Author Of Worlds: I Reincarnated Into My Novel As A Random Character
Chapter 28: Axreal... Blood Element! Abrubt Duel...

Chapter 28: Axreal... Blood Element! Abrubt Duel...

"Why are you so silent? I’m literally right outside your door waiting for you! Come, let’s head to class. Instructor Silas is making us engage in a duel."

"A duel? That isn’t supposed to happen so soon!" Matthew exclaimed internally.

According to what he had written, the duel was meant to occur two weeks later. After that came the trial, which would eventually lead to the invasion of the dragon worshippers.

"Then what changed?" Matthew fell silent as countless thoughts flashed through his mind, his eyes suddenly widening.

’Everything in my novel has been progressing just as I wrote it—except for one detail. The Monolith was invaded when it wasn’t supposed to be!’

Matthew’s gaze sharpened, and a realization struck him like lightning. As the original creator of the plot, he knew the intricacies better than anyone else.

’The mastermind behind the attack probably believes that any further delay might result in unexpected variables.’

’There’s also that reason...’

His expression turned frosty at the thought.

The plot might have been altered once again.

"Come on, man. What’s going on in your head? Let’s quickly head to class. You know how difficult Instructor Silas can be."

Axel could sense something was off, but without concrete evidence, he couldn’t pinpoint the problem. Still, he suspected it had something to do with the infiltration at the Monolith.

Just then, Matthew shook off his thoughts and turned toward the door. He twisted the doorknob and stepped outside.

Standing just beyond the doorway was a lone figure with neatly combed blond hair, calmly waiting.

Axel was dressed in a shimmering silver robe that accentuated his sharp features, making him look almost ethereal.

Seeing this sight, Matthew simply shook his head without comment.

The two of them turned and quickly made their way toward the classrooms.

...

Time passed, and soon Matthew, Axel, and more than fifty students were assembled in a large courtyard.

In the center of the courtyard stood an elevated platform, surrounded by a few sparse trees swaying gently in the breeze. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across the ground.

Upon the platform stood a tall, commanding figure.

Instructor Silas.

His powerful aura enveloped the area, and his gaze swept across the gathered students like a blade.

His deep voice resonated clearly through the courtyard.

"Although not much time has passed since you awakened your abilities, you should already be capable of exerting some measure of control over them."

"Using this control, you should now be able to use your origin abilities without major issues. Besides, all duel winners today will receive several origin stones and a special crystal as a reward."

At the mention of rewards, the students’ eyes lit up with excitement.

Silas noticed a few puzzled expressions among them and began explaining further.

"An origin stone is essentially a condensed form of origin energy."

"By absorbing this energy, one can gradually enhance their strength and swiftly reach the Origin Esper Realm."

"However, upon reaching the peak of the Origin Esper Realm, you must undergo a trial to break through."

"What?" some students gasped in disbelief, their expressions turning pale with hints of fear and dread.

The mention of trials triggered deep-rooted fear, especially with the high mortality rate among the Sleepers.

Among all the Sleepers from their class, not a single one had survived.

The grim odds were enough to chill anyone’s spine.

Seeing their reactions, Silas quickly reassured them.

"Everyone’s trial is different. Of course, the trials aren’t as deadly as the Sleeper Origin path. They’re average in difficulty and designed to test your mastery of your abilities to ensure you break through safely."

Silas offered a faint smile, then paused to give the students time to absorb the information.

Matthew, standing quietly within the crowd, nodded to himself.

Everything was proceeding according to his script.

Thankfully, there had been no alterations to the five origin paths so far.

Axel, standing beside him, showed no surprise either. He already knew about all of this from the moment he awakened his Copycat Ability.

Eventually, the murmur of voices faded, and silence settled over the courtyard once more.

Silas’s voice rang out again.

"You all should group yourselves according to your origin path. I will select two individuals from each group to duel."

After speaking, he waved his hand dismissively.

The students quickly began to group themselves, which didn’t take long, as their uniforms were color-coded by origin path.

Soon, clusters of students formed.

On the far right stood a group of nine students clad in silver robes adorned with floral embroidery resembling herbs.

Potion Origin Path.

Though common, it wasn’t one of the most prominent paths.

In their midst stood a young man wielding a slender fan. A gentle breeze played with his dark blue hair as he gazed arrogantly at the other groups.

Grati.

His eyes held a condescending gleam, brimming with the belief that the Potion Origin Path was superior to all others.

Axel stood among them, blending seamlessly with the crowd, keeping a low profile.

He remembered Matthew’s warning about being watched and couldn’t afford to attract unnecessary attention.

...

Beside the potion group was another cluster, their robes a deep forest green—an homage to nature.

Elemental Origin Path.

Believing the elements stemmed from nature, they wore the color to signify their bond.

Among them stood Leo, his face calm and composed. However, beneath his placid exterior, a storm brewed.

’Can’t you just let me use my Origin Ability for a little while? I could win the origin stone and increase my cultivation! Who knows, I might even reach Rank Eight!’

[Host, please calm down. Would you like a new mission to be issued?]

’Mission? What kind of mission could I possibly complete without my ability? Maybe I should just smash you, you black-hearted trash system!’

Despite the fury blazing inside, Leo maintained a flawless smile on the surface.

From among the Elemental Path group, a red-haired youth with blood-red eyes glanced subtly in Leo’s direction.

His eyes were sharp, his tone lazy.

"His blood flow is erratic. He’s probably having an internal conflict."

Axreal.

With heavy bags beneath his eyes and an expression that bordered on apathy, he looked perpetually exhausted.

His robes hung loosely on his frame, giving off a disheveled appearance that resembled Axel’s usual look. However, while Axel dressed casually by choice, Axreal simply seemed too lazy to care.

Matthew’s eyes flicked toward the red-haired youth.

Axreal.

One of the five survivors of the dragon invasion.

He belonged to the Elemental Origin Path, but his awakening had birthed a rare, mutated power.

Blood Element.