Talent Awakening: I, the Weakest Awakened, Start with Dragonfire Spell

With four basic attribute bonuses and three special effects, even if it's the same Legendary-grade equipment, a higher level certainly carries more appeal. While Howard was overjoyed, he also made a mental note to be cautious when encountering high-level awakened, especially if their equipment grades were also high.

Quickly donning the new equipment, Howard felt his attributes enhance once again. But the thought of competing against awakened from across the Alliance for the treasure in a few days kept him on his toes. He immediately got up and headed towards the teaching building where the Mystic Realm was located.

Inside Holy Abyss Academy, there were two Mystic Realms, each housed in a different building. Unsure of the specifics of the Mystic Realm, Howard hesitated for a moment before heading to the building on the left.

Upon entering the lobby, he saw a stone stele standing tall, inscribed with various data. It appeared to be a ranking of students' points earned within the Mystic Realm -- listed by serial number, name, and points.

Glancing over it, Howard quickly realized what it represented. The top three names were entirely unfamiliar to him. Glyn was fourth with 18950 points, and Caitlin was fifth with 17720 points. The names that followed were also unknown to Howard.

As Howard was closely examining the stele, a voice suddenly came from behind: "Junior, is this your first time at the Mystic Realm?"

At the sound, Howard raised an eyebrow and turned to see a handsome young man smiling at him.

The youth said cheerfully, "I'm a fifth-year student, Keno Kaidis, and I also handle registrations for the Mystic Realm. If it's your first time entering, you only need to spend one-tenth of the usual points.

Hearing Keno Kaidis' words, Howard was immediately surprised. Such an important Mystic Realm was guarded by a student? Moreover, the name sounded vaguely familiar.

This realization prompted Howard to instinctively check Keno Kaidis' attributes.

Keno Kaidis -- Level 53!

Turning sharply, Howard then noticed that the second name on the stele was indeed Keno Kaidis, with a staggering 39,000 points. No wonder he could guard the Mystic Realm as a student; his talent probably even surpassed Caitlin's.

"Hello, senior!" Howard greeted with a smile. "I'm a freshman this year and have never entered the Mystic Realm before. Could you tell me more about it?"

Knowing it was Howard's first visit, Keno immediately explained with a smile: "Our academy has two Mystic Realms. One simulates wilderness survival and is located in another building, while this one is a challenge-type Mystic Realm."

Pausing briefly, Keno continued, "This Mystic Realm is known as the Mystic Realm of Battle Intent. Once you enter, you'll face a continuous stream of monsters that aggressively attack your location."

"The map inside this Mystic Realm isn't very large and is divided into six levels. Each level has a relatively small space and can only accommodate one person at a time."

"For each monster you kill, you earn points based on the monster's level. You can choose to exit before your strength is depleted, or the Mystic Realm will automatically calculate your data based on the number of monsters you've killed after you're defeated."

"If you manage to make it onto the leaderboard, you'll receive additional monthly rewards from the academy. Currently, just by being on the leaderboard, you can get 100 gold coins and 50 Pills every month, with higher ranks earning greater rewards."

"Additionally, in the Mystic Realm, besides not being able to obtain loot, you also earn experience points for each monster you kill."

Hearing this introduction, Howard couldn't help but feel intrigued.

This Mystic Realm sounded incredibly potent!

Venturing into the wilderness for leveling up could be dangerous, even fatal. But in the Mystic Realm, the worst he could suffer was some psychological strain -- essentially leveling up and gaining experience without any real danger, while also enhancing his combat skills.

If someone who feared death stayed in the Mystic Realm to grind, they could probably reach a respectable level.

Howard finally understood why students in powerful academies generally had higher levels than those in other institutions. With such an advantageous resource, not being ahead of others would be like failing despite having every advantage.

Keno asked with a smile, "Junior, what level are you at now? I'll see which level of the Mystic Realm suits you best."

"..."

Hesitating for a moment, Howard didn't answer the question directly. Instead, he asked, "Senior, what are the different levels available in the Mystic Realm?"

"There are six levels in total," Keno replied, "corresponding to levels 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, and 60. Currently, the level 40 and 50 Mystic Realms are already occupied."

"For a first-year student, if your equipment is good, I'd suggest you try the second level, which is for level 30. If your equipment is not up to par, lacking Diamond-grade or higher, then the first level for level 20 would be more suitable for you."

Under normal circumstances, a freshman reaching level 20 about a month after enrollment would already be quite an achievement, and Keno kindly offered his suggestion based on this.

However, Keno had no idea just how terrifying Howard's attributes really were!

"LV40 and LV50 Mystic Realms are already occupied?"

Howard's eyebrows furrowed slightly, feeling a bit frustrated. According to the setup, the experience and loot gained from monsters start diminishing when they exceed an awakened's level by 20. Beyond 40 or 50 levels higher, you basically get no rewards at all.

This was similar to when Howard traveled through the Mordun Wasteland and Medea Ruins with Wales and Shelley Chan. Despite killing many monsters, the experience gained was actually less than what Shelley Chan earned by killing awakened during her Nirvana State burst!

Currently, the only level Howard could choose that was close to the limit for maximum rewards was the level 55 Mystic Realm. In other words, monsters at level 55 would offer him the highest experience reward.

Without any hesitation, Howard stated, "Senior, I'd like to enter the level 55 Mystic Realm."

"Huh?!" Keno twitched his mouth upon hearing Howard's choice, hesitated for a moment, then said, "Junior, you've only recently awakened your talent and your level isn't very high. Even if your equipment is of a higher grade, I'd still recommend you choose the level 30 Mystic Realm."

"You don't have to worry about me, senior," Howard reassured, knowing Keno meant well, and said with a light smile, "My equipment is excellent, enough for me to fight monsters above my level."

Normally, monsters of the same level are weaker than awakened beings. As long as one doesn't get swarmed or encounter elite monsters, this is unquestionable.

Howard could easily defeat awakened around level 50, let alone monsters at level 55.

"Excellent equipment?" Raising an eyebrow, Keno seemed like he wanted to say more but eventually nodded, "If you are set on this, then I won't dissuade you further. The fifth-floor Mystic Realm is in the room on the right-hand side upstairs. Since it's your first time entering the Mystic Realm, 1,000 points will be deducted."

"Please take out your student card."

Keno's tone was not very pleasant as he spoke.

Clearly, Keno thought Howard was being overly arrogant!

In the minds of most people, a person who had awakened their talent about a month ago would, at most, reach levels 20 to 30. Even attempting the level 40 Mystic Realm would be considered normal. But trying to fight monsters 30 levels higher was practically suicidal.

Good advice is often wasted on those determined to court death. Keno wasn't acquainted with Howard, so naturally, he didn't say much more.

Sensing the change in Keno's attitude, Howard didn't say anything but simply handed over his student card, saying, "Thank you for your help, senior."

"Huh?"

Upon receiving Howard's student card, Keno's expression turned to one of shock. "You're the champion of the freshman assessment? No wonder you have the courage to fight above your level!"

Shaking his head slightly, Keno warned, "One last piece of advice: be very careful. Higher-level monsters are not only stronger in attributes but their skills and combat abilities are what truly make them formidable."

"Also, there are only three scenarios in which you will be teleported out of the Mystic Realm: either you die at the hands of a monster, all the monsters are cleared, or you choose to exit. Although dying in the Mystic Realm won't harm you physically, the sensation of death is very real and can greatly impact your psyche. If you find yourself in danger, it's best to choose to be teleported out."

"Otherwise, if you can't bear the pain of death, it could significantly affect your future training and studies."

"Thank you for the reminder, senior."

As the saying goes, don't slap a smiling face. Howard responded to Keno's repeated warnings with a smile.

After deducting the points, Keno returned the student card to Howard and gestured for him to head upstairs.

Before ascending, Howard glanced again at the stele. The prospect of monthly rewards for being on the leaderboard was very enticing to him, filling him with anticipation and eagerness.