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Translator: penny
Chapter: 1
Chapter Title: Practical Evaluation
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I tried to get a read on the situation while following the cop. In my whole life, I'd never racked my brain this hard before. This was a first.
Even heading off to take the college entrance exam, I hadn't been this tense. More focused than back then, I replayed the events leading up to this and what was unfolding now. It made no sense.
'I definitely went into the men's room. I saw the urinal—the exclusive domain of the men's restroom.'
It was an undeniable truth. I'd seen the urinal, something only found in men's restrooms. The memory was fresh, crystal clear.
I could be certain. I hadn't made a mistake. There was no way I could have. How could anyone make such a stupid blunder in this country?
So what the hell was going on? Why was everything different coming in and going out? I couldn't figure out why the restroom I'd used had suddenly changed gender.
No matter how different your mindset is going in versus coming out, wasn't this a bit much? It felt like some surreal setup.
'And my clothes changed too.'
Inside the stall, I'd been wearing what I had on when I entered. But after the cop dragged me out, my outfit was different. In the blink of an eye, I'd been dressed in the gym uniform of an Academy candidate.
"Nervous?"
"...Y-yeah... I am."
It wasn't nerves about the Academy practical that had me on edge. I didn't even know what this Academy thing was. Or why I had to take a practical exam...
This tension came from being swept up in something bizarre. My restroom gender and my clothes had flipped in an instant—how could I not be tense?
The cop, oblivious to my turmoil, spouted nonsense I couldn't comprehend.
"The men's practical isn't that tough. They just check if you can get hard, if you can ejaculate... that sort of thing."
"Pardon?"
"I've been through it myself."
The cop chuckled and patted my shoulder, as if to say relax. His encouragement fell flat. My brain was already overloaded.
'Academy practicals involve erections and ejaculation? This isn't porn—what's with testing that?'
The cop eyed my reaction and kept talking. He wouldn't stop with the advice. He seemed genuinely hopeful I'd pass.
"If you're too tense, you might not get it up. Best to relax and leave your body in the hands of the Hero who's there to help you ejaculate."
"There's someone helping?"
"Of course. Heroes and Captains are a team. They ease you into it from the practical onward. Ask a Hero far more skilled and mature than your peers."
If he hadn't been in uniform, I might've cursed him out right then. Maybe even socked him in the nose for talking such bullshit. It was that shocking.
"Do you know what time the exam starts?"
"...Hang on. Let me check."
As if I'd know. I didn't even understand what was happening—how could I know the Academy practical time?
'At least I'm alive...'
I hadn't been hauled off to the station. That was a relief. But this weird situation? Not welcome.
Who'd enjoy a world gone mad around them, sparing only you? No one, I was sure. One hundred percent.
I pulled my smartphone from my pocket. Clothes changed, but not the phone. Part of me wished it had been upgraded to new. Shallow thoughts.
'Pattern's the same.'
I checked the phone. Contacts, messages, internet—trying to pinpoint the problem.
"It's at 10."
"Good, you won't be late. You left early, huh?"
"Yeah, well..."
First, Dad's number was gone from contacts. No profile in messages either. Why? The question popped up automatically.
Second, gender was all twisted. Sensational articles online had genders flipped. Gender conflict pieces stood out starkly—weird, but notable.
Third, and last,
"Superpowered...?"
"Also called Heroes."
The cop added to my mutter.
"Men become Captains supporting those Heroes. Sadly, only men with the power and qualifications can. I lacked stamina—flunked the Academy practical."
"..."
Was he serious? I shot the cop a side-eye. His face didn't look like he was lying. No shame at all, just casually griping about his low stamina.
'World's upside down for some reason. That makes the pieces fit.'
Something between men and women had flipped. Social views on gender shifted accordingly. A world where emerging from the women's restroom as a guy raised no eyebrows. Something that'd normally get you canceled.
[Korean Hero Academy 69th Male Practical Exam Site]
The cop car pulled up to the exam site. I'd expected a school or gym, but
[Korea University Hospital]
it was a hospital. In this insane world, the Academy held men's practicals at a hospital. The cop's words flashed through my mind: erection, ejaculation, stamina. Items that fit a hospital better than a school gym.
"Good luck. Your big bro's rooting for you."
"...Thanks."
Thanks to the ride, I made it without getting lost. Grateful? Not sure. Anyway, I thanked him and got out.
A ton of people crowded the hospital entrance. Like the scene outside a college exam hall. Nostalgic vibe. Emotions welled up unexpectedly.
The Korean Hero Academy, nicknamed the Academy. Top-tier institution in Korea—no spots available, they say. Even money can't buy entry without talent.
'Korea's best... tch.'
Superpower nations each have Hero academies. Korea has several. The one producing the strongest Heroes and most virile Captains? Korean Hero Academy. In Korea, "Academy" meant this one.
I'd emerged from the restroom as a prospective student. Pass or fail the practical, no turning back now. Supportive gazes turned my way. The cop car drew eyes.
"Fight! Captains to lead Korea's future!"
"Kids! We're counting on you! Do your best!"
"Oppa! Thanks for protecting our country!"
Middle-aged moms, looking like parents, cheered. College kids my age clapped wildly. Little kids bowed in thanks.
I didn't know much about this world, but the hype for male Captains was intense.
'But everyone's got long faces.'
The boys heading to the exam looked grim. Like they were being dragged somewhere against their will. Their expressions felt familiar. Faces I'd seen before.
A memory I'd rather forget. Nonsan Training Center parade ground—
I followed the path of Academy practical examinees. A line of boys from the road to the hospital entrance. Shuffling like cattle to the slaughterhouse.
'Academy practical...'
I searched on my smartphone. Tons of info on the practical. The world spoon-fed boys every detail. Helped me get what I needed.
'Erection. Rigidity. Length and girth. Basic dick specs. Ejaculation count, semen volume and quality, sperm count, fertility, recovery speed.'
Lots of items. But what they wanted from boys boiled down to one thing: vigorous stamina. Perfect for boys who popped boners at the sight of girls.
'Why though?'
Girls' role: Heroes. Boys': Captains. Difference? Superpowers or not. And position.
Superpowered folks used abilities via the uterus in their lower abdomen. Meaning only women could awaken powers.
'Men...'
I got why the cop mentioned stamina. Female Heroes needed male Captains' semen to use powers. The shocking truth left my jaw hanging.
I clamped my mouth shut and entered the hospital.
A nurse waited at the entrance.
"Here for the Korean Hero Academy practical?"
They were dressed in uniform gym clothes, like military combat uniforms. Obvious even from afar—no denying it. Boys sighed deeply and nodded.
"This way, please."
Under the nurse's guidance, we headed to the practical site. I followed along too.
[Urology]
The group of boys sat in the urology waiting room. The nurse seated them and entered an inner exam room.
"Wait here."
Practical numbers assigned by entry order. Not 10 yet—had to wait. Around me, tense faces awaited their turn.
A guy fresh from his exam emerged. A waiting girl rushed to him.
"Captain, is your dick okay? What'd the doc say?"
"...Nothing much. It's fine."
"Glad it's not some disease...! I was worried sick."
"...Just handling you isn't a stretch. I can manage, so don't worry."
They walked off cozy-like. Girl hooked her arm in his, acting cute. Adorable. I want a girlfriend like that, I thought.
Five rooms besides patient exam rooms. No doc nameplates—different purposes. Testing rooms. For the practical.
All five doors opened at once.
"Good work, students. Hope you get good results."
"Yes..."
Boys who'd just finished emerged from each. Pale faces, shaky legs, hurrying out. Nurse saw them off.
"Numbers 201 to 205, come in."
205. Me. I checked and stood. Four others rose sluggishly too.
"In order, please."
Followed the nurse into the testing rooms. I got assigned to room 5 naturally. A strange woman sat inside.
From what the cop said, Heroes helped boys with practicals. This woman was a Hero. The nameless Hero eyed me, legs seductively crossed.
"What's your name?"
"...Lee Hyunwoo."
"Hyunwoo? Have you ever jerked off, Hyunwoo?"
"...?"
Any guy my age who hasn't? Answer was obvious. But did I say truth? I hesitated, fumbling.
The Hero smirked, urging me on.
"You know the Academy entrance for boys is decided solely by practical scores? This interview with me counts toward your practical grade. For Captain candidates, higher scores mean fatter scholarships, dignity allowances, living support funds. Amounts so huge, you could skip Captain life post-grad and do whatever job you want. So be honest. No downside."
Like she said, no loss. I nodded slowly. She beamed and tossed the next question.
"When was your first time jerking off?"
"..."
The deeply personal interrogation began.