The Legend of Lingpeng

The darkest night gave way as dawn broke. The sun rose over the horizon, its warm light chasing away the mist and illuminating the world with a bright intensity.

A few hours later, Lucy stood in front of her mirror, feeling the calm she often did in the mornings. Her gaze traced the faint greenish-blue tattoo that curled around her body. It didn’t glow or pulse, just a vivid mark on her skin. Beautiful, yet strange. She shrugged and took a moment to admire it before shaking herself out of the daze.

She moved into her routine: one hundred push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and jumping jacks. Sweat beaded on her skin, calming her with each drop. The exertion brought her calm and focused, washing away lingering thoughts. Afterward, she took a warm bath and carefully combed her hair, tying it into a perfect ponytail. Breakfast followed—a meal that fueled both body and mind.

Dressing swiftly, Lucy donned her high-collared black cloak, a long-sleeved shirt, and two brown leather belts. Her sword, snug in its black sheath, hung at her side. Brown boots completed the outfit, sturdy and reliable. Fully prepared, she was ready to move.

There was no time to waste. To make her dream of becoming the richest(strongest) Adapter in history come true, she needed to visit the "Talent Re-evaluation Guild." For Adapters, Wizards, or anyone like her—someone with a Second Awakening—this was mandatory.

Slamming the door behind her, Lucy descended from her cabin on the middle floor of the ten-story building she called home. Her destination was clear: the nearest “Talent Re-evaluation Guild”, deep in the capital of Elavris.

Lucy strode into the capital from the outskirts as the morning sun bathed the streets in gold. Elavris buzzed with life, the air thick with the scent of fresh bread and steel. Her boots tapped steadily on the cobblestones as she moved through the chaos.

Merchants lined the streets, shouting their deals, selling everything from daily necessities to odd curiosities—armor, weapons, even gleaming rocks. A ragged man waved herbs, while a jeweler’s gems glittered in the sunlight. Children darted between legs, laughing as they weaved through the crowd. Adapters and Wizards moved confidently, some with weapons slung over their shoulders or staffs within their grasps like prized possessions. One Adapter, barely 170 cm tall, hauled a war hammer larger than himself. Mothers from modest homes and maids sent by nobles shopped for groceries, exchanging pleasantries as they passed. The noise and energy surrounded Lucy as she walked.

Her cloak billowed behind her, eyes sharp. She paused at a corner, her gaze fixed on the distant spires of the Talent Re-evaluation Guild. Its stone walls loomed over the city, imposing and unyielding.

The crowd thickened. Merchants now haggled in the streets, carts clattering by as horses' hooves echoed on the stone. A minstrel played a lute nearby, soft notes threading through the city’s vibrant life.

Suddenly, Lucy felt a tug on her cloak—a pickpocket. Without turning, her hand shot out, catching the boy’s wrist. He froze, fear flashing in his eyes. Lucy smirked, calmly reclaiming what he’d taken before releasing him. The boy vanished back into the crowd.

The Guild's heavy doors loomed ahead, guarded by Adapters in gleaming armor. Wizards and Adapters flowed in and out—some laughing, others grim, weighed down by their “Talent Re-evaluation.” With a final glance at the bustling city, Lucy pushed open the doors. The outside noise faded, replaced by the familiar scent of leather and parchment.

— — — — —

The “Talent Re-evaluation Guild” was nothing like anyone from the Arcane Academy—one of the most prestigious magical institutes in Elvaris—had expected. Even Lucy had envisioned a rundown place filled with thugs downing beer as they waited their turn. Instead, she found herself standing before a towering marble structure, as grand as a sacred museum.

As Lucy walked through the well-lit passage toward the main hall, she crossed the threshold and was immediately struck by the intricate design of the interior. Gleaming metal tables filled the space, where Adapters and Wizards gave her brief glances as she passed. The entire place radiated extravagance, which felt out of place for her—and even more so for the rugged-looking Adapters scattered around. Still, she continued toward a long bench where a line of people sat, waiting their turn.

“Please take a number and wait,” a voice boomed.

Lucy approached the booth and took a slip. On the crisp, well-made paper, the number "42" was printed in bold letters.

Quite the crowd, she thought, noticing the thirty-two Adapters and Wizards ahead of her, all waiting for their Talent Re-evaluation Test. The hall was buzzing with chatter and anticipation. Lucy found an empty seat and sat down, settling in to wait.

“Yes, guys, we can be rich at last! I’ve had my Second Awakening! I’m a D-rank Wizard!”

A bulky man burst from a set of grand double doors, his face flushed with excitement as he communicated with his squad using an Adapter’s kit. His joy seemed almost out of place given his rugged appearance, but he proudly announced his new rank to the entire hall.

He was one of the few who were visibly overjoyed with their re-evaluation.

“I swear I heard the notification... This can’t be right!” someone nearby muttered, their face a mask of disbelief. “Too bad. I can’t have a Second Awakening, no matter how hard I train.”

Others shared similar disappointment, their shoulders slumped and eyes glassy with unshed tears. Their dreams of wealth and prestige were slipping away. For many, the chance to rise in rank meant everything—a chance to change their lives in Elvaris.

“I guess I didn’t re-awaken this time. What a bummer," another person said, though their voice held a note of optimism. "But I’ll keep trying. One day, I’ll have my Second Awakening. Until then, I’ll just train harder. Hehehe…”

There were always those who held on to hope, determined that one day they would achieve what so many desired.

Then, some refused to accept failure.

“Let go of me!” a man shouted, struggling against several Adapters. “That damned Magic Orb is broken! I know I’ve re-awakened!”

Before his outburst could cause too much chaos, a nearby Wizard swiftly cast a paralysis spell on him. The Adapters dragged him to the exit and tossed him out without much ceremony.

Watching all this unfold, Lucy felt a familiar spark ignite in her heart. In her past life, as the monsterized knight Alberto, she had always admired individuals who never gave up—no matter the odds. Their hope and resilience reminded her of her own relentless drive.

But she knew better than most that such hope could be fleeting. The Talent Re-evaluation wasn’t cheap, and neither was training. The large, rigid orb-like tool used for the evaluation consumed Magic Lightning Element every time it ran. Though it only delivered a faint sting when touched, it drained a significant amount of energy. Even a low-tier E-rank Lightning Elemental Magic Stone costs around three thousand gold coins. And of course, the test itself wasn’t free.

After waiting for an hour, Lucy’s turn finally came. The staff member in charge, a black-haired man in his late thirties with sharp eyes, glanced at her.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Lucy Lingpeng,” she replied.

“Alright, Miss Lucy… May I see your ID?”

“Here you go.” She handed him her student ID.

The man studied her briefly—a woman in her early twenties, slightly above average in promise, an aspiring Adapter at the prestigious Arcane Academy in Elvaris. He sighed, then handed her ID back. “Confirmed,” he said, opening the double doors. “You may proceed inside.”

Lucy stepped into the "Talent Re-evaluation Room." The air inside was warm and calming. The room's brightness, amplified by scattered fluorescent beads, created a strange mix of comfort and intensity. Hovering in the center was a large Magical Orb, humming and sparking with electric energy. The sound thrummed in her ears—almost overwhelming, thanks to her heightened [Sense] stat.

“Welcome!” A cheerful voice interrupted. A blue-haired woman, wearing a long white lab coat, approached with a rehearsed yet dazzling smile. She smelled faintly of Plum Blossom leaf, her perfume complementing the sharp look in her eyes. Despite the lab coat, she had a fresh, polished appearance, with glasses framing her face. But Lucy’s attention was drawn to something else—the woman radiated magicules. Tendrils of mana coiled and danced around her, far stronger than any ordinary mage.

Lucy, thanks to the trace tattoos on her skin and her boosted [Sense] and [Mana] stats, could feel the power brimming from her.

“I’m Jessica Chang, a Maintainer and Test Conductor for the Talent Re-evaluation Guild. And you are?”

“Lucy Lingpeng,” Lucy responded, confirming her earlier suspicions that this woman was no ordinary evaluator.

“First time taking the Talent Second Re-evaluation Test?” Jessica asked, an eyebrow raised.

Lucy nodded calmly.

“Alright, I’ll guide you through it!” Jessica said, her eyes landing on Lucy’s intricate tattoo. “By the way, love the tattoo! So precise and delicate. Must’ve been expensive.”

“Thanks. I got it recently. It wasn’t too expensive, but it wasn’t cheap either,” Lucy replied with a small smile.

Jessica laughed lightly. “If I were a few years younger, I’d get one myself. They’re stunning.”

Lucy nodded again. This woman’s lively energy was infectious, a refreshing change. It was especially welcome after the gloomy, armored Adapter she’d seen earlier. Jessica’s bright personality brought light into the otherwise tense atmosphere.

“Let’s head to the testing chamber,” Jessica said.

Lucy approached the Magical Orb, which vibrated lightly. Jessica moved to the control panel, pen and document in hand, ready to record the results.

“See that Magical Orb? Just place your hand on its surface, and the test will start,” Jessica explained.

Lucy tilted her head. “That’s it? I just stand here?”

“Yep. The orb will send electrical magicules into your hand. There’ll be a bit of a sting and a flash of light, but just keep your eyes closed and you’ll be fine.”

“Sounds simple enough,” Lucy remarked.

“You’re different from most Adapters,” Jessica noted, adjusting the controls. “They’re usually nervous, even if it’s not their first time. But you seem perfectly calm.”

Lucy shrugged. “I’ve already had my Second Awakening. I’m just here to confirm it. But I can see why others might be anxious…”

Her thoughts wandered. If this were her life before regaining her past memories, she’d be nervous too. Re-evaluating her Talent in the hope of a Second Awakening was a daunting and costly process. Without being a promising Adapter, even as a student of the Arcane Academy—one of the most prestigious magical institutes in Elvaris—the risk would have been overwhelming.

Just imagine no Second Awakening, and you lose three thousand gold coins. That’s enough to support a family of twenty for half a year.  For most, that kind of loss would be devastating. It was no wonder some people made such a fuss over it. 

“...The risk is like holding a double-edged sword,” Lucy continued, her voice thoughtful. “You could lose everything and gain nothing.”

Jessica nodded, her fingers dancing across the panel. “True. But when the reward is that high, it’s worth the gamble.”

“Exactly. No wonder that guy earlier looked like he was carrying the weight of the world,” Lucy said, remembering the Adapter’s expression.

“I imagine he’s lost a lot,” Jessica said, glancing at the orb as its currents intensified. The humming quieted, signaling the orb was ready.

“Well, I hope you get good news,” Jessica added with a smile. Lucy approached the orb, placing her hand on its rigid surface. Darkness consumed the world around her.

The orb vibrated fiercely, and currents shot through her hand. The sting was sharp but bearable. Oddly, the magic didn’t flow directly into her core. Instead, it snaked through her energy circuits, scanning. Her trace tattoos didn’t react—not even a faint glow. It was as though the trace didn’t recognize it. The current explored her body and core, tickling her slightly, before retreating back into the orb. A burst of multicolored light erupted from the orb.

Lucy blinked. The light wasn’t blinding as she’d expected. It was more like staring into the sun, too bright but strangely beautiful. For a moment, the colors felt alive, urging her to move, to dance. A minute later, the lights dimmed, and the currents vanished. The orb’s hum returned to its steady rhythm.

“What a strange tool,” Lucy muttered under her breath, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Miss Lucy, the test is complete! Your results will be ready in just a moment,” Jessica called from the counter. She handed Lucy a sheet of paper.

“That was fast,” Lucy remarked, genuinely surprised.

Jessica smiled proudly. “I’m pretty good at what I do, right?”

“You bet,” Lucy said, glancing down at the results.

[Test Subject: Lucy Lingpeng.

ID number: 895642–8964311

First awakening: Yes.

Second awakening: Yes. 

Stats: 

Strength: C(C+)

Agility: C(C++)

Stamina: C(C+)

Sense: C(C+)

Mana: C+ (C++)

*Trait: 

Unidentified (Subject advised to have their trait examined by a specialist.)

*Summary: 

Strange fluctuation of Magicules detected, but aside from Magical power and Agility, other stats are… (abridged)

Overall Rating: Versatile Class Adapter.]

Well…Scrutinizing the results, Lucy's fingers tightened around the paper. She had only one word for her performance: depressing. Not as much as when she was a Monsterized Knight in her past life, but better than she had hoped for in this one.

“I didn’t expect this kind of result,” she muttered, her grip loosening as an awkward smile spread across her face.

“If you’d scored any lower, I’d have thought it was my error, not calibrating the tool correctly,” Jessica remarked.

Lucy narrowed her eyes. Did Jessica have some kind of heightened [Sense] stat to detect her magicules? Maybe. Or maybe not. On second thought, Lucy wondered if Jessica sensed the profoundness of her magic, despite her stats being average. All her stats were C-rank except for Mana, which was also C.

In simpler terms, a B-rank meant stats of 25 or higher, while a C-rank meant anything below. Maybe Jessica just had a gut feeling. Lucy's mana did have a strange quality, and as an Adapter with unusual traits, it wasn’t impossible to guess that she had potential beyond the numbers.

Letting out a deep sigh, Lucy shrugged off the suspicion. Overthinking wouldn’t help, and trying to guess what Jessica was thinking would only give her a headache.

One thing that caught Lucy's attention was how accurate the status window was compared to the ‘Talent Re-evaluation Tool.’ That discovery alone was valuable. Another curiosity: the tool didn’t seem to recognize Trace.

The only stat shown on the results was Mana. Yet her status window displayed “Traces” near her mana stat. The tool couldn’t detect it. That made sense, though. Trace was a technique no Monster, Demon, Angel, or Dragon had ever heard of before Alberto created it. It would be strange if a simple magical tool could pick it up.

As Lucy double-checked the results, something caught her eye.

“Excuse me, can I ask you something?” she said, looking up.

“Of course!” Jessica adjusted her glasses.

“What do the letters in parentheses next to the stats mean?”

“Those represent your potential stat values after a second awakening.”

“Potential stats after second awakening?”

“When Adapters or Wizards undergo a second awakening and fight monsters in Towers or Dungeons, they gain experience. This experience converts into ‘stat points’ shown in the status window,” Jessica explained. “The ranks in parentheses show your growth limit.”

“So, those numbers show how much I can improve?” Lucy asked.

“Well... yeah.”

Jessica's attention shifted to the documents on her desk, but Lucy was intrigued by this revelation. The status window, common among second-awakened Adapters and Wizards, capped their growth potential. After reaching a certain point, stats gained from slaying monsters would decrease. To progress further, they'd need to fight stronger monsters or tackle higher-ranked Dungeons.

“But,” Jessica continued, “only a few are willing to risk their lives raiding higher Dungeons or fighting stronger monsters. Most Adapters and Wizards stay in their comfort zone, grinding for fame, riches, and honor granted by the second awakening.”

“I see,” Lucy said, thinking.

“Even rarer are those who risk everything to surpass their limits—the few who transcend what the Talent Re-evaluation Guild can measure.”

Lucy nodded, though it didn’t concern her. She wasn’t worried about limits. Her trait, "He who transcends gender and time," wasn’t bound by potential. It allowed her to rewrite the rules, growing stronger through sheer hard work, exploration, and training relentlessly. 

In short, it was self-modification.

If she put in the effort, Lucy could break through any limit, bending the very laws of the world itself. And with her past knowledge and mastery of Trace, she had plenty of ways to grow stronger.

“Miss Lucy,” Jessica said, interrupting her thoughts, “even if your combat potential isn’t higher than C+ or C++, there are many fields where you can excel. You could still become famous, rich, and honored without stressing or overworking.”

Was Jessica trying to console her? Lucy wasn’t disappointed at all. She smiled awkwardly and nodded. “Thanks.”

“One more thing,” Jessica continued, adjusting her glasses again. “To officially work as a full-fledged Adapter, you need to obtain an Adapter Kit.”

“An Adapter’s Kit?” Lucy asked.

“Yes. It’s a crystal imbued with your mana. Everyone’s mana is unique, like a fingerprint. Once registered after taking the License, the kit can pull up your number and information using your mana. It also holds an Adapter license and a tool for communication. To get one, you must pass the Adapter’s license exam, held monthly.” 

Lucy frowned slightly. Towers, Dungeons, and other mysterious lands—places where monsters could be fought—were restricted zones for Adapters who hadn’t reached a second awakening.

“When’s the next Adapter’s license exam?” Lucy asked.

“The second Tuesday of every month, so you have twelve days.”

Lucy considered it briefly. It seemed leveling up would have to wait a little longer.