Rusty Bones tried shaking Han's shoulder.
"Oi. Wake up. Exam's isn't over."
Han didn't move. He only mumbled something incoherent and turned his face to the side.
Rusty Bones stared at him for a second, then sighed.
"…Unbelievable."
With practiced ease, the skeleton lifted the half-asleep examiner and hoisted him over his shoulder as if carrying a sack of rice. Han's arm dangled limply, his tie crooked, eyes still shut.
Without another word, Rusty Bones walked out of the hall.
Junyeok watched the scene with an awkward expression.
His reputation really does live up to his name, he thought while looking at Han's disappearing figure.
Junyeok's smile slowly faded, his thoughts drifting inward.
In my past life… I somehow qualified and even graduated from this academy.
But the memory tasted bitter.
I had no contract. No Echo. No backing.
Because of that, he had been barred from special classes, forbidden from using high-tier facilities, and excluded from the academy's true core. Even when he eventually became a hunter, it wasn't because of talent or opportunity—it was because he had no other choice.
All thanks to his null affinity.
He clenched his fist.
Not this time.
Junyeok gripped the pendant around his neck tightly, his eyes sharp.
This time… everything will be different.
His gaze shifted instinctively.
Who is she…?
A girl stood not far away, around his age. She had long black hair that flowed down her back like silk, sharp yet calm eyes, and a cute but striking face. Her height was just slightly shorter than Junyeok's. Her skin was pale and flawless, and there was something subtle about her features—an indescribable elegance that made people glance twice without realizing why.
She wore combat attire that was both professional and refined—light armor designed for mobility, reinforced at vital points, elegant in design yet clearly built for real battle.
Recognition hit him instantly.
Junyeok's lips curved into a grin.
How could I forget…
Sheo Neayan.
Also known as the Ice Queen.
In his past life, she had risen to S-rank, famous for her cold, ruthless, yet breathtakingly elegant fighting style. She never wasted a single movement, never showed mercy, and never lost her composure.
And she was also—
The only daughter of Mox Neayan… the Berserker.
The entire hall buzzed.
"Isn't that her…?"
"She's here already?"
"That's the Ice Queen…"
"The daughter of an S-rank contractor…"
Junyeok watched her quietly.
I should not get involved with her, he thought.
His eyes moved again.
Another presence stood out.
A boy with black hair and a handsome face, around seventeen years old. His features closely resembled Sheo Neayan's, though softer. He wore stylish blue combat clothes that screamed confidence, and there was a unique sharpness to his gaze.
The whispers grew louder.
"Isn't that Shion?"
"He's so cool…"
"I heard he's insanely talented…"
Junyeok's eyes widened slightly.
Oh. He's here too?
Wasn't he supposed to be a late admission?
He chuckled internally.
Whatever. Things are about to get spicy.
Excitement burned in his chest.
I'm going to crush everyone in today's exam.
Nyxara glanced at Junyeok, unease creeping onto his face.
That look again…
I've got a bad feeling. He's going to go overboard.
Thirty minutes later.
"Now, now—everyone."
Rusty Bones walked back into the hall, Han still nowhere to be seen.
"It's time for your exam."
He pointed toward several long tables that had appeared near the portals. On them lay a wide variety of weapons—wooden bows, arrows, spears, katanas, swords, daggers, claymores. All iron-made, average in quality, practical and unremarkable.
"Pick your weapons."
Junyeok stepped forward, his eyes scanning the selection.
Swords and daggers…
Normally, these suit my agility and speed best.
His gaze stopped.
The massive claymore rested against the table, heavy and brutal.
He smirked.
But not this time.
I'm itching to test my new strength and that skill.
He grabbed the heavy sword effortlessly, the weight settling comfortably in his grip.
Several students stared.
"…Is he serious?"
"One by one, enter the portals," Rusty Bones said. "You will be teleported to your respective exam grounds."
Junyeok stepped into the portal.
The world twisted—
—and stabilized.
He found himself standing in a dense forest. Tall trees, uneven terrain, artificial wind. Everything felt disturbingly real.
Junyeok looked around, impressed.
"Oh. This looks nice."
The air smelled real. The ground felt solid.
"Perfect terrain for goblin hunting," he said, smirking. "This will be fun."
A voice echoed.
[The battle will begin in 10 seconds.]
Junyeok glanced at Nyxara.
"You take care of anything I miss."
Nyxara sighed, nervous.
He's way too excited…
"Let the fun begin," Junyeok said, eyes gleaming.
[3… 2… 1…]
Goblins began spawning.
One tried to ambush Junyeok from behind—
Before it could move—
A screen popped up.
[ACTIVATING PASSIVE SKILL: SUPERIORITY]
Effect: Increases damage dealt to monsters weaker than the user by 20%.
Condition: Heavy weapons or weapons above A-rank only.
Junyeok swung.
The goblin was split cleanly in half.
He blinked, then smiled.
"It really works… Feels like nothing."
What followed was pure chaos.
Junyeok charged forward, the claymore moving like an extension of his body. Goblins were crushed, cleaved, and launched through the air. He leapt from above, slammed down with overwhelming force, and swept entire groups aside in single swings.
Bodies vanished into particles.
Nyxara covered the stragglers, finishing off the few that escaped Junyeok's reach.
The forest echoed with destruction.
One hour passed.
Nyxara stared at Junyeok in disbelief.
What kind of monster is he…?
The world warped again.
Junyeok returned to the hall.
"…Huh? It's already over?"
He stretched casually.
"I could've gone another hour."
Around him, students were panting, unconscious, barely standing, or drenched in sweat.
The contrast was brutal.
Han walked in, yawning.
"Those who passed have already received notifications on their phones," he said lazily. "Check them."
Phones lit up.
Most screens showed FAIL.
Junyeok passed.
Han continued, "I'll now reveal the top rankings. These scores include all exam rooms, not just this one."
The crowd gasped.
A large screen lit up.
"7th place — Majin, 150 points."
"6th — Yun, 180 points."
"5th — Lyn, 210 points."
"4th — Sheo , 260 points."
"3rd — Yunji, 340 points."
"2nd — Shion, 370 points."
The hall exploded with noise.
"Wait—Shion's second?!"
"Sheo's fourth?!"
"Yunji isn't that the Blade Demon's granddaughter!"
"Then who's first?!"
The screen changed.
1st PLACE — JUNYEOK KIM
720 POINTS
Junyeok blinked.
"…720. Not bad."
Nyxara beamed. "We nailed it!"
The crowd erupted.
"Who is that guy?"
"720?! Are you kidding me?"
"I've never heard of him!"
Rusty Bones laughed loudly.
"You really are something, boy!"
Everyone stared at Junyeok.
Free attention… without even trying, he thought.
Then he smiled awkwardly.
"…Did I overdo it?"
"I think I did average," Junyeok said to Nyxara.
Nyxara could only stare.
Just what does 'average' mean to him…?
Han narrowed his eyes slightly.
Who exactly is this kid…?
"Today's exam is concluded," Han said. "Those who passed may stay in your assigned hotel rooms outside the academy. The next exam will take place the day after tomorrow."
"Rest while you can."
Junyeok left the hall, heading for his room.
This academy…
It's finally starting.