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Chapter 2: That Thing in Our Squad
Paul brought up his profile screen in his mind.
[Abilities]
Timer: Slows time during combat for 2 minutes. Cooldown: 3 hours.
Sharpshooter: Mastery over all ranged weapons.
Miles Eyes: Enhanced vision. Tracks movements of a designated target.
"Still not enough..." Paul murmured.
In class, a sharp-voiced woman stood by the board. "You need a proper understanding of dungeons and towers before you even think of venturing in. Take notes—your test is approaching."
Paul sighed, scribbling half-heartedly. But the moment was interrupted by a shout.
"I don't have time for this!" Lila Dawn stood up. "Let's move on to combat lessons. I'm ready to prove myself."
Suddenly, the door swung open.
"Class Veritas! Assemble at the practice ground for your practical exam!"
Paul stretched. "It's finally starting."
---
Diamond Academy Training Grounds
Instructor Park Leon stood confidently. "You'll be working in teams. Each must include two warriors, one support, and one sharpshooter. These squads remain unchanged until mid-terms unless problems arise. We've paired high and low-ranking cadets fairly. Check your team on the screen."
Paul read the board. "Squad 5... with Mira Roodes? Damn."
He remembered: heir to the top guild, Starlight. Cool, capable, and cold.
"Still, this could work in my favor," he thought. "If I keep close, I can stay under the radar—and maybe catch her attention."
Elsewhere, Jake Hose grinned. "We're teamed up, huh Mira?"
Izuki nodded politely. Mira looked at them, expression unreadable.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Jake. Miss Izuki."
Jake blinked. "We're the same age…"
Mira looked around. "Where's our last teammate?"
Paul jogged up, out of breath. "I'm here—Paul Wayne."
Jake cut him off. "You're the guy with the gun, right? Everyone's talking about you."
Leon's voice thundered. "This isn't playtime. Check your watches—I've sent you your mission location. Move!"
---
Training Area No. 9 – Beach Sector
Mira, Jake, and Izuki ran ahead. Paul trailed behind, gasping.
"Damn... why didn't I train my stamina more... Leader warned me..."
They arrived at the shoreline. A small Kraken, not massive but still dangerous, emerged from the water.
Jake readied his axe. "Stick to the plan."
"Be careful," Mira said. "It launches mini octopi when it feels threatened. One of them can kill a normal human."
Izuki added, "Then Paul should—"
"I'll handle the Kraken," Mira interrupted. "Warriors hold back. Save mana."
Paul frowned. "She's trying to bench me...?"
Mira gave him a glance that stung with mockery.
"This... witch."
The Kraken struck. Jake dodged, pulling it toward the beach. Baby octopi burst from its body.
Mira lashed them with her whip, lightning-fast.
She's strong, Jake thought. No wonder she's ranked 7th among first-years.
One octopus leapt at Mira from behind.
BANG!
Paul fired one perfect shot, blowing it apart.
Mira turned. "Paul Wayne...?"
Jake and Izuki were stunned. "He nailed it in one shot... with a gun?"
Paul thought to himself, If I help them at the right moment, maybe they'll start noticing me.
The Kraken fired another volley—dozens of octopi.
"Time to shine," Paul said. He activated Timer. The world slowed. His Miles Eyes locked on every threat.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
He downed every octopus mid-air.
"Now!" Mira yelled.
She bound the Kraken's tentacles. Jake and Izuki leapt forward, delivering the finishing blows.
Paul exhaled. "Finally... it's over."
---
Announcement
"Exam complete! Team 5 – Rank: 15th. Completion Time: 59 minutes, 59 seconds."
---
Classroom – Later
Mira stared. "15th...? I thought we'd be judged individually. Even Lila placed 4th."
Lila sighed nearby. Louis Hall smirked at her.
Mira approached. "How did you guys do?"
"4th," Lila replied. "You?"
"15th."
"Not bad. Especially with that thing in your squad."
Mira flinched. That thing... was the one who saved us.
He shot them all down... in under a minute. Who is he, really?
Nearby, Jake and Izuki clapped Paul on the back.
"You carried us," Jake laughed.
Paul smiled sheepishly, avoiding Mira's gaze.
---
End of Chapter 2
> End of Chapter 2 – Stigma: The Sharpshooter of Diamond
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