The final test was simple.
On paper.
"Present something unique."
That's what the announcement said. Just five words, glowing innocently above the stone archway leading into the Council chamber.
But everyone knew what it meant.
You had to impress.
Not just pass. Not just survive.
You had to make them remember your name.
If you didn't, you were relegated to the lowest-tier classes. Background-filler level. Cannon-fodder-in-the-making.
So naturally, I had planned to use my recently acquired, system-generated, suspiciously overpowered sword-summoning skill.
Naturally, I did not go through with that.
Why?
Because the sword was alive. And worse?
She. Would. Not. Shut. Up.
---
[Skill Gained: ??? – Bound Weapon: ??? (Rank: Growth)]
A blade with no true name. Will manifests from resonance. Strength and sharpness scale with WIL stat.
Passive Effect: Weapon may form at will. Duration and control affected by bond strength.
Current Synchronization: 3%
Ego Status: Active. Sentient.
Warning: Ego Traits – Talkative. Vain. Overdramatic. Needs constant validation.
---
"You could at least give me a cool name," she complained.
"You're not even a real sword."
"I am a real sword, you goblin. You summoned me."
"I didn't summon you. I touched a sword."
"And now I live rent-free in your head. Which, by the way, is cluttered and underfurnished. Do you even have a bed up here?"
I sighed into my hands.
Mentally.
"Can't I just get a skill with no personality?"
"Can't I get a wielder with some flair? I swear, I get picked after two centuries and it's by some frazzled pastry intern with social anxiety."
"Oh, now you're a critic?"
"Felix," she said sweetly. "Let me take over. Just once. One glorious, explosive, radiant fight. I promise it'll be shiny."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"…You're the worst boyfriend I've never had."
---
Now, standing outside the Council chamber, I knew one thing for sure:
I was not revealing her.
No way.
No how.
Which left me with the one skill I could use.
[Skill: Flash (Lv. 1)]
"Fool's Transportation"
Short-range blink spell. Risk of collision. Requires precision timing and quick reflexes.
Mana Cost: 10
Cooldown: 5 sec
Ironically, it was now my safest bet.
Damian had taught me how to use it. I had improved it without even telling him it wasn't mine to begin with.
Flash was flashy enough.
But not her.
---
The Council chamber was circular. Ancient stone. Stained glass windows glowing with runes. Five seats. Five shadows.
The Council of Branch Masters.
All wore different robes—red for combat, blue for mysticism, green for beast studies, black for dominion, and white for null.
And at the center of it all, floating on a little stool like she belonged in an enchanted kindergarten—
The Headmistress.
She waved as I walked in.
"Felix Anderson!" she chirped. "Café boy! Bring us a show~!"
I stepped into the circle.
They waited.
Judging. Silent.
I exhaled.
Raised my hand.
And vanished.
[Flash]
The world shifted. Space curled. I landed five meters to the right—exactly where I visualized.
No stumble. No collision. No dazzle. Just perfect control.
They blinked.
I smiled politely.
"…Flash," one of the council members said, skeptical. "That's all?"
The Headmistress grinned. "But did you see how clean it was?"
"No stagger," said another.
"No backlash," a third noted.
"Most students who use that end up halfway inside a bench."
The one in the red robe leaned forward. "Lightning mage?"
"Yes," I said calmly. "Though Flash may be my best skill."
The Headmistress clapped her hands. "Very well! You pass. But do try not to vanish into a wall, dear."
I bowed slightly.
Internally?
I was drenched in nervous sweat.
But then—
[Hidden Objective Completed – "Bluff the Council"]
+3 WIL
+1 Free Skill Slot
Ego Synchronization increased: 3% → 6%
Great.
Just great.
She was going to get stronger.
---
Outside the hall, I took a deep breath.
"I am SO proud of you!" she squealed in my head. "You're a natural! That teleport thing? Perfect. Flashy. Quick. Now imagine doing that while holding me. We'd be glorious!"
"We?"
"Felix and Sword! Trademark pending."
"…No."
"Oh, come on, give me a little credit. Do you know how long I've been stuck in that garden?"
"Two centuries?"
"Six. I spent the first two in a pile of leaves. A bird lived on me."
"Sounds peaceful."
She huffed.
"Fine, whatever. But eventually, you'll need me."
"Maybe. But until then, pay rent."
There was a pause.
"…Rent?"
"Yeah. You're living in my mind. Start contributing."
Another pause.
"…I hate you."
"I can live with that."