Chương 155: Chapter 145-Chosen Beat

Professor Stargazer stands silent in the classroom with a tired look on her face. Well, at least I think it's a tired look. It's kind of hard to read her face when her face is well… face down in a book. It would make sense that she's tired. After all, the two of us were up to the wee hours of the night talking with Axel. Turns out he had [Leveled Up] six times in the last three days. It's honestly amazing that he hadn't developed full-on [Level Mania]. He must have one hell of a [Blessing].

"Okay, Class, we are going to talk about [Level Mania]. Who can give me a brief description?" Professor Stargazer asks as she draws a body on the chalkboard.

"Addiction to [Leveling] that causes erratic and violent behavior," Clara answers with her usual emotionless voice.

"Correct. At least on the surface level. The uninformed believe that [Level Mania] only affects your mental state. That is sadly not the case. When you [Level Up], your soul becomes stronger," she says, tapping the small circle in the drawn body.

"Are you saying that [Level Mania] affects the body in some way?" Talon asks with a hint of worry.

"It does more than just that. Chosen One, you've seen the effects before, correct? Would you care to explain the first stage?" she asks as she continues to draw out a diagram on the chalkboard.

"Yeah, I guess I can. You can usually see it right after they [Level Up]. They don't feel nauseous or even dizzy. They feel nothing or even calm. They'll seem almost distracted and will ignore a lot of their basic necessities. They won't eat or drink. That's why we call it the Calmness Stage," I say as I remember the people Kat and I avoided on the street.

"Does this calmness replace hunger and thirst? Is it somehow feeding them?" Garus asks.

"No. It's the exact opposite," Professor Stargazer says as she points at the diagram of the body's internal organs.

"This calmness that The Chosen One referred to is the excess energy spilling out of the vessel of your soul. That energy tricks your mind, stomach, and intestines into thinking that they are full. In reality, a person going through the first stage of [Level Mania] is actually starving and severely dehydrated. Then there's the physiological effect."

"The rush from [Leveling Up]?" Viola asks.

"Yes. That is the second stage. Your mind becomes rewired to chase after a new feeling. The calmness of [Leveling Up] shifts into joy or exhilaration. Every waking moment is another where you crave that feeling. Some of the bodily changes that occur with this stage are more MP, less pain, a temporary increase in all [Attributes], and most notably a purple glow in the eyes," she explains.

"Also known as the Devil Stage," I say as everyone else shifts uncomfortably.

"Yes, after the purple eyes that Vashrin have. This stage is, in most instances, the point of no return. Once the purple fails to fade from the eyes, we in academia consider the person… no longer alive," Professor Stargazer says with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"There's one more stage, correct?" Penelope asks.

"Yes. The third and final stage is where the term [Level Mania] truly comes from. The excessive energy entering the vessels cracks it to the point of shattering. This process can be instant or may even take days. This is dependent on the strength of the vessel. With the cracks, the energy of the soul begins to leak, and the body, in an effort to replace that energy, gives the individual an immense craving to replace the lost energy," she says as she draws the cracks on the vessel.

"The craving to [Level Up] switches to a more frenzied need. No more thought or tactics. You'll kill anything and anyone in order to [Level Up]," I add as I remember my experiences.

"Yes. Which in turn causes a deadly cycle that ends with the vessel shattering. Now, can anyone tell me how to mitigate the possibility of getting [Level Mania]?" she asks the class.

"Limit the number of times you [Level Up] in a short time," Hopper says.

"Don't fight high [Leveled] creatures alone," Ruby answers.

"Keep an eye out for the symptoms?" Clint asks. Professor Stargazer nods along.

"Yes, very good. I want you all to keep this in mind. [Level Up] responsibly even if others tell you that it's okay not to. Trust your judgement. This is your soul you're putting on the line." Helia hands me a small bag as she enters the greenhouse.

"Here's your pay."

"Thank you. How did your customers like my [Cooking]?" I ask as I continue to [Clean] away at the various pots and pans. Helia shakes her head.

"They loved it. The entire stock you gave me was cleaned out before lunch came around. Have you ever considered being a personal chef? I know it would be basically impossible for you to become a chef at a restaurant given-""My attitude? Yeah, I know. I'll think about it. So, how much should I expect to get by the end of the week?" I ask as I count out the coin.

"If it keeps selling like this? Your cut would roughly come out to 100 Gold. I know it's not much," Helia says as she sits. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. 100 Gold! I knew it was a good idea to ask Helia if her shop, Sweet Spot, was willing to buy my [Cooking]. Even then, I've still only got 200 Gold. I'm short 400, and I only have two days left until the end of the week. Ugh, making an honest living sucks.

"Thanks. Hey, any chance you know of any jobs that pay well?" I ask in utter defeat.

"Not at the moment. Why are you so desperate for coin? It's an odd state to see you in. Are you trying to pay off the debt you owe me for the Mandrake?" she asks.

"You mean the debt you used to blackmail me into joining the Botany Club? No. I just need 6 Platinum before the end of the week. Let's call it a personal thing," I say as I continue to [Clean] the pans.

"Is the Cooking Club paying you to do that?" she asks as she points at the pans.

"No. Cliff is having a rough time with some of his club members and asked me to help out. He did offer, but I turned him down," I say with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Hmm. Interesting. Can you pass me a cookie?"

"Yeah. 1 Gold."

"You wouldn't." As I [Clean] another pot, I give her a devilish smile.

"Wouldn't I? You do know that these cookies aren't made from thin air, right? Why shouldn't I charge the main source of economic downfall?"

"... Fine. How much-" With a shrug, I flip her a cookie.

"I'm just kidding. Although it would be nice if you helped me out in finding a cheaper supplier."

"I'll see what I can do," she says, eating the cookie. In the silence of Helia flipping through her book and me occasionally [cleaning], a knock reverberates through the greenhouse. Helia and I look at each other in confusion.

"You invite somebody?" I ask.

"No, did you?"

"No. Weird. People usually just walk in. What do we do if they knock?" Helia thinks for a long time before nodding.

"I think we open the door."

"But it's so far," I say as I point to the door.

"Hmm. I see. Go open the door," Helia orders.

"Why should I do it? You're closer," I [Lie].

"As the Club President, I have important matters to attend to," she says, flipping a page in her book as she takes a bite of my cookie.

"Pulling the Club President card, huh? I see how it is. You'll regret this," I say as I get up. The knocking continues at a rhythmic pace.

"Yes, yes. I'm shivering in my boots," she mocks. Opening the door, I'm met by the familiar bald head of George.

"Bro, I've been knocking for what feels like forever."

"George? George! Is something wrong with Stabby?" I ask with a hint of fear.

"Ah, nah. The exact opposite, Bro. He's looking sharp. Take a look for yourself," George says as he pulls out a sleek wooden case. Carefully, I grab the case and put it on a nearby table. With the flip of the latch, I open it to reveal the Uneven Blade, or rather, Stabby. A clean purple blade that shines with the light of the greenhouse, a brand new grip, and, most importantly, an uneven edge.

"Hello, buddy. How's it been?" I ask as I pick him up. Stat Requirements met.

"Bro, ain't he a beaut? Fixed up and improved by yours truly," he says with confidence. Improved? What does he mean? I quickly open the description of the weapon. Uneven Blade +3 This Blade has an uneven edge that can either be as sharp as sharp can get or as dull as dull can get. Only a true master of the blade can consistently find the sharpened edge and use it to their advantage. Was reforged with Mythril, increasing its durability along with its user.

"What does this mean exactly, George?" I ask.

"Exactly what it says, Bro. The Mythril you gave me brought out its potential," he says without clearing anything up. Helia chokes on her cookie.

"Did you say Mythril? Where did you manage to get that? Can I see?"

"Yeah, here. Although be careful," I say as I hand her Stabby.

"Huh, I don't meet the requirements. Even then, I can barely even tell that this is a First Year's weapon. You do know that First Years are only allowed a certain subset of weapons, right?" she asks George.

"Bro, you're harshing my vibes. I thought it would be fine. I mean he's The Chosen One. This blade is barely going to make a dent. Gods, chill," George says, defending himself.

"He's right. This is barely anything, but it's good craftsmanship. Thanks, George. I really appreciate it," I [Lie] as I shake his hand.

"Ah, don't worry about it, Bro. A friend of the Willster is a friend of mine. Don't hesitate to stop by if you need anything," he says with a friendly smile.

"Actually, do you happen to know of any short-term, high-paying jobs?" I ask with a hint of hope.

"Huh, now that you mention it, I do need somebody for this gig tomorrow. Any chance you can play the drums?"

"How much would I get?"

"Anywhere from 3 to 4 Platinum."

"Yes, I can play the drums," I [Lie].

"Radical. Meet us at this place tomorrow, Bro. You're really helping me out," he says as he leaves.

"You have no idea how to play the drums, do you?" Helia asks.

"What are drums?"