had to practice more to know this. He raised a hand and lightly rubbed his temple.
"Fine then."' Lionel lowered his hand and glanced at the hourglass one last time before placing it carefully back on the small table beside his bed.
Another sigh escaped his lips at that. He wanted to practice his magic tonight to speed up things but his body was starting to feel the exhaustion he had been ignoring since earlier.
Lionel moved under his blanket and lay down properly. He closed his eyes slowly. And remembered the game tomorrow.
His brows furrowed slightly at that.
It was finally the horseback riding.
Out of all the events, that was one he wasn't confident in. His current skill on it was probably low than most off his peers here. But he couldn't do anything because he know that at this age, he was really bad at it.
"I guess I can just lose…" he muttered slowly, as his consciousness slowly slipped away.
- - -
The next day, the nobles woke up early to ready themselves for the day. The game will start early, so they just ate before changing to their horseback riding outfit.
Soon after, the nobles went out of their tent and went to the area where the game would be held. It was in the lower valley of the forest.
In there, they saw a wide-open space perfect for the day's horse riding tournament.
A crowd of nobles and instructors gathered slowly there. On the side, the horses were being taken care of by soldiers. They were neighing softly while stamping their hooves on the ground.
And there, Professor Darius stood in the center. He was wearing his riding boots and a more formal cloak. He waited until nearly all the nobles had assembled before lifting a hand.
"Good morning, students!" Professor Darius called out. He smiled at everyone and said, "I hope you all slept well and are ready for today's event!"
The nobles replied with a few positive remarks to it.
"Welcome to the third day of the academy's field tournament," Darius formally announced after. "Today's main event will be the horse-riding tournament, which will take place across several circuits set up within the lower valley and the surrounding forest."
Some nobles straightened with confidence with that.
"This time," Darius continued, "the competition will be individual once more. You will be graded based on your performance alone."
The sound of excitement from the student followed. In their minds, it was finally their time to show their skills again after losing yersterday!
Darius nodded to one of the instructors, who unrolled a large map behind him showing the various circuits that they created.
"The tournament will proceed in rounds. Each round increases in difficulty. Those who complete the course within the required time will advance to the next. Those who fail…" He paused for effect. "Are eliminated from the day's event."
"If you are eliminated," Darius added kindly, "you may return to your tents to rest, or stay here to watch the remaining participants."
"Prepare yourselves. The first round will begin shortly." Professor Darius clapped his hands once.
And just like that, the nobles scattered around to get ready.
From across the field, Cassian mounted his own horse with an effortless grace. His teammates, who were surrounding him, had their confident grins plastered on their faces.
Cassian's eyes looked around the valley, then he spotted Lionel. He gave a small and polite wave to his beloved cousin.
Lionel hoowever jjuust glanced up and returned the gesture with a soft smile, though it quickly disappeared as soon as he turned back.
I'm not confident at this at all...