episode_0021

To handle the original weapons of the workshop, a high level of understanding of magic is required.

Additionally, it’s crucial to know how much one can contain within their own vessel.

This test, therefore, became about how well one could penetrate the essence of magic.

In summary, let’s organize the rules.

Earn 10 points for defeating a ‘Target Robot’ and rise in rank based on accumulated points.

Conversely,

Losing all points occurs when defeating a ‘Misfire Robot,’ causing an explosion.

And now, there are no withdrawals allowed.

Participants engaging in mutual killing will be immediately disqualified.

Unlike the previous chaotic battles, caution was now necessary.

One wrong move could cost someone their life due to a single mistake.

“Also, please note that the power of Misfire Robots is at a lethal level used in the workshop, so extra caution is advised. Furthermore, scores will be adjusted based on the team’s number of members.”

No restrictions on magic or skills.

Given time limit: 2 hours.

The second test, where all participants start in one space, has just begun.

Artemia, through teleportation magic seen before, warped over 1,000 participants somewhere else.

“It seems like the scores are kept secret again.”

“More importantly, look over there.”

The location was a vast field of tall reeds.

Rustle— the sound tickled the ears.

Luna pointed to the sky above the reed field.

The sky she indicated was half-filled with baseball-sized robots flying around.

Robots of uniform size, shape, and speed scattered throughout the sky, key players in the second test.

However, it wasn’t the time to scrutinize them now.

A blue arrow piercing through robots from somewhere soared into the sky.

With momentum reaching the end of the sky, it instantly destroyed dozens of robots.

Yes.

The test had already begun.

Even such indiscriminate attacks must have some basis.

One could hit a Misfire Robot by mistake.

In short, it meant they were skilled individuals.

“Hanul, not just the sky.”

Upon closer inspection, the robots weren’t only in the sky.

The sounds heard from the reed field weren’t just from the participants.

Having identified the landmarks, it was time to embark on a full-fledged hunt.

“Well, we can start slowly.”

“W-What? Surely among participants…!”

Taken aback,

The yellow-haired elf was startled and fell at my sudden attack.

The second test was also a melee.

One must use all available methods to move as efficiently as possible.

Despite grandiose claims, distinguishing magic was something most here could do.

Handling the robots would be left to Chaeseol-a and Luna, capable of area attacks.

While it might be challenging for Luna, copying scores with Chaeseol-a’s current would be instantaneous.

Taking down a few floating robots wouldn’t raise suspicion.

That left one role.

“Cough, this guy…! Have you forgotten the rules? This could lead to disqualification…”

“You seem mistaken. What did I do?”

“Just attacked us with your fist!”

“Yeah, so how are you feeling now?”

He merely stumbled in surprise; my attack didn’t directly hit him.

As evidence, he bore no small wounds on his body.

In other words, my role in this test was to disrupt them from gaining points, a hindrance.

It’s wiser to elevate the team rather than just boosting scores.

“Lucky you. If it were the first test, you’d be dead.”

That makes five.

The test site had turned into a battlefield in no time.

No matter how vast the area is, with so many people unleashing all sorts of attacks in every direction.

I, too, will find it difficult to rank high if I don’t run around more.

“Well, I knew it would be like this.”

A familiar voice rang out at that moment.

Slowly emerging as the reeds parted was a guy in attire very familiar to me.

A long padded coat.

It was Choi Woo-kyung.

“Indeed, quite an interesting fellow. Didn’t expect someone who thinks just like me.”

“…Long padded coat.”

“I’m Choi Woo-kyung. It’s a bit sad not to even know each other’s names among friends.”

In his hand, a part of a robot was emitting sparks.

Choi Woo-kyung continued speaking as he threw the wrecked robot behind him.

“Well, catching things like this isn’t really our style, is it?”

“Just here to say hi? ‘1,000th place.’”

“Well, I just heard a friendly voice. Around ‘800 and something.’”

“It’s better to play from behind than end up last. Don’t you think?”

“Not sure if that means anything.”

As the tension in the area escalated, he seemed ready to pounce at any moment, but soon relaxed his stance.

“An alliance.”

“…What?”

“You already know ways you can help the team anyway.”

The proposal Choi Woo-kyung offered was nothing but an alliance.

The gist was that this test wasn’t just about determining the first place; it was about cooperating to trip up the others.

It wasn’t a bad idea assuming we didn’t interfere with each other’s teams.

It was a somewhat appealing proposal.

“Alright, fiery as always. If we’re going to compete, might as well make it a cool showdown.”

But if only I had noticed the smile he showed when accepting the proposal a little earlier.

At that time, I didn’t realize that this was his strategy to block interference.

***

Initially 54.

And 25 taken care of by the side.

“…79 in total.”

Cha Seol-a calculated her score by adding up the number of robots she had destroyed so far.

The score currently stood at 790 points.

It seemed like a decent flow, but without the status board, it wasn’t a stage where one could relax.

Because this test, from start to finish, had rules that kept you on edge unlike before.

So, continuing to focus and smash robots was the best course of action for now.

In other words, following Yeo Han-wool’s plan.

“Phew, let’s take a break.”

“No time to rest. Get up, none of that weak talk.”

“Oh, come on, this should be enough. Other guys are whining even for one.”

Cha Seol-a cut off the current she was emitting, stepped forward, and approached Luna confidently.

She grabbed Luna by the collar, lifting her up from the ground where she was sitting calmly.

“Why are you…doing this?”

“Don’t get it twisted. It’s not because you’re talented or helpful that I consider you part of the team. It’s because Han-wool said so.”

“You, your words are too…”

That’s when it happened.

Amidst the smoke billowing from the wrecked robots, an elf appeared, shaking the reeds.

They couldn’t take their eyes off the elf who had arrived.

Or rather, Luna’s every nerve began to tingle.

She was an elf with waist-length white hair, wielding a bow larger than her body.

One peculiar thing.

“Reyna…?”

“Oh my, did someone mention a sickly person?”

She was from the same region as Luna.

Due to the nature of elves living in small settlements, it was common for everyone to know each other across regions.

Although they were widely distributed, in small villages, even if a baby was born, everyone would know.

Her name was Reyna.

An elf from the archer village ‘Heize’ in Behimos, just like Luna.

“Luna, the scaredy-cat.”

“….”

“An elf?”

“I hoped against hope, but did you really sneak into the battle? And with a lone wanderer?”

“Shut up…it’s none of your business.”

“Hmm, is that so…?”

Rayna glanced at Chaesola before speaking.

“There, are you on a team with that girl? I don’t know what she said to make you stick together, but it would be better to send her away now.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“Of course, you wouldn’t know anything. When that girl really becomes dangerous, she has a habit of not only abandoning the team but also striking from behind.”

“Shut up!! That’s something you…”

“If you stay here any longer, you might end up being the only one at a loss. Besides, it’s obvious that you won’t be of any help right now.”

Luna reacted more sensitively to her words than usual.

Although it seemed like there was something between the two, their words were different.

“It seems like this is all the doing of that girl alone, so what have you done?”

Rayna asked Luna as she looked at the scattered robot parts.

Upon hearing that, Luna couldn’t respond aggressively as she used to.

Because it wasn’t entirely wrong.

In reality, most of the points were earned by Chaesola, and even the points she gained were thanks to her help.

“Hah, can’t you still pull the bowstring? You’re still ignorant. Using a bow imbued with that person’s power like a club. Truly a disgrace to the elf race, Luna.”

Suddenly.

Something invisible brushed against Rayna’s cheek.

Making a sound but remaining unseen, whatever it was left a small scratch on her cheek and disappeared towards the reed field.

“…Hey, Rayna. You’ve been saying nonsensical things since earlier.”

The one who pulled the bow was none other than Luna.

In fact, Luna’s combat appearance seen from the south was truly simple.

All she did was vigorously swing the bow that couldn’t fulfill its proper function.

It was a bow that emitted something different from ordinary magic, but it was not meant for direct attacks.

However, this time was different.

Even though it wasn’t visible, it was undoubtedly the form of a ‘bow.’

“Just jealous because I’m prettier?”

“…Are you out of your mind, finally?”

“Well, you couldn’t do anything without dragging others down. And you didn’t even achieve that on your own, did you?”

“Pitiful Luna, you should have torn apart not just my ‘wings’ but my mouth too back then.”

“Is that so?”

Luna once again took the stance of pulling the bowstring.

Without saying more, she showed a firm determination.

She was determined to erase that guy no matter what.

But now, it was a test that clearly demanded teamwork.

“…Chaesola. Sorry, but…”

“It’s fine. Since you weren’t helpful anyway. If there’s something to do, do it yourself.”

“…Okay.”

“However, if you end up dying at the hands of that kind of girl, Hanul will worry about losing a team member.”

Chaesola passed behind Luna without any hesitation.

“So win, or else I’ll kill you myself.”

“…Okay.”

Eventually, when Chaesola completely left the scene.

The area around the reed field where only the two remained began to sway quietly in the wind.

Luna and Rayna.

Rayna and Luna.

As if there was nothing around them except themselves, they focused entirely on each other.

As the surroundings grew even quieter and the sound of the wind ceased, at that moment.

The battle began with Luna taking the initiative.