Chapter 18: Violet Gray

Alex was seated in the Mana train, in a window seat, heading toward Graxburg where his first mission was going to be held.

'This is actually my first journey in the world of TOC,' Alex thought, observing the mesmerizing scenes passing by outside the window.

The train Alex boarded was traveling on a predetermined airway, which allowed Alex to see the world from above. He was witnessing a world that was vastly different from Earth and much more advanced.

The land below had been meticulously constructed for optimal efficiency. Skyscrapers were neatly organized, creating an open landscape that allowed for additional structures. Thanks to the meticulous planning executed by the World Structure and Supervision Association (WSSA), people around the world were able to develop the lands with ease.

What made this structure even more fascinating was its ability to swiftly respond to the emergence of dungeons. In a matter of hours, using advanced technology and regulations established by the WSSA, all structures near a dungeon could be relocated. This proactive approach ensured minimal disruptions and ensured the safety of the inhabitants.

With these well-established regulations and structures in place for nearly a decade, the world had successfully averted any significant losses during dungeon breaks. Whenever a new dungeon gate or tower appeared, the World Dungeon and Tower Association (WDTA) dispatched its officers to classify them based on their rank.

Following the assessment of the new gate, the WDTA officers would calculate the worst possible outcome and report it back for verification. Once the WDTA confirmed the report, they would collaborate with the WSSA to relocate individuals and buildings near the dungeon according to the determined threat level.

Alex observed an ongoing relocation taking place below and wondered, 'Huh, a new dungeon must have appeared.'

Alex couldn't decipher the gate rank from the relocation area that had been implied by WSSA.

Feeling curious, Alex decided to check the dungeon from the WDTA database using his smartwatch.

[Gate 034-00457]

[Location: District 9 - Pogas]

[Rank: E]

[Ownership: Croft Guild]

"Croft Guild has already taken ownership of the dungeon, huh?" Alex murmured.

He knew from the novel that guilds can obtain dungeon ownership by submitting bids to the WDTA Then WDTA evaluates the guilds that have requested ownership and, if they determine there are no issues with the guilds, they rent the dungeon to the highest bidding guild.

'In a few years, this system will cause upheaval among small guilds and force the WDTA to change the rules.' Alex's mind drifted as he recalled the information dumps in the novel.

Suddenly, he remembered a particular piece of information from the book.

'Wait,' Alex muttered, snapping out of his daydream.

'Isn't this the dungeon where that skill book is located?' Alex pondered further.

Everything matched: 'E-rank dungeon, Croft Guild, District 9, Pogas City,' Alex quickly realized, and then he facepalmed himself. 'How could I have missed this?'

In the TOC, it had been mentioned that Damien had used this dungeon for training for nearly a year and had cleared it multiple times, yet he had never found the Tier-1 skill book "Mana Compression," which would have allowed him to advance faster as a mage.

'Actually, it's quite understandable that Damien couldn't find that skill book,' Alex reasoned, recalling the unusual place of the book.

It almost made him not want the skill book, but Alex wasn't a person who would cower in the face of big hurdles.

That's why an urge swelled within Alex to disembark from the train and claim that skill book. However, the thought of his current mission brought him back to reality, and he suppressed his impulse by reassuring himself, 'I'll get it on my return trip.'

Alex snapped out of his daydream, after hearing a beautiful and sweet voice that had just addressed him.

"Hi Alex, I never expected to run into you here," she greeted him with a radiant smile.

As she took the seat opposite him and settled down, Alex found himself reflexively responding to her greeting while simultaneously studying her, trying to recall if she resembled a character from a book or if she was simply an extra.

She stood a head shorter than him, with short, crimson hair and a pair of ocean eyes. 'She looks undeniably cute and innocent,' Alex thought to himself.

None of the characters from the book matched her appearance, leading Alex to the conclusion that she must be an extra.

Curiously, she giggled and asked, "Why are you studying me so intently?" A faint blush graced her cheeks.

Caught off guard, Alex ceased his examination and promptly apologized. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just taken aback by seeing you here."

Still uncertain of her identity, Alex decided to use his innate ability to find out who she was.

[Violet Gray]

[Innate Abilities]

[Eye of Truth: See a world without lies. When exposed to a lie, the user experiences pain corresponding to the lie's effect.]

Seeing her name, Alex confirmed that she was indeed an extra.

However, what made him feel cautious and uneasy was her extraordinary innate ability. 'What kind of ability is that?' Alex pondered, finding it difficult to believe.

'She is the last person in the world an agent would want to hang out with,' Alex amusingly thought, trying to tame his nervousness.

"You don't need to be so surprised," Violet pointed out.

Realizing that his thoughts were affecting his behavior, Alex composed himself and inquired, "Sorry if this sounds strange, but have we met before?"

Hearing Alex's question, Violet raised her eyebrow, surprised by the realization that Alex genuinely didn't remember her. 'Does he really not remember me?' Violet thought, deciding to play along.

"Not officially, but we are in the same class at the academy," Violet stated.

Observing Alex's lack of surprise at her explanation, Violet pondered, 'He truly doesn't recall the past week when we spent hours talking.'

'And his mood seems much better than it was last week,' Violet scrutinized further.

Alex, upon seeing Violet's thoughtful expression and sensing her intent gaze directed towards him, felt nervous. Knowing her innate ability, he wondered, 'Why do I feel naked in front of her?'

Shaking off this absurd thought, Alex countered with a smirk, "Seems like it's my turn to be the subject of scrutiny now."

Violet, slightly tilting her head, revealed her surprise, "Ah, I must admit, I'm a little surprised to see you ditching the academy."

After a brief pause, Violet added with a whisper, her eyes gleaming mischievously, "And you look a lot different from the past, like you're much livelier."

Confused, Alex inquired, "What exactly do you mean?"

Violet hurriedly replied, "Oh, it's nothing. I was just lost in my own thoughts."

Realizing she wasn't willing to elaborate, Alex decided to end the conversation and simply replied, "Alright then," before shifting his attention back to the scenic view beyond the window.

'He hasn't uttered a single lie until now. He truly forgot our conversation that day. Is it because of the side effects?' Violet pondered, then recalled the time when she had first approached Alex.

comment 4 comment

Vote

SEND GIFT

Load failed, please RETRY