The Headmaster looks a bit confused and says,
"Well, alright… but you still haven't answered my question."
"I'm sorry, Headmaster. I completely forgot. Please, just give me a few more days."
"Haha, no problem. I'll wait—patience always bears sweet fruit."
"Alright then, Headmaster, I'll take my leave now."
The Headmaster places a hand on Zack's shoulder and says,
"Zack, remember—you can trust me. I understand your situation."
"Yes… absolutely."
"Alright then, you may go. And—just a reminder—you do remember that the academy's tournament, which happens every three years, is coming up in a month, right?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Good, then we'll meet again."
Zack leaves from there.
Later, Zack is sitting at home.
"Hm… I completely forgot about the tournament. So, the academy tournament is this year…
It's held once every three years, and it takes place three months after the Awakener Ceremony so that the newly awakened can also participate.
And in this tournament, all the awakeners from C11 over the past three years will be taking part.
The Headmaster reminded me because he wants me to participate too.
Last time, I was just part of the audience.
But this time…
This time is different. I will take part."
Just then, Zack receives a notification.
A status window appears in front of him, and Zack begins to read it.
> From now on, you will receive quests based on the situation.
Daily quests will no longer be available.
Your next quest is:
Soon, a team from the academy will go into the Abyss to attack a recently discovered monster base.
But what they don't know… is that one of the Original Monsters is also present there.
This is the moment where, in your previous life, Albus came into contact with that Original Monster.
Your mission is to stop that from happening.
There will be no reward for this quest.
"Ohh, so this is my next quest...
If I remember correctly, in a few days, a team will be sent—and Albus will be part of it.
In my previous life, I wanted to go too…
But because of my low rank, I wasn't allowed.
But this time, it's different.
This time, I can go.
But for that…
I'll have to go and get my name added to the team list."
Three days later…
Zack arrives at the academy to register his name for the team.
To join the team, being at least D-Rank is required—and since Zack is C-Rank, he easily qualifies and gets added to the team.
Since this team is being sent officially by the academy, there are even a few A-Rank instructors leading the expedition.
Zack comes fully prepared—wearing armor, carrying a sword, a dagger, and even a pistol.
A few hours later, all the members gather near the Abyss portal located within the academy.
There are 10 awakeners in total… and Zack is one of them.
The team is being led by two A-Rank instructors:
Abrox – A-Rank Warrior
Alex – A-Rank Tanker
From Panther guild :
Joshua – C-Rank Magician
And his three teammates:
Amber – D-Rank Healer
Sam – D-Rank Archer
Smith – D-Rank Magician
Then, there are five independent awakeners:
Albus – D-Rank Archer
Zack – C-Rank Swordmaster
Kalle – D-Rank Healer
Khaled – C-Rank Tanker
Max – C-Rank Magician
All of them are gathered together, standing near the Abyss portal—ready to enter as one unified team.
"And now, the Monster Hunt Quest begins from here."
To be continue...