Chương 42: Rewards

"Most of you have probably pieced it together by now, but the challenge wasn't just to see if you could survive." Evel had figured as much. He had a few suspicions from the start, but they felt practically confirmed when he walked through the large hallway to this room.

"Twenty organizations within the military, each represented by a banner behind me, have sent a representative to scout out talents within the groups. Until you advance to weaver, you will not be qualified to be sent on the front lines. Instead, you'll be given tasks within the country. You may get many offers or none. The initial bonus, as well as specific terms, will vary, so choose carefully." His pitch-black cloak gently floated off his back and hovered in place ahead of him. Arlo took a step forward.

Riding atop the device, he floated to the top of the banner wall, where six banners were slightly larger than the rest.

"The six banners behind me are the class A of the Banners." He nudged his head to the first one.

"Regulus" The banner was royal red with the symbol of a rising sun behind a crown.

"Equis" A wavy teal with a double helix.

"Acies" Copper-brown with an anvil.

"Prachar" White with a pupilless eye.

"Eminus" Nickel yellow with a soaring crow.

"Redigo" Jet black with rusted chains.

"These six are colloquially known as REAPER. Ideally, you'd want to get into these, as they get first dibs on the better-paying tasks. Each Banner will want something different out of you, so consider your options carefully." Soft murmurs travelled across the crowd upon this new information. Evel gulped. He was very familiar with one of the Banners. Redigo… He had never seen the specific design of their banner, but the name alone was enough to send shivers down his spine. It was ironic.

The very people he was on the run from were some of the decorated Banners of the government. I just hope the representative isn't from Yosten.

"The remaining 14 are of the class B Banners. They are usually smaller, but do not underestimate them. In some cases, it may make more sense for you to choose these rather than one of class A." He floated down to the ground.

"While you process this new information…" Arlo smirked.

"Shall we proceed with the rewards?" A wave of cheers spread across the group. Suddenly, Evel felt his blood freeze. Then, his legs began moving. Against his will, he slowly moved off to the side. Beside him, a few others were also experiencing the same thing, as they parted, leaving an open pathway. The feeling was a familiar one. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Along the new path that had appeared, Monique walked through.

With the same high-collared tunic and crystal monocle, she looked exactly the same as back when Evel had first learned of his affinity. On her chest was a ferrum emblem engraved with the symbol of a book, and on her waist was a distinct indigo pouch. Upon arriving at the Banner wall, Monique held Arlo's gaze for a few seconds. Then, with a sigh, she turned to face the recruits. Evel could control his body once again.

The feeling of surrendering all bodily control was terrifying, and something he'd wish she'd stop doing. But it didn't seem like Monique cared very much.

"The calculations are simple. 1000 credits for a beast kill, and 250 for a human. If you were in a group, the credits are split amongst you, but the calculation is generous. Three people killing a beast earn 334 credits each." She began unfurling the scroll from her pouch.

"Additionally, we have bonus curated rewards for anybody who has achieved over 1000 credits." Evel felt a tap on his shoulder. Brenton, Elena, and Leo joined him; Juniper was still nowhere to be seen.

"Elena and I got 540 each. Leo and Juniper got 290." Brenton whispered.

"How'd you do?" Evel smiled.

"Just wait." Monique continued.

"From this group, there were six such individuals." A small construct appeared over Monique before it quickly disappeared, then she put away the scroll. She grabbed her pouch and reached her arm inside, pulling out a long, needle-like sword. A sword far bigger than the size of the small pouch.

"Jack, with an impressive affinity of 90, was able to earn 1500 credits. All earned in the final 15 minutes. He ambushed a group of four and was able to finish off two others himself, and then kill the beast. He is the only one in the top six who earned all of their points alone." Light whispering spread among the crowd. Jack approached the banner wall; his eyes were focused, and his posture was slouched. There was no joy in his steps.

"As the person who ended the entire challenge, it's very fitting that you earn a bonus reward." She extended the blade forward.

"You'll find your ability will be very compatible with this blade."

"Thank you." His voice came out coarse as he grabbed the sword and returned to his spot. Monique reached into her bag once more.

"Next, there are Igneos and Lucien, who managed to earn 1570 points each. An affinity of 87 and 93, respectively. Using a large group, they managed to take out three beasts, then their own group. Ruthless, but effective." Igneos and Lucien approached Monique. Igneos had a satisfied smile, and Lucien a wide grin. He waved at the other recruits as he walked forward. Evel tightened his fist.

"Igneos, this charm will protect you from heat. Although your fire powers already give you some resistance, this charm is of a much, much higher level and will last you a long time. It will increase your flexibility in any fights to come." After placing the sun-shaped charm on Igenos's palm, she turned to Lucien. Out of her bag, she pulled out a regular-looking stick.

"This piece of wood is known as Zephyrwood. It had the properties of being able to increase and decrease weight as necessary. It should synergize well with your ability if you were to turn it into a handle for your next weapon." Lucien and Igneos bowed deeply.

"Thank you!" They made their way back into the crowd. Monique paused, and her eyes met Evel's. She lightly adjusted her monocle.

"Next, perhaps, is the most impressive of all." His heart quickened. He had done the math; he already knew what was coming. Monique's gaze remained fixed on Evel, her eyes containing something more than what she had given the others. A weird feeling crept up on Evel. He hadn't been sure, but hadn't she also given him a weird look back at the camp?

"Next up is Evel, a man who was able to earn 1880 Credits," She paused, holding her gaze on Evel.

"With an affinity of just 60." The entire room went silent. An affinity of 60? Is a top-three earner? They followed Monique's gaze to the scrawny man in woollen clothes. They found a man spectacularly underwhelming. His muscles were below average, he didn't look particularly threatening, and 60? How had they failed to accumulate nearly as many points as this man? Evel turned around slowly. Leo watched him with a deep reverence in his eyes. Brenton's jaw had reached the floor, and Elena's bottom lip was quivering.

"Told you I did a little better." The three of them were unable to reply. Without waiting for their shock to fade, Evel turned and began walking towards Monique, who continued with his introduction.

"He managed to defeat a formidable foe in single combat, then convinced two of the top talents to form a team. With just the three of them, they managed to take out four beasts and three other recruits as well. In the final battle against the other top earners, Lucien and Igneos, he managed to flip the odds at the last seconds, saving both his allies." She pulled out a small vial from her pouch.

"I hope you succeed, Evel." From the corners of Evel's eye, he noticed Arlo raise his eyebrow.

"Thank you." Evel bowed lightly. She placed the vial in his hand and closed his hand for him.

"Continue surpassing the odds." Evel returned to his group, where he found them still frozen. Only Leo was able to speak.

"Four beasts?" He excitedly confirmed. Evel nodded.

"I had perhaps the best help I could ask for." He turned to look at Diana across the hall, who was leaning against a pillar. A confident smirk on her face as they locked eyes. Then, he turned to Bremin, who stood uncaring.

"What does the vial do?" Leo asked once more. His voice came out quickly and as a whispered shout.

"I… don't know." Unlike all of the previous rewards, Monique had not explained what his reward did. She had simply wished him success. Was he supposed to consume the vial now? Perhaps at a critical moment? [Talk to me after the rewards.] Evel's head jerked to Arlo the moment he heard the voice, but Arlo hadn't even slightly moved. Only a small fluctuation of the aura that got lost in the large group. He gently nodded and closed his fingers around the vial. The mystery would solve itself soon.