BXBX NOVEL Chapter 102: Still Not a Challenge
Third minutes into the test, Xifrin and Trodeu reached the Fourth Mini Station at 100km of altitude. They finally reached the division between what you would consider Space and Planet. From there onwards, they would have to use their Magic Energies to defend against Space Radiation, Temperature, etc.
A few minutes later, Linfel got to the third Mini Station. He was purposely keeping himself halfway between the participants below and the level five guys above.
Alvin and Milia reached the second Mini Station, still far within their objective. So far, there was no doubt they would either make it into the top 10% for Alvin or the top 100 for Milia and Nori.
48 minutes into the test, Linfel was now leaving the Fourth Mini Station. However, things didn't go as smoothly as he had previously thought. As soon as he flew a few tens of meters away from the Mini Station, several drones shot at him. 'Hum?'
Linfel quickly dodged, finding it not a big deal. Of course, that's because he could truly fly. It's just that he always kept himself very close to the Space Elevator's surface to make it look like he was connected to it. 'Sure enough, they wouldn't make everyone's life easy. These Magic Bullets aren't that fast and don't seem to carry much power.
Nonetheless, the Magic Energy necessary to dodge or defend against them will cause a lot of trouble. This is going to be a good test for Alvin, Milia, and Nori.' He looked down for a moment before focusing on flying once again.
It wasn't before one hour and thirty-five minutes that Alvin exited the Fourth Mini Station. However, he had an easier life than Linfel at first. The reason was simple, he was climbing together with the other Level Four Maguses. The drones had to focus on all the competitors in their fire range instead of only Alvin.
Milia appeared ten minutes later, also being targeted. She held Nori and slashed out every time she thought she couldn't dodge. That would definitely increase her Magic Energy expenditure, but Milia gritted her teeth and continued upwards. As long as she could stop between Mini Stations, she would be fine.
Little by little, the Maguses and Familiars began to fall, especially after the two-hour mark, which was when Level Three Maguses and Familiars began to exit the Fourth Mini Station. Various rays of yellow light shot from the ground of the planet, hitting the Maguses and Familiars who pressed the give-up button. That ensured their safe return to the Planet but also their disqualification.
-550 Kilometers | 1st - Xifrin Lou'dian: 02:15:13 - Level Five Magus.-
-550 Kilometers | 2nd - Trodeu: 02:23:19 - Level Five Familiar.-
Xifrin and Trodeu continued to progress without issues. They didn't have to pretend they didn't know how to fly and could distance themselves from the Elevator if they felt like it. There was no rule that you had to keep in contact with the Space Elevator, after all.
Some might think this was unfair, but the Ventis Sect would simply tell anyone who complained to go train and reach level five as well. Then they could do the same thing. The strong will succeed; it was that simple.
-350 Kilometers | 3rd - Linfel: 02:38:51 - Level Three Familiar.-
Sure enough, Linfel was still third when he reached the Fourteenth Mini Station. The others below haven't even got to the Tenth Mini Station yet. As he recovered his Magic Energy, Linfel took a look at his MCOM in his Spatial Storage. Let's not forget the test was being transmitted over the planet network. He wanted to see how Alvin and Milia were doing.
The difference between Level Three and Four Maguses and Familiars became more apparent after the attacks from the drones started. Those at Level Four had a lot more Magic Energy to defend and run, after all. They spent less time in the Mini Stations to recover while those at Level Three had to stay for much longer.
Alvin was basically the only exception other than Linfel. Although he now fell below the top 500 Maguses climbing alone, it was still in the midst of the Level Four Maguses. He didn't force himself and followed Linfel's teachings regarding Magic Energy conservation and circulation.
Milia, on the other hand, began to fall behind. When she reached the Nineth Mini Station, she was already in the 734th position between those climbing together with their Familiars while connected. There was one good thing, though. Those ahead of her were mostly Level Four Maguses and Familiars.
Those below were almost all at Level Three, just like Milia and Nori, so she should be able to hold to her position in the top 1000 if things continued like that.
Time passed, and over three hours of test went by. Linfel had now reached the 500km mark, half way to the finish line. The drones posed no issues to him until now, so he left the Mini Station after recovering as always. However, the situation changed once again.
*Fuuuuuu...*
Suddenly, he felt a wave of Wind Element even though he was well within the void of space. Linfel looked around, and he saw countless drones with many Magic Runes shining around the Elevator. That Wind was obviously being created by then, and it was very strong. Even he had to increase his Magic Energy expenditure to force his way forward.
Not only that, but the drones still attacked him just like before.
Linfel pondered a bit. 'Hum... the Ventis Sect mentioned the top 10% Maguses and the top 10% Familiars would make it to the next test. However, considering the Magic Energy Reserves of Level Three Maguses and Familiars, I'm not sure even 10% of the participants will be able to make it to the end.'
He then faintly smiled. 'Well, not my problem. Hahaha!'
Sparks of Lightning Element circulated around Linfel and he shot upwards once again. This was still not a challenge for him.