The classroom was unusually quiet.
Even the students who normally talked nonstop were silent.
Everyone knew what was coming.
And when the classroom door opened, the tension deepened.
Instructor Han walked in slowly, his expression serious.
He didn't waste time.
"Listen carefully," he said.
The projector behind him lit up.
"The South Korea National Academy Entrance Examination will begin in two days."
A faint tremor ran through the classroom.
This was not just a school test.
This was the moment that decided futures.
The Meaning of the Academy ExamInstructor Han crossed his arms.
"After the Great Change, academies became the foundation of Korea's hunter system," he said.
"They train hunters.
They evaluate talent.
And they decide who rises to the top of this country."
The screen changed.
"Currently, South Korea has fifty registered academies."
Students widened their eyes.
Then the classifications appeared.
Supreme Academies — 5"These are the highest-level academies in the country," Instructor Han said.
"Only monsters enter them."
The screen displayed the title:
Five Supreme Academies.
"These academies produce Korea's strongest hunters.
Most S-rank hunters come from here.
Their standards are brutal."
Some students swallowed hard.
Others clenched their fists.
High-Level Academies — 10"These academies are slightly below the supreme level," he continued.
"They train elite hunters and future guild leaders."
Many students' eyes lit up.
This was realistic.
This was achievable.
Advanced Academies — 15"These academies train above-average hunters," Instructor Han said.
"They are respected institutions with stable systems."
Students nodded unconsciously.
Most people aimed for this level.
Standard Academies — 20"These academies train ordinary hunters," he said calmly.
"They are not bad.
But they do not produce national-level talents."
The room was silent.
Everyone understood the implication.
Regional Examination SystemThe screen changed again.
"South Korea is divided into regions," Instructor Han explained.
"Each region will conduct its own entrance examination."
He pointed at the map.
"Each region will produce rankings."
Rankings.
That word made everyone tense.
"Only the top-ranked students in each region will receive offers from high-level and supreme academies," he said.
Some students' expressions darkened.
Some brightened.
Some looked terrified.
Exam StructureInstructor Han raised his finger.
"The academy entrance exam consists of three stages."
The screen changed again.
1. Basic Ability Evaluation"Physical strength, magic output, endurance, reaction speed," he said.
"This stage filters out unqualified candidates."
Students whispered.
Even D-rank students looked nervous.
2. Combat Examination"Real combat evaluation," he continued.
"Students will fight monsters and simulated opponents."
The classroom grew colder.
"This stage determines your true rank," he said.
Some students clenched their fists.
Others avoided eye contact.
3. Survival & Strategy TestInstructor Han's voice lowered slightly.
"This is the most important stage."
Students leaned forward unconsciously.
"You will be placed in an artificial dungeon environment.
Your ranking will be determined not only by power, but by judgment, teamwork, and survival ability."
The room was completely silent.
Students' ReactionsSomeone whispered, "This is insane…"
Another student muttered, "Only monsters can pass supreme academies…"
Kang Minjae stood up calmly.
"I'll enter a Supreme Academy," he said.
His voice was confident.
No hesitation.
Students looked at him with awe.
That was expected.
Then Aira spoke quietly.
"I'll do the same."
Her voice was calm.
But absolute.
The classroom trembled slightly.
S-rank mage aiming for a Supreme Academy.
No one doubted her.
Jin's SeatAt the back of the classroom, Jin rested his chin on his hand.
His expression was relaxed.
As if none of this concerned him.
A student beside him whispered.
"You're aiming for an advanced academy, right?"
Jin thought for a moment.
Then smiled faintly.
"Maybe," he said.
Inside his mind—
Advanced academy? Powerful academy? Supreme academy?
Sounds troublesome.
He looked at the screen again.
Five Supreme Academies.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
But if I'm going to do something…
I might as well go all the way.
Instructor Han's Final WordsInstructor Han looked at the students.
"This exam will not forgive talent without effort," he said.
"And it will not forgive effort without talent."
His gaze swept across the classroom.
"Two days from now, your real value will be revealed."
The bell rang.
Students stood up slowly.
Some looked excited.
Some looked terrified.
Some looked determined.
And Jin—
walked out of the classroom calmly.
To everyone else—
he was still just a D-rank student.
But deep inside, he knew the truth.
In two days…
the entire region would witness something they never expected.
And when the academy exam began—
the boy they had ignored would step onto the stage.
Not as a genius.
Not as a hero.
But as an "extra" who was never supposed to stand at the center.
Jin smiled faintly.
This should be interesting.