I Entered an Academy in a Ruined Game

Chapter 180 : Additional Selection (1)

"I want to warn you in advance that there's a reason why internships were only permitted to top-ranking cadets until now."

Kim Cheol-han began writing on the blackboard.

"Although it's called an internship, you'll essentially be performing all of the Execution Force's actual duties as a rookie. It's absolutely no exaggeration to say that life and death hang in the balance. In fact, cases of cadets unfortunately dying during internships aren't that rare."

Gulp.

Someone could be heard swallowing.

"That's why originally cadets could only be dispatched as interns after becoming second-years. You still have many shortcomings."

The cadets' faces, which had been excited about the new opportunity, hardened with tension.

"You'll be fighting against Ma-in who have no hesitation about killing you, who are strong and even cunning. Not only that, but Gates, criminal organizations, vigilance-designated groups hidden behind veils, even humans. Your battlefield is diverse. Jeong Su-hyeon."

Kim Cheol-han called me out.

"Yes."

"You've already accumulated much more field experience compared to your peers. What do you think?"

"I think it's very dangerous."

I stood up and answered immediately.

"You've probably heard about the threat of Ma-in until your ears have calluses, but the recent increasing riots by criminal organizations are also extremely dangerous. Moreover, when vigilance-designated groups get involved, things become very complicated."

Vigilance-designated groups.

Secret organizations operating in the shadows, each with their own objectives.

'Nam Tae-hoon's organization falls into this category too.'

"They're organizations with a high possibility of causing bloodshed and going berserk at any time."

"Correct. Of course, most of them have had their influence greatly reduced through numerous suppression operations since the early days of the Gate Era. But there's no doubt they remain a potential threat that could stab us in the back at any time."

"That's right. Moreover, no one is going to protect our lives and safety for us. We have to protect our own lives while doing our fair share, so it's clearly not something to take lightly."

"Good answer. Sit down."

After I sat down, Kim Cheol-han continued.

"The reason I'm explaining this at such length is because I want you to fill out the application forms with careful consideration, based on serious and rational judgment rather than petty ambition."

In short, Kim Cheol-han said.

"This isn't something to be simply happy about because 'we've been given an opportunity!' Rather, you should be wary about why they need to draft even inexperienced cadets like us."

"......"

'As expected, the mood killer.'

After thoroughly dampening the cadets' spirits, Kim Cheol-han finally chuckled.

"Nevertheless, cadets who wish to apply for the internship should complete the application form."

The cadets, who had been nervously eyeing the documents placed on the podium, began to stand up one by one.

"Applicants will be screened for eligibility through a comprehensive skills assessment by the Instructors and Assistant Instructors."

"Eek."

Kim Cheol-han briefly glanced at Kim A-yun, who startled and hurriedly returned to her seat, then turned his gaze to me.

"Of course, we'll need to verify how much progress you've made during the break."

'This gives me a bad feeling.'

I asked.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Yes. It's a test."

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Su-hyeon, Seo Jun-seong, Hwang Ji-su, Lee Yu-jin, and Hong In-hyeon stood side by side at the podium.

"As you know, the cadets who ranked in the top five and were granted qualification are those with undeniable, superior skills."

Kim Cheol-han said, tapping Hong In-hyeon's shoulder on the far left.

"They're also cadets whom everyone acknowledged could adequately fulfill their duties in any unit, even before the current turbulent situation."

On the other hand.

"You could say you're competing in a loser's bracket."

"......"

Kim Cheol-han looked around at the intimidated cadets and said.

"So let's do this. Cadets who want to participate in the internship should choose one of these five to challenge. How well you perform against them will be a very important factor in the evaluation."

"...?"

"...!"

'Well, well.'

Su-hyeon thought.

'What a wickedly clever idea.'

As a result, five out of the 25 cadets gave up applying.

So there were 20 applicants in total.

This meant that each of the five top-ranked cadets would face about four opponents each.

"Now designate your challenger."

Despite Kim Cheol-han's words, the cadets were still rolling their eyes, engaged in a subtle competition of reading each other's intentions.

"Any questions?"

"What about the other classes?"

Hwang Ji-su asked.

"Classes 2 and 3 will have their own evaluations. It's left to the discretion of each homeroom Instructor."

'So this was all this guy's idea.'

Su-hyeon inwardly admired it.

"I'll give you five minutes. Quick decision-making is also a quality of a competent Execution Force member."

'Hmmmm.'

Nam Tae-hoon sent his gaze left and right as he thought.

'This is unexpected, but in this situation, I definitely need to go on this internship.'

To do that, he needed to choose an opponent with a good compatibility.

'Let's see. I've already fought Lee Yu-jin.'

Nam Tae-hoon turned his eyes to the right.

'Among them, Hong In-hyeon might be the most manageable.'

The problem was.

'You bastards, I'll half-kill anyone who picks me!'

...seeing Hong In-hyeon's face burning with that message made it seem a bit risky.

'Hwang Ji-su and I don't have good compatibility.'

Nam Tae-hoon clicked his tongue, remembering the previous practical training.

Although it wasn't his fault since he was affected by a Ma-in's ability, he couldn't even touch a hair on her.

'Seo Jun-seong has the worst compatibility with me.'

Through process of elimination, all that was left was Jeong Su-hyeon?

"Hmm."

'Well, fine. Let's give it a try. I've been curious anyway.'

Nam Tae-hoon, letting out a slight sigh, stood up.

"I designate Jeong Su-hyeon."

"Ah! Me too."

Nam Tae-hoon and Han Soyul were the first to stand in front of Su-hyeon.

"Ohhh!"

"They're going straight for Su-hyeon?"

"Well, considering their characteristics, it makes sense."

"I challenge Jun-seong."

"Me too."

Kim A-yun and Oh Min-seon stood in front of Seo Jun-seong.

"......"

Seo Jun-seong looked at the two with an expressionless, inscrutable gaze.

"I pick Ji-su."

"M-me too."

Choi Min-a and Park Chang-jun stood in front of Hwang Ji-su.

"Hooh."

Hwang Ji-su smiled, full of competitive spirit.

"Seems like I've been underestimated."

"It's not particularly that."

Choi Min-a replied calmly.

"I choose Lee Yu-jin!"

"Judo was originally a martial art created to counter swordsmen, after all."

Jeremy McGarr and Kang Geon-woo designated Lee Yu-jin.

"I look forward to it."

Lee Yu-jin bowed her head slightly.

"I choose In-hyeon."

"Me too."

At the two people's designation, Hong In-hyeon grinned.

"I'll make you regret it."

❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀

That afternoon.

After completing their morning classes, the cadets gathered in the virtual combat training room to conduct selection trials for additional qualification.

[Begin immediately.]

The first matchup, determined by drawing lots, was Seo Jun-seong versus Oh Min-seon.

"Hah!"

As luck would have it, the map was also advantageous for Oh Min-seon—a city outskirts.

Oh Min-seon immediately manipulated a massive area of ground, creating enormous asphalt walls that surrounded Seo Jun-seong.

"Wow!"

"Trapped him in an instant!"

Snap!

As Oh Min-seon snapped her fingers, the asphalt fortress instantly collapsed.

"She's trying to crush him to death!"

"Hmm."

Seo Jun-seong quietly drew up his mana, and.

Freeze!

The tens of tons of asphalt rubble that were pouring down on him stopped in midair as if in a freeze-frame.

"...Insane!"

Oh Min-seon had to be shocked twice.

One was because of the scene right before her eyes.

'I can't move my body! When did he...?'

The second was Seo Jun-seong's skill in restraining Oh Min-seon with an invisible hand through meticulous telekinetic control without her even noticing.

Whoooosh!

Free from gravity's influence and now under Seo Jun-seong's telekinetic control, the asphalt debris showered down on Oh Min-seon.

"Urgh!"

Oh Min-seon squeezed her eyes shut at the overwhelming sight, and.

Whoooosh!

Immediately, the asphalt debris stopped in midair, creating a wind that wildly tousled her hair.

"...I surrender."

In a battle that could only be described as overwhelming, Oh Min-seon raised both hands.

"What is he...?"

"What did he do during the break? He seems much stronger."

[Match over. The winner is Seo Jun-seong.]

The cadets were left speechless at the overwhelming result.

[Lee Yu-jin and Jeremy McGarr, prepare yourselves.]

The next matchup began immediately.

"Huhuhu. Behold!"

Woong.

Mana rose from Jeremy McGarr's tightly gripped spear.

"Aura Spear!"

"Spear energy? That's impressive!"

'Remarkable.'

A special gleam appeared in Su-hyeon's eyes as he watched.

'This guy has grown considerably too. To be using Aura Spear at the beginning of the second semester?'

Of course, its form and completion still seemed at a beginner's level.

But even that was an achievement worth praising.

"Huhuhu. You're not the only one who can use sword energy!"

Moreover, he still had one more trick up his sleeve.

Flare!

As flames rose up over Jeremy McGarr's Aura Spear, the cadets burst into admiration.

"Wow, with that, it could be tough even for Yu-jin!"

"Yu-jin's Penetrating Scene is intimidating, but that flaming spear also looks daunting to clash with!"

Just as the thought that it might be an unexpectedly even fight crossed the cadets' minds.

Whoosh!

The sword that Lee Yu-jin suddenly unsheathed created a large flying strike that cut through the air and attacked Jeremy McGarr.

Claaang!

"Wooaah!"

"What is that?"

"A flying slash?"

"When did she learn such a technique..."

'She's refined it further. The completion level is impressive.'

Only Su-hyeon smiled knowingly.

"What will you do now? You can't utilize the spear's reach advantage in this situation."

"......"

Jeremy McGarr, whose achievements were suddenly overshadowed, broke out in a cold sweat.

'Damn, this is a situation I didn't anticipate.'

As expected of Yu-jin.

Her swordsmanship was the real deal.

But the surprises weren't over yet.

"Haah."

After taking a deep breath, Lee Yu-jin took a step forward and slashed diagonally to launch another flying strike.

Claaaang!

Jeremy McGarr's body flinched as he parried the attack with his spear.

"Kuk?!"

"That's!"

Su-hyeon exclaimed in admiration.

'She's incorporated Penetrating Scene properties into her flying strike!'

Judging by Jeremy McGarr's reaction, its completion level wasn't yet sufficient.

'But that's amazing. That's a perfect secret technique.'

"Damn it! Are you going to keep doing this? Let's have a proper sword clash!"

Jeremy McGarr shouted in frustration.

"Let's do that."

Lee Yu-jin accepted his proposal all too readily.

"...?"

Though confused, Jeremy McGarr quickly approached and thrust his flame-wreathed spear forcefully.

Clang clang clang!

But Lee Yu-jin calmly deflected the spear with the tip of her sword.

"Kuuk!"

Jeremy McGarr's expression twisted in discomfort as he took damage from the Penetrating Scene.

"Ugh... damn it."

"You didn't think you could just rely on your increased specs without properly preparing countermeasures, did you?"

Lee Yu-jin delivered a sharp rebuke with a disappointed face.

'Su-hyeon would never do that.'

"Hmm, you're right. Honestly, I was complacent."

Jeremy McGarr nodded with a bitter expression.

"But I did prepare at least one trump card."

"Looking forward to it."

Whirlllll.

As Jeremy McGarr spun his spear like a windmill, a wheel of fire formed in the air, like a traditional firework.

'An attack method that utilizes both firepower and rotational force!'

Lee Yu-jin's eyes widened slightly.

'This could be dangerous if not handled properly.'

"Here I come!"

Claaang!

The two crossed paths, and.

"...Tch."

With his spearhead broken off and shaft snapped, Jeremy McGarr fell to his knees with a slash across his chest.

"That last move was good."

Lee Yu-jin, without a single burn mark on her pristine face, sheathed her sword.

[Match over. The winner is Lee Yu-jin.]

Kim Cheol-han declared.

"Wooooow!"

"So cool! Is this a movie or what?"

"What did Yu-jin do during the break? She seems much stronger!"

"Jeremy trained quite hard too, but he wasn't even close to being a match."

[Next. Jeong Su-hyeon and Han Soyul, prepare yourselves.]

❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀

Su-hyeon and Han Soyul, who met inside the matted dojang, gave each other slight nods.

"I look forward to this."

"Likewise!"

Were-impala Han Soyul was a kick specialist.

'She's deeply trained in Taekwondo, a striker who utilizes her unique leg power and elasticity to deliver flashy and powerful attacks.'

Su-hyeon placed his hwando, customized to resemble the Moonless Sword, on the floor.

"Ohhh!"

"Going for a bare-handed fight!"

"Now this will be interesting!"

"Hmph. So confident."

Han Soyul lowered her stance and slowly closed the distance.

"That guy even beat Yang Dongju-sunbae in a Muay Thai fight!"

Kim Ho-su said.

"Yes. He's not just good at the punching game."

Kang Geon-woo nodded.

"But knowing his personality, he might insist on fighting with kicks only."

Just as Hong In-hyeon said.

"You know you can be annoying sometimes, right? If you weren't good-looking, you'd be totally unlikable."

Han Soyul laughed, seeing Su-hyeon take a stance similar to hers, ready to deliver kicks at any moment.

"Hmm. I think so too."

Su-hyeon's bad habit was about to start again.