In the Name of God - Chapter 30.2
After rubbing my eyes for a while, I looked up. I could see the bustling crowd.
Perhaps because I had just used my ability, my vision was quite blurry. It felt as if someone with 2.0 vision had suddenly dropped into negative numbers.
I realized I would need to be careful when using my powers in general.
“Party 25, you have passed!”
For some reason, the examiner who had been smirking finally announced our success. We were the only ones to receive the pass without exceeding the time limit.
The other party members, who had been standing blankly, took a moment to realize what had happened.
“Wow!”
“It’s over!”
“W-we survived…”
Relief and joy were written all over the three party members’ faces.
They should know it’s thanks to me.
While catching my breath, Echo rubbed his face against my neck.
-You really did it! And it was your first time!
“The ‘Adaptation’ skill is broken.”
According to the information Echo transmitted, even if someone awakens their mana manipulation ability, it usually requires repeated practice to be usable in combat. Using it carelessly only drains the awakener’s energy and can even break the weapon infused with mana.
But I had the S-rank ‘Adaptation’ skill. Once I understood the theory and method, I could apply it perfectly in battle.
As the party members moved toward the barrier’s exit, I glanced around the audience stands. Many people were watching me closely and making calls. Judging by the commotion, I seemed to have attracted quite a lot of attention.
It was understandable. Seeing the use of mana—supposedly only possible for rank 5 or higher—being applied in a lower test area crowded with rank 8 and 9 awakeners was impressive. I had also intended to draw exactly that reaction.
While scanning the audience, I spotted Seong Do‑wan’s stern face.
Was he surprised that his seemingly weak younger sibling actually had talent?
I smirked.
Just as we were about to leave the barrier, a strange sound came from behind, where only the golem fragments should have been.
Scrape, scrape—
“What… what is that?”
One of the party members pointed behind me, stunned. The others were equally shocked.
‘I have a bad feeling about this…’
I turned around, sensing an ominous aura.
The shattered golem fragments floated in midair. They spun around the black core like whirling petals, and their speed began to increase.
“The core already fell out. How is this possible?!”
“I’ve never seen anything like this! Wasn’t it just a rock golem?!”
Not only the party members, but everyone witnessing the golem’s transformation was astonished.
Then, black smoke poured out from the golem’s core. In an instant, the smoke wrapped around the fragments, causing them to spin together.
-Master, it feels exactly like that monster from the dungeon.
I nodded at Echo’s remark. Then, the system window appeared before me.
<Shadow-corrupted Rock Golem (F) detected.> <Deliver complete death and rest with your own hands.> <Reward: Lifespan extended by 7 days>
I had already given up hope of finding this in the dungeon, but I did not expect it to appear in the test arena.
I did not know why the monster prepared for the promotion test ended up like this, but in any case, this was a valuable chance to earn a lifespan.
I drew the revolver I had put away.
I intended to tell the party members to exit the barrier, but something felt wrong.
The translucent barrier had already turned black, as if a black silk curtain had been draped over it.
The panicked party members began hitting the barrier, but the hard surface did not move.
“Wh-what is going on?!”
“Let us out! Remove the barrier!”
The panic was not limited to the party members.
The officials outside were equally stunned by the abnormality.
“The gate isn’t forming!”
“Remove the barrier itself! Now!”
“The barrier won’t release! Call a high-rank barrier master!”
It was utter chaos.
Meanwhile, the golem fragments continued to grow in size.
‘Help won’t come. I didn’t expect it to.’
With the officials unable to intervene, our party was completely isolated. Exiting from inside or entering from outside was impossible.
That left only one option.
We had to subdue that mass of fragments ourselves.
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