The silence after the final clash did not fade quickly. Even as the broken fragments of the barrier were restored by the academy's formation arrays and the arena stabilized once more, the atmosphere remained heavy, as if the world itself was still processing what had just occurred.
Thousands had watched it live, millions beyond the academy grounds had witnessed it through projection screens, and now a single conclusion stood undeniable.
Lee Hyun had taken first place.
Kang Jinhyuk stepped forward, his presence anchoring the restless energy that lingered across the platform. His gaze moved across the top ten, pausing briefly on Min Seoah before settling on Lee Hyun. There was no unnecessary expression, yet the acknowledgment in his eyes was clear.
"The results have been decided,"
he said calmly. A pause followed, allowing the weight of those words to sink into everyone present.
"Rankings will be finalized based on performance, adaptability, and combat evaluation."
His voice remained steady.
"But the one who stands at the top…"
For a brief moment, the entire arena seemed to hold its breath.
"…is Lee Hyun."
The announcement echoed across the academy grounds, spreading instantly through the broadcast. A wave of murmurs followed, quickly turning into a storm of reactions—shock, disbelief, admiration, envy—all blending into a chaotic recognition of what had just been born.
Lee Hyun stood still. No excitement. No visible pride. Only quiet acceptance. Because to him, this was expected.
Kang Jinhyuk continued without pause.
"As the top-ranked candidate, you are granted the highest privilege."
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"You may choose your mentor."
The moment those words were spoken, the attention shifted once more. Candidates, observers, instructors—everyone knew the importance of that choice. A mentor in Cheonryeong Grand Academy was not simply a teacher. It was a path, a backing, a future.
Several high-ranking figures stepped forward slightly, their presence alone enough to make others hesitate. These were individuals capable of shaping elites, each one powerful, influential, and more than qualified.
But... Lee Hyun did not look at them. Instead, he spoke.
"I choose the Vice Principal." [He felt quite like the Pokemon vibe!]
The words fell simply. But their impact was immediate. Silence spread. Not the kind born from surprise, but the kind born from disbelief.
"…What did he say…"
"…Vice Principal…?"
"…Is he serious…?"
Even the high-ranking individuals present paused, their expressions shifting subtly. Some frowned, some narrowed their eyes, while others simply watched with renewed interest.
Because the name he had chosen, was not just another option.
The Vice Principal of Cheonryeong Grand Academy was an existence whose authority did not simply stand below the Principal—it existed beyond conventional hierarchy. Her influence extended outside the academy, beyond the country itself.
She was not just powerful. She was absolute. A figure whose strength was recognized on a global scale.
Kang Jinhyuk looked at him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he spoke.
"That choice…"
A slight pause.
"…is not guaranteed."
The murmurs grew quieter again.
"You may request it,"
he continued,
"but acceptance depends entirely on her."
Another pause.
"She does not take disciples easily."
Lee Hyun's expression did not change.
"I understand."
No hesitation. No reconsideration. Just certainty. For a brief moment, Kang Jinhyuk held his gaze. Then a faint nod.
"Very well."
The matter was settled. But the impact remained. Because he had not chosen power within reach, he had chosen something beyond it. And that alone, set him apart even further.
After that, the formalities continued. The top ten were acknowledged, their placements recorded, their entry into the academy confirmed. The tension that had dominated the arena gradually eased, replaced by a quieter, more controlled atmosphere.
Then came the next instruction.
"Those, who has passed the test... You will return to your previous residence,"
Kang Jinhyuk announced.
"You are given time to prepare."
A brief pause.
"Report back in two days."
His gaze swept across them.
"A representative will meet you at your school and escort you to the academy."
Simple. Clear. Final. The stage had ended. The next phase, Was about to begin.
Lee Hyun turned and left the platform without lingering. The noise followed him, whispers trailing behind his steps, but he did not look back. There was nothing left to see here.
The journey forward was waiting.
By the time he returned home, the sun had already begun to set. The familiar sight of his house felt quieter than before, yet warmer. The moment he stepped inside, his mother rushed toward him, her eyes filled with worry that had not yet settled since he left.
"You're back…"
A breath of relief followed. His father stood nearby, his gaze steady, though the faint pride in his expression was no longer hidden.
"You did it," he said simply.
His sister had already informed them. The result had already spread. He nodded once.
"It's done."
There was no need to say more. Dinner that night was quieter than usual, yet filled with a different kind of energy. No one asked too many questions. No one pushed further. They understood that something had changed—that the path ahead was no longer something they could walk with him.
And that was enough. When night fell and silence returned, Lee Hyun sat alone in his room once more. The world outside had calmed.
But within, something stirred.
"…System."
The moment the thought surfaced, the response came instantly. A notification appeared.
[Quest Completed]
[Objective: Achieve 1st Place in Entrance Examination – Completed]
A brief pause. Then, the rewards unfolded.
[Reward Granted: Bloodline Awakening]
[Reward Granted: Special Lottery Ticket x1]
[Shop Function: Fully Unlocked]
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"…Finally."
The real rewards. The real beginning. A faint, unfamiliar energy began to rise within him, subtle at first, then gradually intensifying, as if something dormant had been touched.
His bloodline, Was about to awaken. And this time, the change would not be small.
---
To be continued...