Kang-Dae's furious accusation echoed in the tense silence of the waiting room. "You must have cheated!"
The other high-scoring applicants, who had been looking at Jin Park with awe and confusion, now turned to him with suspicion. Cheating was the only logical explanation. Kang-Dae, with his Legendary talent and backing from a powerful family, was the rightful star of their generation. This plain-faced stranger was an aberration, a disruption to the natural order.
Jin Park met Kang-Dae's raging glare, his own expression unbothered. He didn't offer a defense. He didn't deny the charge. He simply stood there, his calmness a stark contrast to the other boy's sputtering fury. This silent dismissal was more effective than any insult. It was a silent statement: Your opinion is irrelevant.
Before Kang-Dae could escalate further, the door to the waiting room slid open. A stern-looking NHA official stepped inside, his eyes immediately assessing the situation.
"Kang-Dae," the official said, his voice sharp and authoritative. "Control yourself. Your conduct is unbecoming of a top prospect."
"But sir, this... this chef!" Kang-Dae stammered, pointing at Jin Park. "His offer... it's impossible! He's a fraud!"
The official's gaze shifted to Jin Park, but there was no suspicion in it. There was only a cautious, calculated respect. "Applicant Jin Park's score was verified by Master Chef Jin-Woo himself and the entire judging panel. Zenith Academy's Prime Division does not make mistakes. The matter is closed." He then turned his attention to Jin Park. "Mr. Park, the transport to Zenith is ready. If you'll please follow me."
The official had addressed him as "Mr. Park." He had addressed Kang-Dae by his first name. The subtle shift in status was not lost on anyone in the room.
Jin Park gave a slight, polite nod and followed the official, walking past the stunned and seething Kang-Dae without a single glance. The message was clear. The powers that be had made their choice.
He was led not to a public transport station, but to a restricted, high-security portal platform. A shimmering, iridescent gateway swirled in the center of the room. This was a privilege reserved for only the most important individuals.
"Zenith Academy is located in a shielded, autonomous zone," the official explained. "This portal is the only way in for new students. Your journey from here will be handled by the academy staff." He handed Jin Park a small, metallic data chip. "This contains your admission credentials and a temporary campus guide. Good luck, Mr. Park."
Jin Park took the chip and stepped through the shimmering portal.
The sensation was not unpleasant—a brief, weightless tumble through a sea of cool, silent energy. A moment later, he stepped out onto a wide, crystalline platform.
And his breath, for the first time, caught in his chest. It wasn't a gasp of awe or wonder, but the sharp intake of a predator realizing it has just entered a forest teeming with legendary beasts.
He was standing on a floating island. Below him was not earth, but a sea of white clouds, with other, similar islands visible in the distance, connected by elegant, glowing bridges of light. The air itself was thick and sweet with a density of mana so potent it felt like breathing pure energy. The academy buildings weren't made of stone or steel; they were grown from what looked like massive, translucent crystals, pulsating with a soft, internal light. A colossal, shimmering blue dome arched over the entire archipelago—the Zenith shield.
This was not just a school. It was a fortress of power, a self-contained world operating on a higher plane of existence.
A young woman in a sharp Zenith Academy uniform approached him. She had a warm smile, but her eyes were sharp and her mana signature was strong—at least a third-year student.
"Welcome to Zenith, Jin Park," she said. "My name is Elina, and I'll be your orientation guide. You're the first of the new recruits to arrive." She looked at him with open curiosity. "The news of your performance has already reached the campus. You've caused quite a stir."
"I just did my best," Jin Park replied, his voice humble and unassuming.
Inside, his mind was racing. This guide, Elina. Job class is likely support, maybe a Tamer or a Scribe. Mana pool is substantial, at least Level 40. She has a passive skill active... something related to perception. Must be cautious.
His Divine Copy cooldown timer was a constant, silent presence in the back of his mind.
[Cooldown Remaining: 4 days, 11 hours, 23 minutes.]
He had less than five days.
"The Prime Division recruits are housed in the Spire of Ascension," Elina explained as she led him across a bridge of light. "It's where the academy concentrates its best resources. Your lab is already being prepared."
As they walked, he saw other students. They were all powerful. The ambient mana they radiated was far beyond the Awakeners in his home city. He saw a boy practicing swordsmanship, his blade leaving trails of pure ice in the air. He saw a girl meditating, small elemental spirits dancing around her. Every single one was a potential target, a walking library of high-grade skills and talents.
His cold, detached mind began its work, his gaze sweeping over every student he passed. He wasn't looking for friends or rivals. He was a wolf, and he was cataloging the flock.
That swordsman. His talent is likely Rare-grade or higher, Ice-affinity. The girl with the elementals... her Job could be Spirit Master, a Unique class. The passive talent she has that calms them is the real prize.
He looked up at the crystalline towers of Zenith Academy, a place of dreams for millions. He felt no excitement, no sense of belonging. He only felt the cold, thrilling certainty of a master chef who had just been given access to the world's most exclusive, well-stocked pantry.
The hunt had begun.