Chapter 36 : Demon Chaser (3)
by Afuhfuihgs“The elements that define a hero can be broadly divided into three categories: destiny, inevitability, and chance. Although classification methods vary depending on the approach of different scholars, this is a general and straightforward definition. Some even argue that only these three elements fully determine a hero.”
Tristan Hero Academy, Truth Hall.
In this building, referred to as the “Unified Lecture Hall,” the required cultural studies course Introduction to Hero Studies was in full swing.
Unlike other general studies courses, which are usually optional and not essential for graduation, Introduction to Hero Studies was different.
Introduction to Hero Studies covers the behavioral guidelines and basic knowledge a hero must learn. Any cadet enrolled in the academy must take it, making it a mandatory core subject.
This is why the lecture location was the Truth Hall, and the instructor belonged to the Special Department.
“I won’t bother explaining destiny any further. We covered it sufficiently in previous classes. Today, we’ll delve deeply into the concepts of inevitability and chance.”
After finishing his sentence, the Special Department instructor pulled out a crystal sphere from within his coat.
This was the most commonly used magical tool by heroes.
It was a “multi-purpose crystal sphere” that could trigger special effects when imbued with magic power.
The instructor infused a slight amount of magic into the crystal sphere, which then began to emit a bright light.
The effect of this crystal sphere was known as “Light.”
“As you can see, the ability to infuse magic into the crystal sphere, or to utilize magic from various angles, is something we call Basic Magic Control. It’s a common but essential skill. For a mage hero, it’s an ‘inevitability’ acquired upon awakening as an Apprentice Mage, while cadets from other departments can only obtain it as a ‘chance’ skill by diligently completing the general studies course.”
• The difference between inevitability and chance is simple.
Inevitability is an ability that naturally becomes ‘affiliated’ with someone the moment they awaken on a path, while chance is a skill that can only be acquired through continuous effort.
Thus, some inevitabilities can be acquired as chance skills through training and practice, but many inevitabilities remain unattainable no matter how hard one tries.
In most cases, these were high-level inevitabilities tied to third or higher-grade paths.
The instructor struck the crystal sphere with a quick tap.
“In other words, there’s no need to feel discouraged just because you acquire an ordinary inevitability at the first-grade path. Inevitabilities grow stronger as you advance through higher-grade paths, and their levels can change depending on how much effort you, as cadets, put in.”
One cadet sitting in the front, who was listening intently, raised a hand.
Introduction to Hero Studies encouraged a free question-and-answer environment during lectures.
“So, are chance and inevitability limited only to magic or magic-related abilities?”
“That’s not the case. Even effects that apply naturally without intentional use, or skills related to specific techniques or swordsmanship, can be registered. Some scholars classify these into ‘applied inevitabilities’ and ‘utilization-based chances’… something along those lines.”
Examples included the Tristan Swordsmanship from the Department of Swordsmanship and the Basic Fire Magic from the Department of Magic.
The Special Department instructor gave a brief answer and then continued speaking.
“Sometimes, when a hero awakens an exceptionally rare and outstanding path, they may encounter an extremely powerful inevitability. For example, the first-grade path of Genius Swordsman, which only five people on the continent have ever awakened, is famous for being affiliated with the strongest first-grade inevitability, Flexible Absorption.”
Flexible Absorption greatly increases the acquisition rate for sword-related chance skills.
It allows one to easily master any swordsmanship and raise its growth rate faster than anyone else.
This was truly a first-grade inevitability with overwhelming potential.
It was the most sought-after inevitability, coveted by countless sword heroes.
“Thus, heroes who awaken such paths are recognized for their talent right from the first grade. Being rare yet powerful implies that they are chosen.”
“Excuse me… Instructor?”
Then, all of a sudden.
The enthusiastic cadet who had asked a question earlier raised his hand again.
The Special Department instructor gestured with his chin to allow the question.
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Then, if there’s a path or destiny unique to the continent, does it mean that the affiliated inevitability would be extraordinarily powerful?”
If an inevitability held by only five people was this impressive, how powerful would an inevitability that only one person could have be?
It was a question born of pure curiosity.
The instructor slowly tapped the crystal sphere with his finger.
“Hmm, well. The exact answer would require further research from scholars…”
Then, his eyes shone for a moment.
“Yes. Throughout the continent’s history, ‘unique inevitabilities’ have always displayed overwhelming capabilities.”
A new destiny had unexpectedly arrived.
Momentarily flustered, I shook my head and regained my composure.
Then, I slowly reflected on the destinies I possessed.
「You are a hero chosen by the destiny of a Mage.」
First-grade path: Genius Swordsman
-Inevitability: Flexible Absorption
「You are a hero chosen by the destiny of a Swordsman.」
*Second Path: Battlefield Sword Demon -Inevitability: Indomitable Body
*Third Path: Master of Swords -Inevitability: Mana at the Sword’s Edge
*Fourth Path: Knight of the Tempest -Inevitability: Footsteps of Fallen Leaves
*Fifth Path: Sword’s enlightened one -Inevitability: ???
「You are a hero chosen by the destiny of a Tracker.」
*First Path:Genius Swordsman -Inevitability: Flexible Absorption
A total of three destinies and seven paths.
They weren’t directly connected, yet each held its own reason for being.
In particular, the paths on the Swordsman destiny, a realization I’d gained upon my return, had already fully awakened up to the fifth path.
However, this newly awakened destiny seemed entirely unrelated to me.
‘The space marked with a question has finally been filled.’
As I observed more closely, I noticed a peculiarity.
The Tracker destiny and its first path, Beast Tracker, were originally registered as <???> when I returned.
‘It’s similar to what happened with Resonant Strike.’
The fifth inevitability, Resonant Strike.
This inevitability, which had also been in question-mark status upon my return, had awakened and registered as I began wielding the Sword Galid.
And now, the same was happening with Beast Tracker.
The moment I hunted a beast for the first time after my return and reached for its magic stone, the destiny and path awakened naturally.
As the name suggests, this path seemed deeply connected to magical beasts.
However, the name of this destiny felt rather unfamiliar.
“Ray.”
Fortunately, I had a walking encyclopedia by my side.
At my call, Ray looked at me with a cold, piercing gaze.
“You look and sound quite somber, Sir Edgar.”
“…That’s a misunderstanding.”
“Please, go on.”
“Have you ever heard of a destiny called Tracker on this continent?”
Getting straight to the point, Ray fell silent in thought.
Even she, who knew nearly everything about destinies, couldn’t immediately answer—a sign of how obscure this destiny was.
Eventually, she shook her head.
“I don’t believe I’ve heard of it before.”
“As I thought. If even you don’t know, it must be the first in the continent’s history.”
“Has someone actually awakened such a destiny?”
“Yeah. I just did.”
“…Excuse me?”
For a moment, Ray blinked and stared at me in surprise.
Ah.
Was that a bit too much of a bombshell?
But what could I do—it was the truth.
“I just awakened it. This new destiny called Tracker.
“What on earth…?”
“To have already awakened three destinies… Perhaps when you mentioned the Pioneer of Destinies, you were actually referring to me.”
“No, no… wait. Please, hold on a moment, Sir Edgar.”
Ray, uncharacteristically, stumbled over her words, meeting my gaze with a bewildered look.
“Why would you tell me something like this so easily?”
“Hmm?”
“This… this would astonish the continent, no, even the kingdom if they found out. It could bring unwanted attention to you, Sir Edgar. Why would you…?”
Ah, so she was wondering why I’d so freely revealed what was likely the continent’s first-ever destiny awakening.
I tilted my head slightly.
“Ray, are you planning to tell anyone else about my new awakening?”
“…Not at all. As your steward, I am bound to keep your secrets.”
“Then isn’t that enough?”
I gave her shoulder a light pat, chuckling.
“I’ve told you before—I trust you. And I’d like you to trust me, too. I’m only sharing it with someone I know I can talk to comfortably.”
“……”
Sure, it was a bit abrupt. But Ray wasn’t someone who would go around sharing it, and even if she did, it wouldn’t change much.
If I’d intended to hide my powers, I wouldn’t have started hunting magical beasts in the first place.
Leaving Ray speechless, I shifted my focus back to my newly awakened destiny.
‘Absorption of Magic Stones…’
The first path of the Tracker destiny, Beast Tracker.
And the inevitability bound to that path, Absorption of Magic Stones, with a name that was intriguing at first glance.
I decided to examine the details I’d set aside for a moment.
「The Shadow of Inevitability Draws Near!」
「You are a hero possessing the inevitability Absorption of Magic Stones. This inevitability is bound to the first path of the Tracker destiny, Beast Tracker.」
「Absorption of Magic Stones allows you to absorb some of the energy contained within magic stones, evolving the hero in the process. Absorption increases your magical power and enhances physical abilities. The effects vary depending on the stone’s rank, and only stones from beasts you have fought may be absorbed.」
‘…What?’
The ability was even more impressive than I’d anticipated.
The power to absorb ranked magic stones and strengthen both magical and physical abilities?
I’d have to test it to know the exact effects, but the description alone suggested it was anything but trivial.
The continent’s first destiny.
It wasn’t just rare—it was powerful.
‘Could it be…?’
And then, a flash of inspiration crossed my mind.
To restore my body to the state it had been just before my return.
Perhaps, this goal could be reached much sooner than I’d thought.
“Ray, do you know of any famous magical beast hotspots nearby?”
“……Pardon?”
And so began our intense magical beast hunting expedition.
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