Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 153: Qualifications

[You have logged in, <Kazu>.]

I sigh in relief as I get up from my bed. Compared to my current state after taking a jog in the real world, I'm glad I've gotten back to tip-top shape once I've awakened as my [Isekai] self. If this were a normal console or tabletop RPG game, I would have collapsed on a controller or my character sheet just to ease the pain in my body. Either way, lying on my bed while diving into the game counts as "resting", so I have no issues for now. This time, Wind is with me as I see him organizing his equipment and items on his desk. I don't want to scare him while he's in the middle of something (although I'm tempted to do so), so I have to wait until he finishes. When he does, I quickly approach him with a grin.

"So what are you going to do today, Wind?" I ask quickly. "I'm heading out to take the academy entrance exam later. I doubt they will accept some spectators and supporters in the venue, though. It is a hidden area after all."

"Don't worry about it, Kaz. Arthur, Razul, and I agreed to take some guild [Quests] while you're out and about," Wind answers. "They told me they're kind of lost at the moment in their [Hidden Quest] search, so I should help them out before they can cause some trouble. Hidden or not, I do need some better materials to upgrade our equipment. I feel like they're almost past their due from our <Initio> days."

Wind has a point. While the equipment and accessories Star and Annie made are amazing, there's a chance they might not endure against the toughest monsters and enemies around <Lucidus>. While that bandit leader and the rogue players were only event enemies, he was too tough for me to beat even with my best staff. If anything, it's a sign we need to update our gears soon.

"I hope you can find some rare and awesome ones. Annie had fun making my belt, and I still enjoy it to the point that I can sell it once I'm done with it. So I hope you can find something that will outdo our equipment."

"Yeah. For now, focus on your current [Quest]. I have a feeling you might be too occupied to help us out. Tell Yur1 I said hi, okay?"

I nod with gusto. "Sure! Be careful on your end, Wind!"

We initially stick around for a short while after that chat since we need to prepare some stuff before heading out. But I have a feeling both of us will be busy for the next in-game days for now.

-----

[To all participants who wish to enter the <Crystal Academy> entrance exam, make sure you stand in line and wait for your turn. We will prioritize anyone with invitations to ensure fairness in their entry.]

I gasp to catch my breath as I recover from running from the inn to the academy entrance. Just like the vice guild leader said, the academy's hidden barrier revealed itself to let most of the future students, such as adventurers, peasants, nobles, and even players, into their gates. Not only that, I see Wind and other players behind a barrier in front of the entrance. I guess anyone who isn't interested or didn't have a [Hidden Quest] is locked out of the academy for now. At least we say our well-wishes to each other before heading inside. He can't support me physically, but I know he can in spirit. I've already permitted him to tell my whereabouts to Annie the next time he sees her and Star, so all that's left is to wait for my turn to register.

"Hey, Kaz!"

And right on time. Yur1 comes behind me and we exchange a new handshake we came up with yesterday. It seems like Xiri and Zale have managed to convince him to take the exam after all. At least I won't be alone this time.

"I saw your brother by the gate. I'm guessing you already told him about the exam, right?"

I nod and say, "Yeah, yesterday in fact. He let me participate as long as I had to be careful of other players and NPCs."