Chapter 448 - Translation

<h1>Chapter 448 102.3 - Examination</h1><p>Chapter 448   102.3 - Examination</p><p>Reina watched Astron leave the training area, heading to a designated room to rest before his next test.</p><p>The trainees whispered among themselves, clearly impressed by the display of skill they had just witnessed. No, it was not just a mere impression.</p><p>Their eyes were wide open. None of them had ever seen someone obliterate a squad of enemies this fast. It was clearly something that they had never seen, something that they could not make sense of.</p><p>Reina turned to Dakota, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.</p><p>"Impressive, wasn't it?" Reina asked, her tone carrying a hint of pride.</p><p>Dakota nodded slowly, still processing what she had just seen. "Indeed, it was. I knew he was skilled, but I didn't expect him to handle the test with such efficiency and precision."</p><p>Reina's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and satisfaction. "It's not just his strength that sets him apart. It's his ability to adapt and think on his feet. Did you see how he handled the berserker dummy? He didn't just react; he anticipated its movements."</p><p>Dakota crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "He used the environment and his own limitations to his advantage. The way he manipulated the threads to retrieve his dagger and then used it to disable the berserker... That was remarkable."</p><p>Reina nodded, her gaze still fixed on the door through which Astron had exited. "He has a natural talent for combat, but more importantly, he has the mindset of an observant. That's what makes him valuable."</p><p>Dakota looked at Reina, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "You seem quite invested in his success. More so than I've seen you with other recruits."</p><p>'For what reason, I don't know, is she putting this much importance on him?'</p><p>Dakota was already aware of his class as [Weapon Master], but that wouldn't make him this important. Though his class was not that bad, it was not like there weren't any better. She just saw someone she knew inside his eyes, and that was why.</p><p>'Was it the Eye? Just because of that?' Reina's smile widened, but there was a glint of something more in her eyes—something colder. "He has potential that could be very useful to us. And he's motivated by something powerful. It's not just about strength or skill; it's about what drives a person. That kid has a drive that can be harnessed for great things."</p><p>'Indeed, that is the case.' Dakota thought.</p><p>"But, is that it?" She still pondered.</p><p>Reina, seeing her enthusiasm, smiled. "It seems you have taken fancy of him."</p><p>Hearing that, Dakota did not hide her thoughts; after all, the fact that she had tested him before would already be revealed to the organization, as she had no reason to hide it.</p><p>While she could hide Astron's [Weapon Master] occupation from other trainees, she could not do the same to the organization. And she had an inkling that they already knew as well.</p><p>"…..Indeed. I am considering taking him as my disciple."</p><p>Reina raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Considering taking him as your disciple? Even if his main weapons are daggers and bows?"</p><p>Dakota nodded her head, her expression serious. "That kid can also be a [Martial Artist]. He has a natural talent for it."</p><p>Reina's curiosity was piqued. "How do you know this?"</p><p>Dakota met her gaze steadily. "I confirmed it myself this morning."</p><p>At this, Reina displayed a knowing smile. "It's good to see you motivated once again. It has been a while since I've seen the 'Fist of the Tempest' in action."</p><p>Dakota's eyes sparkled with a mix of determination and pride. "It's been a while since I've found someone worth training. But that kid... he has something special. He reminds me of a certain someone."</p><p>Reina nodded thoughtfully. "If you see that potential in him, then perhaps you are right. The organization could benefit greatly from having him trained under your guidance."</p><p>Dakota smiled a rare expression that softened her usually stern features. "Let's see what is to come."</p><p>Just like that, five minutes had passed, and Dakota stood up. The trainees, still murmuring among themselves, quieted down as Dakota took her position at the front once more.</p><p>She addressed the group with her authoritative tone, "The next test will demonstrate Trainee Astron's proficiency with the bow. Prepare yourselves to witness his skills."</p><p>Astron stepped forward, his demeanor composed and focused. He carried a compound bow, sleek and fitted with slight enchantments to enhance its capabilities.</p><p>The bow felt familiar in his hands, a weapon he had trained with extensively.</p><p>Dakota nodded at him, a silent acknowledgment of his readiness. "Take your position, trainee."</p><p>Astron moved to the designated area, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on him once again. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves and focusing his mind.</p><p>"We'll start with the bow test," Dakota announced. "This will push you to your limits, but it is necessary to gauge your true capabilities."</p><p>"I understand," Astron replied, his voice steady. He notched an arrow, feeling the familiar tension of the bowstring.</p><p>"Begin," Dakota commanded.</p><p>The training dummies activated once more, moving with surprising speed and precision. They moved with agility, some wielding shields, others with weapons aimed at attack.</p><p>Astron wasted no time. He drew his bowstring back, his eyes locking onto the first target.</p><p>TWANG!</p><p>The arrow flew through the air, striking a dummy squarely in the chest. The enchanted arrowhead exploded upon impact, causing the dummy to stagger back and deactivate.</p><p>SWOOSH!</p><p>Another dummy charged at him, this one faster and more agile. Astron quickly notched another arrow, aiming for the dummy's legs. The arrow hit its mark, causing the dummy to stumble. Without hesitation, he fired a third arrow into its head, deactivating it.</p><p>The trainees watched in awe as Astron seamlessly transitioned from one target to the next, his movements fluid and precise. He was not just reacting to the dummies; he was anticipating their movements, adapting to their patterns.</p><p>One of the dummies activated a shield, advancing towards Astron with a methodical, defensive stance. One of the most known enemies of the archers was that towering piece of metal.</p><p>Shields.</p><p>'Now, let's see.' Astron assessed the situation, then quickly drew a special arrow from his quiver. Yet this arrow was imbued with something.</p><p>Around the tip, a slight energy was shining.</p><p>Many people would not notice, but those with experienced eyes did. Especially Reina and Dakota.</p><p>Dakota could not easily discern what was happening there as it was not her specialty, but Reina could.</p><p>'Using the air around to make the arrow rotate constantly and cause friction the moment it hits. You are not planning to deal with it in just one arrow.' It was a good technique that was developed by the Elven Archers. However, implementing it was not as easy as it looked.</p><p>TWANG!</p><p>The arrow flew straight and true, penetrating the shield. Just as Reina had predicted, upon impact, the arrow's angular momentum focused on the tip, creating intense friction. The energy around the tip caused it to heat up, burning through the shield and creating a hole.</p><p>Astron didn't waste a moment. As the arrow drilled through the shield, he notched another arrow, this one aimed directly at the hole created by the first.</p><p>TWANG!</p><p>The second arrow flew through the hole and struck the dummy behind the shield, deactivating it instantly.</p><p>As he continued, the difficulty increased. More dummies appeared, some wielding ranged weapons, others employing stealth tactics. One dummy, cloaked in shadow, fired a volley of arrows at Astron.</p><p>He reacted swiftly, using his bow to deflect some of the arrows and dodging the rest. He then drew a rapid-fire set of arrows, unleashing a barrage that took down multiple dummies in quick succession.</p><p>A particularly formidable dummy emerged, this one imbued with magic. It conjured a barrier of wind around itself, making it difficult to hit.</p><p>At least, that was how it was supposed to be, as the moment he saw the wind barrier, he had already thoroughly analyzed it.</p><p>And the moment he analyzed it, it was over.</p><p>TWANG!</p><p>The arrow flew through the air, cutting through the wind barrier and striking the dummy in the center. The barrier dissipated, and the dummy was deactivated.</p><p>'What?'</p><p>To this one, even Reina was surprised as she did not expect such a thing to happen at all.</p><p>"Stop," Dakota's voice rang out, signaling the end of the test.</p><p>Astron lowered his bow, breathing steadily. This time, the reactions were not as intense as the first one, as while his ability with the bow was not that bad, it was not that overwhelming.</p><p>However, at the same time, this also stemmed from the fact that many were not able to comprehend what he did to the shielded dummies.</p><p>Most assumed that he just overpowered them, but that was not the case.</p><p>Dakota stepped forward again, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "The next phase of the examination will test your skills in observation, investigation, infiltration, stealth, quick thinking, and judgment in crucial scenarios."</p><p>Dakota motioned to a section of the training area that was set up with advanced Virtual Reality (VR) equipment. The setup resembled an urban environment with buildings, alleyways, and hiding spots, but the technology made it incredibly realistic.</p><p>Dakota stepped forward again, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "The next phase of the examination will test your skills in observation, investigation, infiltration, stealth, quick thinking, and judgment in crucial scenarios."</p><p>Dakota motioned to a section of the training area that was set up with advanced Virtual Reality (VR) equipment. The setup resembled an urban environment with buildings, alleyways, and hiding spots, but the technology made it incredibly realistic.</p><p>"You will navigate through this environment, identify key targets, gather intelligence, and avoid detection," Dakota explained. "You will have to use your skills in observation and quick thinking to succeed."</p><p>"You will be given missions that would need to be accomplished, and each of them will test one type of skill."</p><p>"Understood."</p><p>Astron nodded his head and accepted the device, feeling its weight in his hand.</p><p>He took a deep breath, focusing his mind on the task ahead. As Dakota signaled the start of the test, the VR environment around him activated. The realistic urban landscape materialized, complete with sounds, smells, and the feeling of the wind against his skin. It was as if he had been transported to a real city.</p><p>And just like that, the second part of his test began, as he appeared right in the city itself.</p><p>"Now, for your first mission….."</p><p>With the mission shown.</p>

<h1>Chapitre 448 - 102.3 : L'Examen décisif</h1> <p>Chapitre 448 - 102.3 : L'Examen décisif</p> <p>Reina suivit des yeux Astron qui quittait la zone d'entraînement, se dirigeant d'un pas assuré vers la salle de repos désignée avant son prochain test. L'atmosphère vibrait encore de l'énergie de sa performance.</p> <p>Un murmure admiratif parcourait les rangs des recrues, visiblement subjuguées par la démonstration de maîtrise qu'elles venaient de contempler. Non, il ne s'agissait pas d'une simple impression passagère.</p> <p>Leurs pupilles étaient dilatées, leurs bouches entrouvertes. Aucune d'entre elles n'avait jamais été témoin d'une éradication aussi fulgurante d'un escadron entier. C'était du jamais-vu, une performance qui dépassait leur entendement.</p> <p>Reina se tourna vers Dakota, un sourire satisfait jouant sur ses lèvres ourlées.</p> <p>« Impressionnant, n'est-ce pas ? » lança-t-elle, une pointe de fierté teintant sa voix mélodieuse.</p> <p>Dakota hocha lentement la tête, digérant encore le spectacle auquel elle venait d'assister. « En effet. Je savais qu'il était doué, mais je ne m'attendais pas à une telle démonstration d'efficacité chirurgicale. »</p> <p>Les yeux ambrés de Reina scintillèrent d'un mélange de satisfaction et d'amusement. « Ce n'est pas seulement sa force physique qui le distingue. C'est cette capacité à s'adapter en temps réel, cette intelligence tactique. As-tu remarqué comment il a neutralisé le mannequin berserker ? Il n'a pas réagi - il a anticipé. »</p> <p>Dakota croisa ses bras musclés, son visage anguleux trahissant une profonde réflexion. « Il a retourné l'environnement et ses propres limites en atouts. La manière dont il a récupéré sa dague avec les fils pour finaliser le berserker... C'était du grand art. »</p> <p>Reina acquiesça, son regard persistant sur la porte où Astron avait disparu. « Il a le don du combat, certes, mais surtout l'âme d'un stratège. C'est cette combinaison qui en fait un joyau rare. »</p> <p>Dakota scruta Reina, une lueur interrogative dans ses yeux noisette. « Tu sembls particulièrement investie dans sa réussite. Plus que pour n'importe quelle autre recrue. »</p> <p>'Pourquoi donc accorde-t-elle tant d'importance à ce garçon ? <p>Elle connaissait pourtant déjà sa classe de [Maître d'Armes], mais cela n'expliquait pas tout. Certes prestigieuse, cette classe n'était pas unique. Non, c'était autre chose - elle avait reconnu quelque chose dans son regard, une étincelle familière.</p> <p>'Serait-ce à cause de l'Œil ? Juste pour cela ?' Le sourire de Reina s'élargit, mais une froideur calculatrice apparut dans son regard. « Il possède un potentiel inexploité qui pourrait nous être précieux. Et il est animé par une motivation... particulière. Ce n'est pas qu'une question de talent - c'est la force de ce qui l'anime. Ce garçon cache une flamme capable d'embraser des montagnes. »</p> <p>'Elle a raison' admit mentalement Dakota. <p>« Mais est-ce vraiment tout ? » poursuivit-elle intérieurement.</p> <p>Reina, percevant son intérêt, esquissa un sourire en coin. « On dirait que tu as pris goût à ce petit protégé. »</p> <p>Dakota ne chercha pas à dissimuler ses pensées ; après tout, son test préalable avec Astron serait de toute façon porté à la connaissance de l'organisation. Elle n'avait aucune raison de mentir.</p> <p>Même si elle pouvait temporairement cacher la classe [Maître d'Armes] d'Astron aux autres recrues, l'organisation dans son ensemble serait immanquablement informée. Et elle soupçonnait fortement qu'ils étaient déjà au courant.</p> <p>« ... En effet. J'envisage sérieusement d'en faire mon disciple. »</p> <p>Reina arqua un sourcil parfaitement taillé, surprise. « Vraiment ? Même avec sa spécialisation en dagues et arcs ? »</p> <p>Dakota confirma d'un hochement de tête, son visage empreint de sérieux. « Ce garçon a aussi l'étoffe d'un [Artiste Martial]. Un don naturel indéniable. »</p> <p>La curiosité de Reina fut piquée au vif. « Comment peux-tu en être si sûre ? »</p> <p>Dakota soutint son regard sans fléchir. « Je l'ai évalué moi-même ce matin. »</p> <p>À ces mots, Reina afficha un sourire entendu. « Ça me fait plaisir de te voir retrouver ta passion. Cela fait trop longtemps que personne n'a vu le " Poing de la Tempête" à l'œuvre. »</p> <p>Les yeux noisette de Dakota brillèrent d'une détermination retrouvée. « Cela fait des années que je n'ai pas rencontré un élève digne de ce nom. Mais lui... il a cette étincelle particulière. Il me rappelle... » Sa voix trahit une émotion fugace.</p> <p>Reina hocha pensivement la tête. « Si tu discernes ce potentiel en lui, alors ton intuition est probablement juste. L'organisation tirerait grand profit de son entraînement sous ton aile. »</p> <p>Un rare sourire adoucit les traits anguleux de Dakota. « Attendons de voir comment les choses évoluent. »</p> <p>Cinq minutes s'écoulèrent ainsi, jusqu'à ce que Dakota se lève avec autorité. Les murmures des recrues s'éteignirent instantanément lorsqu'elle reprit position face au groupe.</p> <p>D'une voix claire et porteuse, elle annonça : « La prochaine évaluation portera sur la maîtrise de l'arc par la recrue Astron. Préparez-vous à observer. »</p> <p>Astron s'avança, son calme olympien intact. L'arc à poulies qu'il portait était un modèle élégant, orné de légers enchantements amplifiant ses capacités. Une arme qu'il connaissait intimement, ayant passé d'innombrables heures à en perfectionner le maniement.</p> <p>Dakota lui adressa un hochement de tête approbateur. « En position, recrue. »</p> <p>Astron gagna la zone désignée, sentant à nouveau le poids des regards braqués sur lui. Une inspiration profonde, et il stabilisa sa respiration, focalisant son esprit comme une lame affûtée.</p> <p>« Nous commençons par l'évaluation à l'arc, » déclara Dakota. « Le test poussera tes limites, mais c'est nécessaire pour jauger ton véritable niveau. »</p> <p>« Compris, » répondit Astron d'une voix égale. Une flèche déjà encochée, il ressentit la tension familière de la corde contre ses doigts.</p> <p>« Début, » ordonna Dakota.</p> <p>Les mannequins d'entraînement s'animèrent dans un ballet mécanique, certains armés de boucliers, d'autres brandissant des armes offensives, tous se déplaçant avec une rapidité déconcertante.</p> <p>Astron ne perdit pas un instant. La corde vibra :</p> <p>TWANG !</p> <p>La première flèche transperça l'air pour s'enfoncer dans le torse d'un mannequin. La pointe enchantée explosa à l'impact, désactivant instantanément la cible.</p> <p>SWOOSH !</p> <p>Un second mannequin chargea, plus rapide. Astron encocha et tira en un mouvement fluide, visant les jambes. La flèche fit trébucher la cible, qu'il acheva d'une troisième flèche en pleine tête.</p> <p>Les recrues observaient, médusées, le ballet mortel d'Astron passant de cible en cible avec une précision chirurgicale. Chaque mouvement était calculé, anticipant les schémas d'attaque plutôt que d'y réagir.</p> <p>Soudain, un mannequin déploya un bouclier massif, avançant méthodiquement. Le cauchemar de tout archer - cette muraille impénétrable.</p> <p>'Voyons voir.' Astron évalua la situation en un clin d'œil avant de sélectionner une flèche spéciale. Une énergie subtile enveloppait sa pointe, invisible aux yeux non avertis.</p> <p>Mais pas à ceux de Reina et Dakota.</p> <p>Bien que Dakota ne pût en discerner tous les mécanismes - ce n'était pas sa spécialité - Reina, elle, comprit immédiatement.</p> <p>'Il utilise la friction aérodynamique pour créer un effet de percement... Une technique elfique raffinée, mais terriblement difficile à maîtriser.'</p> <p>TWANG !</p> <p>La flèche traversa les airs en vrillant, son énergie rotationnelle concentrée sur la pointe. Au contact du bouclier, la friction intense généra une chaleur capable de percer l'acier.</p> <p>Sans attendre, Astron encocha une seconde flèche - celle-ci traversa le trou encore fumant pour neutraliser le mannequin.</p> <p>Alors que la difficulté augmentait, des mannequins plus sophistiqués apparurent. L'un d'eux, dissimulé dans l'ombre, décocha une volée de flèches.</p> <p>Astron para certaines avec son arc, esquiva les autres, puis riposta par un tir rapide abattant trois cibles successivement.</p> <p>Puis surgit un adversaire redoutable - un mannequin enveloppé d'un vortex magique, sa barrière de vent semblant impénétrable.</p> <p>Du moins en théorie. Car en pratique, Astron avait déjà analysé les flux magiques avant même que la barrière ne soit complètement formée.</p> <p>TWANG !</p> <p>La flèche trouva le point nodal exact, dissipant la barrière comme une bulle de savon et neutralisant la cible.</p> <p>'Quoi ?'</p> <p>Même Reina, pourtant rarement surprise, écarquilla les yeux.</p> <p>« Fin du test, » annonça Dakota.</p> <p>Astron abaissa son arc. Contrairement au premier test, les réactions furent plus mesurées - ses compétences en archerie, bien qu'impressionnantes, paraissaient moins spectaculaires aux yeux non avertis. Peu avaient saisi la technicité de sa perforation de boucliers.</p> <p>Dakota s'avança à nouveau. « La phase suivante évaluera tes capacités d'observation, d'infiltration, de furtivité, et ton jugement en situation critique. »</p> <p>Elle désigna une section équipée de la dernière technologie de Réalité Virtuelle - une reproduction ultra-réaliste d'un environnement urbain, avec ses bâtiments, ruelles et recoins obscurs.</p> <p>« Tu devras naviguer ce décor, identifier des cibles, collecter des informations et éviter la détection, » expliqua-t-elle. « Chaque mission testera une compétence spécifique. »</p> <p>« Compris. »</p> <p>Astron saisit le dispositif RV, sentant son poids familier. Alors que Dakota donnait le signal, le monde autour de lui se métamorphosa - bruits de ville, odeurs, sensations du vent sur sa peau... Une immersion parfaite.</p> <p>« Première mission : »</p> <p>Les instructions apparurent devant ses yeux alors qu'il matérialisait dans les rues virtuelles de la cité.</p>