[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-advent-of-the-three-calamities":3,"chapter-advent-of-the-three-calamities-advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-13":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Advent of the Three Calamities",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},758648,1005,"Chapter 13: The Weakest Black Star [1]","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-13",13,"\u003Cp>The campus was large. It took me about five minutes to get to the main building from the dorms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Dorset Hall]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was where we were supposed to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one of the seven halls of the institute and where first-year cadets attended their lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....What class are we in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hall was large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one big building with a pathway flanked by vibrant flowers and trees that guided toward the entrance, where a row of statues stood in solemn formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It overflowed with students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most troublesome were the gazes they looked at me with. Some avoided me, while others seemed to be openly hostile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was fine with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It came as a result of my actions on the first day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our class should be there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon pointed towards a certain door. At first glance, it didn't seem all that impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is there nobody going there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the other classrooms, which were open and filled with cadets passing through, this one seemed rather isolated. As if people were avoiding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Did you not read the manual?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Manual...? Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a small leaflet from my pocket. I remember receiving it yesterday, but because my focus had been on my training, I forgot all about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I scanned through the contents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you didn't tell me about it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought you were aware.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were times when I just really wanted to strangle this guy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the fact that he was helping me and that he was stronger, I'd already be at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I wonder what his end goal is...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was still not sure why he was helping me. He said something about it benefiting him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'As expected, I still can't trust him.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same was true for him to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a way, we weren't that much different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the door to the classroom, I sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt strangely nervous. It wasn't so much because I was scared of people challenging me. I was fine with that. What I was nervous about was my abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were not up to par at that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was probably the weakest cadet present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After secretly collecting my breath, I slowly and carefully approached the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creaaak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interior was sleek; long wooden desks lined up the sides, cascading up. They were all filled to the brim, with barely any empty spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, all eyes fell on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were burdensome. But the most burdensome of them all was the one that belonged to the woman in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most likely, our instructor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cadets.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her crystal blue eyes shifted between Leon and me. She had short brown hair and seemed to be in her mid-forties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alternating her gaze between the two of us she finally opened her mouth to say,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....You're late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was already aware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things would've been easier if I just apologized, but I recalled Leon's description of the previous Julien and answered flatly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That seems to be the case.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seems to be the case...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My answer left her exasperated as she made a face. I felt a little sorry for her, but I didn't show it on the outside and kept my face stoic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened her mouth but closed it right after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just go. Take a seat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I did just that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding the nearest seat I could find, I sat down and took a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was easier than I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was probably a lenient teacher. Or so I thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're late! Get out of my class!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the student who had just entered the class and got kicked out, I opened my mouth to say something when I realized I couldn't say anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why....?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked to my left, where Leon sat. He looked at me and then shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Probably our looks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lecture resumed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continuing from where I was... As you all are currently aware, magic is subdivided into three different categories. [Mind], [Elemental], and [Body].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The classroom fell into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor's voice smoothly echoed throughout the classroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Each category is further divided into subcategories. Take the [Mind] classification as an example. With the [Emotive], [Telekinesis], [Spirit], and [Telepathy] it contains a total of four sub-categories. Or some like to say, 'paths'.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I strained my ears to listen closely to the lecture. All information was vital. I needed to pay close attention to all that was being said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....As is known, everyone can practice magic. If you can manipulate mana, you have the qualifications to become a magician or knight. That of course, isn't a problem for all of you present.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed to eye certain students; her gaze eventually falling on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Talent is merely a factor that indicates the rate of your improvement. It does not limit you in the practice of other paths.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took note of this piece of information in my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My talents currently lie in the [Curse] and [Emotive] subcategories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was possible for me to practice things outside of those two categories, then it was worth considering for the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, time for a question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lecturer looked around the classroom. I felt her gaze linger in my direction for a brief moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What sort of...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of all the categories, which do you deem to be the weakest?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weakest?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmurs filled the classroom as the students discussed among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, one of the cadets raised their hands. He stood out immediately with his tall height, blonde hair, and blue eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that his appearance garnered the attention of many of the people present told me all that I needed to know about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably amongst the higher-ranked cadets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes? Cadet Anders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly felt his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his mouth parted open, he answered slowly. As if he wanted me to hear his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Emotive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear provocation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Multiple eyes fell on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emotive?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor's gaze fell on me for a moment. She seemed to have been influenced by the others in the class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What makes you think that's the case?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's the longest category to learn. Not only that, but you must be able to touch your opponent to influence their emotions. If they can't touch you, they're useless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's not the case.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a shake of her head, the instructor corrected,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's merely on the basis that they are on the first level of mastery. At a higher stage, they can influence someone with mere words. Further down the path, and they can read emotions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I listened to her words carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The [Emotive] sub-category was still an enigma to me. Unlike with my [Curse] sub-category, I couldn't practice it through repetition training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only way for me to further the [Emotive] path was through the understanding of emotions. The more I understood, the more I improved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was easier said than done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Now that I think about it... She mentioned something about first-level mastery.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was reminded of the notifications I received almost daily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only regarding [Fear] and Exp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'....So if I improve it, I'll be able to influence people with words?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought excited me for some reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was there more to it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cadet continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is indeed true, but it's also true that it's not easy to achieve. It may take a lot of years to get to a level where one can influence another's emotions. To be able to influence them through words?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You will need to be as old as my father to be able to get there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's not necessarily true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are many cases where people achieve such a state at a young age. Keep in mind, that there are states above that. Being able to influence someone through words is still considered entry level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entry level...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Influencing with words was just entry-level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought back to my powers. Ever since the examination, I had hardly touched the other field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't because I didn't like it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the furthest thing from the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reality was that I was unsure whether I was capable of handling it. The after-effect from last time left a scar in my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a mental block, it made me avoid it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was just not ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'You're telling me I merely scratched the surface of what's possible?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cadet Julien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the instructor's gaze, I turned to face her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....As an Emotive Mage yourself, what do you think about Cadet Anders's answer?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did I think about it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All his words made sense. From what I experienced, he was right in absolutely every way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The [Emotive] field was a path that would probably take someone ages to master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It encompassed all the experiences of one's life and molded them in the form of emotions. Unless someone constantly experiences all those emotions, they won't be able to improve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that regard, it was the weakest of all the other paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my wrist slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes fell on the clover tattoo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that the same for me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The classroom fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all were seemingly awaiting my answer. 'What's he going to say?', 'How will he answer with?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their faces all said the same thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I looked back to face the cadet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anders was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I found the corner of my lips lifting slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....It's bullshit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An answer flowed out of my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Weakest? There's no such thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't just bullshitting at the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were my true thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's only a weak person. No weak path.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just because the Emotive field was the hardest to progress in didn't mean it was the weakest class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the start, the question was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You say that it takes a lot of time for an Emotive mage to be strong. On what basis do you say that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What basis?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cadet looked at me as if I were stupid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's common sense. Take a look at all the strongest mages in the world. Our Empire has seven Monarchs. How many of them are from the Emotive field? None!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed his finger at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of a sudden, he started talking about something different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most probably what he wanted to say from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....Do you think none of us see it? Your mana flow is weak. You don't even seem to be capable of properly controlling your mana. On good god, I don't know why you're ranked first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words seemed to echo the thoughts of many of the people present in the classroom, with many of them nodding along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took in the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My best guess is because of your achievements in the Emotive field. Even then, I doubt you'll be able to do anything to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he finally said what he wanted to say, with a look of scorn, he added,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Simply put, you're not fit for the role. You're weak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, the room fell into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes were trained on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haaa....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With all attention on me, I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'....So they noticed.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't as though I didn't expect it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone must've noticed it during the first day. The fact that I was weak. That I wasn't on the same level as them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understood this even more clearly than they did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was for this reason that I provoked everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trained to the point of insanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words made sense, and there was nothing wrong with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes were still closed, so I couldn't see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All that I saw was darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that darkness, I could feel my hand move towards my forearm. Where the four-leaved clover rested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was a little hesitant at first, but then, I was reminded of my goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was when my mind became firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To achieve my goal, I need to make full use of all the advantages I have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My finger pressed down on my forearm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Nobody but me can be the Black Star.'\u003C\u002Fp>",2033,"2026-06-02T12:40:55.797Z",1,"novelbin.me","0ac19c531842ee6612bdedbf1623d916416c3aaab36813854f97fec7281a9438","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-14","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-12",876,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fadvent-of-the-three-calamities-cover.jpg"]