The SSS Ranked Villain's Return-Chapter 54: Affinities and Properties

"This is an entry ticket to a certain tournament that’s being held between the academies," Magnus explained, but Neraxis did not take his eyes off the document.

He already knew what this was—simply because of what one of the heroes had told him earlier.

A secret top first-year student tournament, one that included only the elite of the elite.

And from the looks of things, Magnus was inviting both him and Kael.

"It’s being held in exactly two months, so it should be about the same time you two finish the first floor. Do you want to join?"

"Only us?" Kael questioned, receiving a nod in response.

"That’s right... the headmaster told me to only invite those who were especially gifted, and after that sparring session, I chose you two," Magnus elaborated before folding the document back and placing it in his bag.

"I don’t expect to receive an answer soon, given the amount of time left. However, do consider it."

Neraxis noted it down in his mind before glancing around and asking, "Is that all?"

But of course, he was met with yet another document shoved right in his face.

"And this is information on the first test you will be taking to determine your rankings," Magnus stated.

On the document, there were several strips of information written down, some of which Neraxis had already known.

But there was one distinct category that had not been there in the past—that being Virtual Reality tests.

Combat, survival, and all sorts of tests that, for some reason, were conducted inside that machine.

"Now, this is just vague information that I shared with only you two, and I expect you to withhold it from your classmates for the moment."

"What’s the point of showing us that, then?" Neraxis couldn’t help but voice aloud.

"I want you two to pass with flying colors, so when the tournament finally comes around, you two won’t be looked down upon," Magnus explained once again and put the document back.

Just as Neraxis was about to ask more questions, however, his classmates began swarming back in.

Before they got too close, Magnus added, "I wish to hear an answer by the end of this month."

With those words, he stopped paying attention to the two of them and proceeded to get back into his instructor persona.

"Everyone, sit down. It’s about time we began learning the basics."

Neraxis’s ears perked up at those words as he finally sat down and stored the access card in his stigmata tattoo, listening to what Magnus had to say.

"Now, many of you have likely been introduced to the basics of elemental affinities and such, but there are many who have not," he announced before scribbling four symbols on the blackboard.

Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth, huh? Is he going to talk about the properties? Neraxis mused on that topic, and soon, he found out just that.

"Properties. What are they?" Magnus questioned, turning to one of the more talkative male students. "Tell me."

"...Properties are the characteristics that define the affinity?"

Magnus nodded in response. "That is the short of it, yes. However, knowing that won’t get you anywhere—you need actual knowledge."

As his words fell, he once again began scribbling down symbols, specifically under the Earth affinity.

Turning his gaze back to the students, he began his explanation. "The ’Solid’ property makes it so those who wield the Earth affinity can control solid objects, like rocks and structures, in a stable manner—pretty simple."

He scribbled down another pair of symbols.

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"Now, ’Solid’ is the first state. However, you can make it ’Brittle’ by changing up the property just a tad bit, making the rocks shatter much easier—which can also be used in combat practice."

Magnus stretched out his hand in demonstration and summoned a single earth pebble that grew to the size of a football.

"This is the solid property," he stated before lowering one of his fingers. Immediately, the earth ball began cracking until eventually, it was in multiple miniature pieces, its structure completely unstable.

"Brittle," he added.

Suddenly, he split the miniature pieces in half, putting some to the side while letting the others drop to the ground.

However, the moment they hit the ground, a loud crash resounded, as though a boulder had fallen.

Yet when the class turned their gazes to the impact, all they noticed were several small holes in the ground that were quickly patched up by the peculiar wood.

"That is the ’Heavy’ property. And finally..." His words trailed off as he grabbed the remaining miniature pieces that were by the side and levitated them before everyone’s eyes.

Immediately, Magnus clasped his hands, causing the earth pieces to completely vanish—not even making a noise or anything of the sort.

"Crushing. It is the act of applying overwhelming force to your mana. Do take note that while this specific property has the most destructive combinations, it must not be handled by complete amateurs."

Magnus finished and wiped the dust off his hands before proceeding toward the blackboard and completely wiping off the content on it.

"I hope you all take this information to heart. And as for your homework, think of the possibilities the other affinities could offer, and stick to the basic ones I wrote down earlier."

Hmm... this seems pretty easy. Water would be something like fluidity, vapor, and... ice? Neraxis pondered inwardly.

[That’s pretty much it. Similarly to how you can turn the Earth affinity’s Crushing and Heavy properties into something akin to Gravity, you can do the same with Water too,] Evangeline commented before continuing.

[But judging from what I’m seeing so far, it’s very unlikely you will awaken a normal affinity. Comes with the package of being abnormal, I would say.]

I had the Fire affinity last time. Are you saying that won’t be the case this time? Neraxis asked with a raised brow.

[Well, your main skill is a bit unique. I can’t really gauge it myself. But it’s mostly always the deciding factor for which affinity you’ll get,] Evangeline replied with a sigh.

[You do have a few skills that might make the affinity change... but that’s still a few weeks away at the earliest. As fast as your progress is, jumping from F+ Mana Capacity to E- is as challenging as going from G- to F+.] She finished with a small giggle.

Neraxis shrugged in response before turning his attention back to Magnus, who had been drawing something odd again.

However, from the looks of it, this time, it wasn’t anything special like elemental affinities or the tower.

Instead, it was a mathematical formula that soon expanded into multiple other formulas, appearing endless.

That was until Magnus spoke.

"Now then, it’s about time I put some general knowledge into your brains."

Of course... Neraxis resigned himself and pulled out his notebook, jotting down the entire equation.

It took several minutes. However, the bell soon rang, signaling the end of the lecture, without them solving the math problem.

"Those who have written it down, solve it by tomorrow. Those who haven’t—shame on you," Magnus stated before packing his bag and placing it on the lectern.

"20-minute break. Go get your outfits ready and head to the training room next door," he said before announcing, "We will be doing a short sparring exercise. Don’t be late."