I CHOSE to be a VILLAIN, not a THIRD-RATE EXTRA!!-Chapter 134: Arts and Spell Hall
As Ashok slid his ID card back into his pocket, the weight of envious stares pressed down on him from every corner of the Weapon Hall.
The other students, still reeling from the turn of events, watched him with barely concealed frustration—some with resentment, others with curiosity.
His casual indifference toward a teacher of such prestige had sent ripples through the room.
Hamiel, however, was far from done.
His gaze lingered on Ashok for a moment before he asked, "What's your name, young man?"
His voice carried a firm curiosity, the kind that came from someone determined to remember what had just unfolded.
"Adlet," Ashok replied smoothly, his tone devoid of any emotion.
Hamiel nodded slightly, processing the name, before his excitement resurfaced. "Adlet, you truly don't want to be my disciple? If you say yes, I will upgrade the pass to Diamond."
His persistence was clear—having failed to win Ashok over with mentorship, he had resorted to bribery, making one last attempt to lure the boy into his craft.
Mia, standing nearby, shook her head in disbelief.
'Senior Hamiel has lost his mind.'
Ashok, ever unbothered, narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you sure you should be making offers like this as a teacher?"
Hamiel exhaled deeply, finally conceding defeat.
"Fine! At least visit the Blacksmith Division once," he muttered, waving a dismissive hand.
"Who knows? You might change your mind."
Without another word, the dwarf turned and walked away, his departure heavy with reluctant acceptance.
The grand gates creaked open, revealing the vast interior of the Arts and Spell Hall.
Towering shelves lined the walls, each brimming with ancient manuscripts, inscribed scrolls, and intricately bound tomes, holding centuries' worth of refined techniques and magical knowledge.
The atmosphere was thick with an air of reverence, as if the very walls whispered of the countless scholars and warriors who had once walked through these halls in pursuit of mastery.
Ashok strode forward, following Mia without hesitation, the other students trailing behind in silent anticipation.
The moment they had all stepped past the threshold, the gates sealed shut, locking them within the expansive chamber.
The hushed murmurs of curiosity faded as Mia took her position at the center, her gaze sweeping across the gathered students, ensuring their full attention.
She spoke, her voice firm yet instructive. "Students, listen carefully. As its name suggests, the Arts and Spell Hall houses an innumerable collection of techniques, gathered since the Academy's very founding."
"On the right section, you will find all forms of arts—Mana and Aura-based Internal Arts, Weapon Arts, Magic Arts, and more, covering all known affinities."
Mia gestured toward the towering shelves, where classifications glowed faintly beneath magical inscriptions, distinguishing the categories with refined precision.
"Similarly, magic spells of every affinity can be found within the Spell Section. However, take note—Divine Spells are not housed here."
A murmur rippled through the students at the mention of Divine Spells, some exchanging uncertain glances.
Mia's gaze sharpened, commanding silence once more before explaining,
"Students who have selected Divine Training as part of their course will be personally instructed in those arts by their respective class teachers. Divine Spells are taught directly—never recorded."
"Now, Arts and Spells are ranked according to tiers, from Tier 1 to Tier 5," Mia began, her gaze sweeping across the eager faces before her.
"Most of the books you find here will be Tier 1 or Tier 2. However, if you search carefully, you might stumble upon a Tier 3 art."
A wave of excitement washed over the students at the prospect of acquiring something rare. Their expressions brimmed with anticipation, their minds already racing toward the shelves.
But Mia swiftly tempered their enthusiasm.
"However, you may only pick one Art or Spell."
The moment she spoke, the energy in the hall shifted—excitement fading into murmurs of disappointment.
The idea of unlimited selection had been crushed in an instant.
Still, Mia pressed on, ensuring they understood the importance of their decision. "I advise you to choose based on what you lack most, rather than simply chasing a higher-tier technique. Even if you happen upon a Tier 3 Art or Spell, do not rush to claim it. Pick what will actually aid your progress."
Her voice grew sharper, emphasizing the significance of compatibility.
"If you lack an Internal Art, don't aim for a Weapon or Magic Art—focus on strengthening your core. Internal Arts should always be a priority."
For those who had already developed an Internal Art, Mia's guidance remained crucial.
"If you've learned and practiced one already, then your goal should be to either find a higher-grade version that closely resembles it, or select a different one entirely."
Her next words carried a warning.
"Do not assume that a higher-grade Art automatically makes you more powerful. If an Ice Mage selects a Tier 5 Fire-Type Internal Art, it will only cause damage to them. Your compatibility matters more than the tier."
The students exchanged glances, a newfound awareness settling over them.
Mia continued, reinforcing the idea that personal growth was key.
"These arts and spells are just the basics. In time, each of you will develop your own style—an art that aligns best with you. That is what will determine your true strength."
Finally, she laid out the process for selection. "After choosing, do not rush to learn it. First, you must register your weapon and chosen Art with the Academy. The registration process will be handled by the in-charge of the Art and Spell Hall, whom you'll find at the end of the chamber."
Her sharp eyes met the crowd one last time. *"I will be stationed at the end of the Hall as well. If any of you require assistance, you are welcome to seek my guidance. *You have two hours. Use your time wisely before finalizing your choice."
Mia's sharp gaze swept across the gathered students, ensuring their full attention before she spoke. "Any questions?"
For a moment, silence hung in the grand Arts and Spell Hall, the towering shelves and gleaming glass cases filled with ancient tomes casting an imposing presence over the students. Then, a single hand rose—Alina's.
Mia turned to her with an unreadable expression as Alina voiced her query. "Teacher, how can we obtain a second Art or Spell from this place?"
Mia's response was steady, direct. "You may purchase any additional Art or Spell using credits. The price will depend on the grade of the Art."
At those words, an unspoken wave of excitement rippled through the Aether Class, especially among the commoners.
Unlike the nobles, who often had family-taught Arts passed down through generations, or access to private spell tomes housed in the Magic Tower, commoners rarely had the opportunity to acquire such knowledge.
For them, the Academy was the only place where talent alone dictated growth—where status and wealth did not act as barriers to power.
And now, hearing that they could gain more Arts and Spells through effort rather than birthright, a spark of determination lit within them.
Mia scanned the crowd once more, but no other hands were raised. Satisfied, she stepped back—vanishing from sight.
The moment her presence disappeared, the students burst into motion, rushing toward the towering shelves and sleek glass cabinets.
Rows upon rows of books lay carefully displayed, each accompanied by elaborate descriptions—detailed passages outlining their origins, effects, and tier rankings.
Excitement crackled in the air as students leaned closer, their eyes darting between manuscripts, their minds already racing toward the possibilities before them.
For the students, the Arts and Spell Hall dwarfed the Weapon Hall in both scale and significance.
The towering shelves stretched far into the distance, each filled with carefully preserved tomes and scrolls detailing countless affinities, disciplines, and specialized techniques.
Unlike weapons, which required mastery through physical prowess alone, the Arts and Spells demanded a deeper understanding—an intricate balance of knowledge, compatibility, and refinement.
The sheer number of available techniques made the hall feel endless, a labyrinth of untapped power waiting to be claimed.
Yet, while the others moved forward with reckless excitement, Ashok remained calculated.
His gaze lingered briefly over the sprawling hall, crimson eyes sharp with intent. The noisy chatter of students faded into irrelevance as he focused on his true objective.
'Since I'm at it, I might as well take the hidden piece from the Art Hall,' he mused, his thoughts carrying an edge of certainty.
Without hesitation, he shifted his stride, his footsteps carrying him toward the Weapon Arts Section—his movements fluid, as if he already knew exactly where to go.
....
Dear Reader,
Make sure to comment your thoughts on the current chapters and please make sure to support me with power stones and Tickets.
Thank You
