Chapter 38: S-Rank Gate Cleared

Chapter 38: S-Rank Gate Cleared

S-Rank Gate Cleared

"It's been quite some time since I last saw results like this." A man in the armory scrutinized a results sheet.

———————————[Subject] Baek Taeyang

[Result] The subject exhibits the most ideal physique for an awakened individual.

While the average awakened person possesses a partially filled hexagon-shaped physique, this subject's hexagon is fully complete.

A particularly notable feature is the lower body's *$)!탋#^.

[Recommended Weapon] No specific recommendation is given.

The subject is proficient with any weapon he chooses to wield.

Any discrepancies in fit are merely due to varying skill levels; there is no question about the subject's compatibility.———————————

"It feels like I'm looking at my own physical examination from my prime."

Even Kim Minsoo, renowned as a hero, never received such a report. The report simply indicated his potential to become a sword-wielding hero.

"There seems to be an error... How peculiar."

The anomalies weren't due to intentional erasures but rather a genuine machine malfunction, and it hindered accurate analysis. For the analysis machine, which had evolved continually since the inception of the Victory Academy, to malfunction was unprecedented.

"I must meet him." The man surveyed the half-empty weapon supply room. It should have been fully stocked with firearms and cold weapons, but Baek Taeyang had cleared them all out. Even if there were no restrictions, to take this many... He truly became curious about what kind of student he was.

"I should take action as well..."

"Chairman!"

"Duchul, I'm not deaf. What's urgent?"

"The F-rank gate designated for 1st-year Class D has escalated to an S-rank gate!"

Jang Duchul's haste was evident from the deep footprints trailing him.

"Did you notify the opener?"

"Yes, he's en route."

"We'll settle the payment later. Just ensure he arrives at the scene immediately."

With that directive, their conversation concluded. Moments later, two sizable gaps appeared in the ceiling of the Victory Academy.

***

"You! You call yourself a knight?"

"Really? I thought I was one."

"How can you, a knight, wield such despicable weapons!" Don Quixote lunged forward with misplaced aggression. Suddenly, Rocinante materialized from under him, showcasing some unexpected horse-riding acrobatics. Facing him up close became a daunting task.

Every meticulous detail was designed with Kim Minsoo in mind. He'd expertly juggle the sword, perhaps throwing in a dash of [Hero] for that dramatic, decisive blow against Don Quixote.

"Lower your weapon! If you're a true knight, wield a sword!"

"This is also a knight's weapon."

[Magnetic Pole Activated! Enhancing to a larger, more powerful weapon!]

Boom!

The enchanted metal cylinder slung across my shoulder unleashed fiery bursts and projectiles. Against monsters, typical firearms were futile, but this weapon was crafted awakened individuals. Its potency exceeded that of ordinary guns as it bolstered by Magnetic Pole. Based solely on its destructive force, it rivaled Melanie's skill.

It's foolish to keep your distance from the start.

I recalled the condition window that appeared when challenging Don Quixote to a duel.

———————————You have revealed the true nature of Don Quixote.

He is vastly different from the character in the novel we know.

But now, having challenged him to a true knight's duel!

There might be a chance to revert him to his original state.

With the halberd in hand, I continued my offensive against Don Quixote. He was wielding his lance with both hands, so to balance the power dynamic, I had to keep using Bash.

"Come down now, Don Quixote."

Gripping the reins tightly in my left hand, I swung toward where the stake was lodged.

Eeeeeee!

"Targeting a vulnerable beast like a coward! You're no knight!"

Every time Rocinante got hurt, Don Quixote exposed a glaring weakness. It tried to fill the gaps despite being injured, and that was the beginning of a vicious cycle.

Their mutual desire to protect each other was their Achilles' heel. The lance broke, and Rocinante could no longer move. I pounded and pulverized both Rocinante and Don Quixote with an axe and a club.

"I may not be the knight you're expecting, but neither are you."

He was no true knight either. Just a lunatic lost in knightly tales. There was no way such a person could engage in proper combat. The overwhelming boost from an S-rank gate had merely enlarged this kid; that's Don Quixote's real identity.

"Enough! Stop it! You've won!" As if sensing death closing in, he began to plead for his life pitifully. I couldn't help but laugh at the begging, knowing he couldn't be spared.

In the original work, it would have ended by laying down the sword. If it were Kim Minsoo, he might have spared him out of pity.

"I know I've won."

I had no intention of respecting the original work or being Kim Minsoo. So I put down the axe and club and pulled out the greatsword embedded in my back.

[Bash Activated! Strong power gathers in both hands!]

I felt Kim Minsoo's gaze from afar. It wasn't a glance of suspicion but one of certainty, as if it wasn't the first time I'd used Bash.

Yeah, it's your skill. So what?

"Let me go! I'll never appear before you again! I won't even claim to be a knight!"

"Shut up."

In an instant, the greatsword fell, and both Don Quixote and Rocinante were split in half, dead. It was an ending that could feel empty, perhaps because it ended too quickly compared to the initial intensity.

Is it because it's not my role?

If the protagonist couldn't do it, maybe he chose to end the story quickly.

———————————Concept: Classic Masterpiece [Don Quixote] Gate Cleared!

Congratulations. Despite various underhanded methods, you have cleared the gate with dignity!

As a reward for your exemplary performance in the gate, differentiated rewards will be given!

1. Baek Taeyang2. Kim Minsoo3. Lee Minjoon4. Melanie5. Kim Sukgu

No others.———————————

After the message announcing the gate clearance appeared, a personal portal appeared in front of each person. I thought everyone would immediately dash out as soon as the portal opened, but it was eerily quiet around me.

What's going on?

When I looked around, everyone was staring at me. Being the center of attention without a word was incredibly uncomfortable. Some were even on the verge of tears, their eyes making me feel as if I had the power to crush them.

From experience, it's best to say nothing and exit the situation when in such a spotlight. Trying to maintain a certain demeanor only wastes time and risks drawing unnecessary applause or, worse, scrutiny.

I had initially planned to collect my weapons but decided to change course. I quickly closed the reward window and moved my body through the portal.

++++++++++++

"Viriviribarabubumbataya, open the gate..."

"What is this?"

"Cleared...?"

I tried to step out of the gate to take a breather, but an inexplicable scene was unfolding. It looked like an entire folk village had been transported here, complete with wooden posts. In the center, a man wearing makeup was dancing. He looked entirely out of place.

What on earth is going on here?

It felt like one hurdle after another, a never-ending ordeal.