Chapter — THE SECOND FUNCTION

Professor Claire slowly moved her gaze across the arena hall, carefully observing the expressions of every student present, as if she was measuring not only their excitement but also their level of understanding. Once she was certain she had their full attention, she continued speaking in a calm yet authoritative tone.

"There is one more thing I need to explain before we officially begin," she said, slightly raising her bracelet for emphasis. "This bracelet device has another function besides the one I just mentioned."

Her words immediately caused a subtle shift in the atmosphere, as curiosity spread across the students like a ripple.

"The first function, as I already explained, allows the physical body of the user to be transported into this arena space. This ensures that no real harm comes to your actual body, which makes it ideal for training and combat practice," she continued, maintaining a steady pace so everyone could follow. "However, the second function is quite different in nature and purpose."

She paused for a brief moment, allowing anticipation to build.

"It allows the user to transfer their soul into a virtual reality arena that exists in a completely different realm. Inside that space, you can fight and compete against other users from all around the world."

A wave of murmurs began to rise, but Professor Claire raised her hand slightly to signal that she was not finished.

"Keep in mind that unlike the first function, which transports your physical body, this second function only transfers your soul. Your actual body will remain in the real world, completely motionless and defenseless," she explained firmly. "Because of this, unless you are absolutely certain that you are in a safe and secure environment, I strongly advise against using it carelessly. But rest assured, since here in the academy we have special capsules designed exactly for that."

The moment she finished speaking, the entire arena hall erupted into loud discussions. Most of the students were clearly amazed, their excitement visible through their wide eyes and animated gestures, while a smaller group remained relatively calm, indicating that they were already familiar with this information.

"This is insane..."

"I’ve heard rumors, but I didn’t think it was real..."

"This is way beyond anything I imagined..."

Voices overlapped as the realization of what they were being given slowly sank in.

Professor Claire allowed the noise to continue for a short moment before speaking again, her voice effortlessly cutting through the chaos.

"This virtual reality arena is not controlled by any individual or organization," she said, immediately drawing their attention back to her. "It was only discovered in recent years by a group of awakeners inside a dungeon. Alongside that discovery, they found a set of notes left behind by Victor Hale."

The mention of that name carried weight, even for those who did not fully understand why.

"As of now, we are only capable of replicating the bracelet devices based on the information recorded in those notes," she continued. "These replicas are directly linked to the original system, which still exists somewhere beyond our reach. However, aside from this replication process, no one has any authority or control over the system itself."

She let that statement settle before adding another crucial detail.

"Because of that, the system operates independently and assigns power rankings to its users. These rankings are primarily determined by victories achieved within the arena."

The students once again fell into discussion, but this time their excitement was mixed with a sense of ambition.

"I can’t believe I’m finally getting my own virtual reality bracelet," one student said with a grin that he could not hide. "I’ve been wanting one for years."

"Same here," another replied quickly. "I heard about it from my family, but only nobles and high-ranking awakeners were allowed to use them. Now that we’re official academy students, we actually get access to one."

The conversations spread in every direction, filled with excitement, curiosity, and a growing sense of opportunity.

Meanwhile, Shadow and his group stood slightly apart, engaged in their own discussion.

"A device that allows users to compete and improve their skills without real danger... that is honestly incredible," Jane said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Lucian nodded in agreement, clearly impressed. "The idea that you can sharpen your abilities without risking injury is something that could completely change how awakeners train."

Jaden clenched his fist, his eyes focused ahead as if he was already imagining the battles to come. "I can’t wait to start climbing that ranking system."

His enthusiasm was obvious, but it also caused the others to exchange brief glances before rolling their eyes slightly.

Shadow, however, remained silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful as he processed everything they had just learned.

"Does none of you find this suspicious?" he finally asked, his voice calm but carrying a serious tone that immediately drew their attention.

The group turned toward him, surprised by the sudden shift in mood.

"Think about it carefully," Shadow continued. "If this Victor Hale created something like this, why did he never reveal it to the world himself? And more importantly, why were his notes found inside a dungeon?"

His questions caused a brief silence.

"Dungeons are still mysterious gates that no one fully understands," he added. "We don’t know where they come from or why they exist, so why would something this advanced be hidden inside one?"

Talia frowned slightly as she tried to follow his reasoning. "So what are you trying to say?"

"What I am saying is that there is clearly more to this device than what we are being told," Shadow replied without hesitation. "And I believe that the people in power are aware of that truth. Otherwise, they would not distribute something like this so easily to academies when they can keep it within their own families."

Lucian crossed his arms, his expression turning more serious. "Now that you mention it, it does feel a bit strange."

Jane, however, let out a small scuff, clearly not sharing the same level of concern. "I think you are overthinking things," she said in a slightly annoyed tone. "Instead of worrying about things you cannot prove, you should just enjoy the opportunity in front of you. Not everyone gets something like this."

Shadow did not respond to her comment. Instead, he simply shifted his focus back toward Professor Claire, his mind still processing the unanswered questions.

’There is definitely something hidden behind all of this... and I need to find out what it is,’ he thought quietly.

Back in the center of the arena, Professor Claire raised her voice once more, bringing the students back to order.

"Now that you understand the basic concept," she said, her tone firm yet composed, "I want all of you to inject a small amount of your mana into the bracelet device."

She lifted her own bracelet slightly as she spoke, demonstrating the action.

"This process will allow the device to identify you as its user. It will also analyze your abilities and store your data within the system."

The students immediately grew attentive again, their excitement returning as they prepared to take part in the process.

"Keep in mind," she added, her expression becoming more serious, "that once you complete this step, the bracelet will be permanently linked to you. It will not respond to anyone else, and your information will become part of the system."

A quiet tension filled the air as the significance of her words became clear.

This was not just a simple tool.

It was something that would become a part of their identity as awakeners.

Shadow looked down at the bracelet on his wrist, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered everything he had just heard.

’This device is far more than it appears on the surface,’ he thought. ’And if Victor Hale is truly connected to it... then i need to find out more

about who he really is.’

Without saying another word, he slowly raised his hand, preparing to inject his mana into the device, fully aware that this single action might pull him deeper into a mystery far greater than he had ever anticipated.