BXBX NOVEL Chapter 101: First Results
That limitation was only conquered like the Maguses at Level Five. They could only fly as the real meaning of the word at the same level as Maguses. Simply put, Familiars below Level Five needed a surface to attach their Magic Energy to, which kept them floating.
The Space Elevator was perfect for that. The surface doesn't need to be horizontal. It could be a vertical surface as well. Nonetheless, that truly made it several times easier for Familiars to float up the Space Elevator than it was for Maguses to climb.
Looking at the Space Elevator after just a minute, you could already see a huge difference in distance between the Familiars above and the Maguses below. Xifrin, the Level Five Magus, was literally the only Magus without that problem, being able to fly as he wished.
Trodeu, as a Level Five Familiar, could also fly. That's why he was close behind Xifrin since he didn't need to waste Magic Energy to attach himself to the Space Elevator, different from the other Familiars. No one doubted that Xifrin and Trodeu would reach the Space Station at the top of the Space Elevator faster than anyone else... until Linfel appeared.
"How can he be following those two?" The comments on the Elevator and those watching from below quickly started at all Space Elevator Sites.
"It's that same Familiar!"
"Yes, the one who did 999 Points!"
"I wish I was at that Space Elevator to of that Linfel to see it."
"Idiot! Would you really let go of this Elevator? Xifrin is here."
"Still, that makes no sense. His magic Energy Reserves to connect to the Elevator's Surface shouldn't allow him to have enough to charge ahead like Xifrin and Trodeu."
Those and many other questions were raised about Linfel.
However, they quickly died down when the screens changed to the first Mini Station at 25 kilometers of altitude. There, Linfel's ethereal body was feeble, and he took his time to absorb the Magic Energy in that safe environment.
Xifrin and Trodeu, however, didn't stop at all. They continued to fly higher, and even though it took longer for them to reach the second Mini Station, they did that with ease.
-50 Kilometers | 1st - Xifrin Lou'dian: 05:36 - Level Five Magus.-
-50 Kilometers | 2nd - Trodeu: 05:49 - Level Five Familiar.-
They finally stopped at that second Mini Station to recover their energies while Linfel was still recovering his energy at the first station.
"So that Linfel just so happens to have a great Magic Energy Control."
"Yes, look at him. He isn't completely exhausted, but he definitely wouldn't be able to make it all the way to the second Mini Station like Xifrin and Trodeu."
"Why do you speak like it was a bad thing. Look at all the other Level Three Familiars! They are nowhere near Linfel's location!"
"Indeed, he should feel proud that he could charge to the first Mini Station with his energy reserves like that."
Linfel, unaware of what everyone was thinking, spent his leisure time in the first Mini Station. 'Safety first. Who knows what could happen were I need more Magic Energy.'
It turns out Linfel could have charged to the second Mini Station as well. He just didn't see a need for it. He decided he would always recover completely and then go to the next Mini Station before recovering completely again. As long as he is in the top 10%, he doesn't need anything else.
'Besides, if I charged to the second Mini Station, I might catch too much attention. It is better to keep a low profile a little more,' he thought to himself. The wisp had no idea he was already as famous as Xifrin and Trodeu, perhaps more.
Down below, Alvin focused his Magic Energy on his legs and hands as he quickly climbed the Elevator. After ten minutes of climbing, he could see a few tens of Maguses ahead, which didn't surprise him. There are plenty of Level Four Maguses, after all.
However, what surprised Alvin was that the Maguses ahead weren't anywhere as plenty as those climbing below. He didn't feel tired, being able to control his Magic Energy quite well. Linfel's hellish training and understanding of Magic Energy truly paid off now. 'Incredible... I said I would reach the top 5%. Yet, it feels more like I'm well within the top 1% instead.'
He wasn't wrong. Even considering the other Space Elevators around the world, he was indeed climbing with the leading groups. He was even ahead of many Level Four Maguses. Alvin couldn't help but get a little excited and climb a little faster. 'Linfel's bullying wasn't for nothing...' But then, he remembered the painful days under Linfel's guidance as a few tears fell from his eyes.
'It is still not worth it, though...'
After thirteen minutes, Alvin's result appeared on the leading board.
-25 Kilometers | 297th - Alvin Brunes: 13:49 - Level Three Magus.-
It wasn't in the top 100 like he did with his Magic Energy output, but he was definitely far ahead of any other Level Three Magus in this exam.
Slightly below, Milia and Nori were connected. Nori had his Flame Sword form attached to Milia's back as the two worked together to control their merged Magic Energy. The two of them were definitely good with it, just like Linfel mentioned.
The results of their efforts came out at the first Mini Station. The leading board updated, showing also the ranking for the Maguses and Familiars who decided to climb together while connected.
-25 Kilometers | 528th - Milia and Nori: 14:28 - Level Three Magus and Familiar.-
Milia quickly sat down and started to recover her magic Energy together with Nori. Nonetheless, a rare smile appeared on her face. She didn't know if she could reach the top 1000, but this early result lifted some of the weight on her shoulders. 'Perhaps I really can do it... but I can't drop my guard. The Level Four Magus and Familiar Duos have bigger energy pools and recovery speed.
I'm still not in the clear since they can restart climbing earlier than I can.'
Still, by the time Alvin and Milia reached the first Mini Station, Linfel was already reaching the second.