Spirit Descent
After finishing two hours of orientation, we took a short break before following Jang Han-nam to the training grounds. I'd grabbed bread and juice from the canteen right after second period ended, so my stomach was thankfully full.
It didn't take long to get to the training grounds. What you couldn't see from the main gate was the vast expanse behind the Argo Academy buildings—a whole area prepped for student training.
"Back here again."
The place we'd arrived at was Training Ground 3, modeled after an urban streetscape. I had no memory of taking the entrance exam here, but from Seol Romi's mutter nearby, it seemed like this was the test site.
A quick glance showed Shin Sua and Gong In-myeong standing calmly. Was I the only one tense?
"I trust you were looking forward to this. I was itching to move after all that talking earlier."
Jang Han-nam ordered stretches while loosening up himself. Combat training was the true flower of Argo, so the other students seemed excited too.
"No matter what, the basics are key. You've all passed the entrance exam, so you're familiar, but remember: repetition and mastery are the shortest path to strength as a Shangju."
With that, Jang Han-nam stepped back about twenty paces from the grouped students.
"Obviously, a normal human charging a monster barehanded just gets killed. But—"
As he murmured low, a whirlwind erupted around him.
-Gogogogogo
"—Shangju are different."
Before anyone noticed, a translucent military uniform from the Joseon era draped over Jang Han-nam's body—a Spirit Descent.
-Kieeeek!!
The moment he finished speaking, a black shadow leaped from the rooftop of a three-story building, as if it'd been waiting.
"Monster!"
"Don't panic. It's just a sophisticated doll."
I calmed the startled U Hyo-chung and turned to the creature. A lynx-like monster with porcupine spines covering its head: a Pin Head Lynx.
"Taat!"
Doll or not, it perfectly replicated a monster's aggression. But Jang Han-nam didn't hesitate, thrusting his fist at the charging Pin Head Lynx's sharp claws.
-Kwang!
A simple straight punch, yet the doll rocketed back like a missile, smashing into the building wall and cracking it like a spiderweb.
"A monster, huh."
U Hyo-chung muttered, awestruck. Even Mun Hee-jeong, who'd been sulking quietly, gaped in shock.
"This is the power of diligently honed basics."
What Jang Han-nam had done was a Spirit Descent, letting an Ancestor Spirit possess his body—one of the two core combat skills for Shangju, alongside poltergeist manipulation. It enhanced physical abilities with the ancestor's power while recreating their lifetime techniques... but.
<All Shangju are monsters, huh. Just the basics, and he throws a punch like that.>
"That guy's the weird one."
Only a handful, including Jang Han-nam, could land a punch like that with just Spirit Descent.
"...The Ancestor Spirit is impressive, but it's Teacher's extreme training that brings out that power."
Among the awed students, only Seol Romi offered a proper analysis.
Jang Han-nam's contracted Ancestor Spirit was Jang Bung-ik, the Joseon-era police captain famed for crushing crime rings. His martial prowess was top-tier in life, but it fell short of an Immortal Position or Ancestor God. Still, this descendant of the Indong Jang clan had forged his body and spirit force to the limit through relentless training and rituals, surpassing the spirit's potential.
A miracle born of effort.
"Most dismiss Spirit Descent as 'just basics' and half-ass it, but masters of it can face enemies without other skills."
A collective sigh rose from the students. Jang Han-nam's teaching was more than convincing—it was overwhelming.
"I have a question."
One exception.
"I know Spirit Descent is the foundation of foundations, but isn't it better to train just enough and focus elsewhere?"
Framed as a question, it was a bold challenge to the homeroom teacher's philosophy on day one. But reactions depend on who's asking.
"Hm. Group 4's Shin Sua, right? Interesting point. Why think that?"
"Most Shangju have stronger abilities than Spirit Descent."
"You mean Spirit Lord Transformation."
"Yes."
A few students nodded in agreement. Those who preferred ranged or defensive styles. Even Mun Hee-jeong, who'd stood silent till now, was one.
Spirit Lord Transformation: An advanced combat art channeling an Ancestor Spirit through a relic tied to them—like a keepsake—to manifest its power in reality. Every Class A student except me had likely mastered it pre-enrollment. Even U Hyo-chung could use it.
"Enhancing the body matters, but the effort to max out Spirit Descent could go to Spirit Lord Transformation instead—more efficient, right?"
"Fair. I hear your Spirit Lord Transformation is offense-defense integrated. No wonder you're confident; you can dominate without Spirit Descent."
Shin Sua pushed back bluntly, but Jang Han-nam grinned like it was fun.
"You're right. A punch like mine is easier with Spirit Lord Transformation. Diverting time and resources there grows you faster—more efficient. But—"
Jang Han-nam's form vanished in a blur, reappearing before Shin Sua.
-Whoosh
He unleashed a punch radiating immense pressure. But Shin Sua reacted with startling speed.
"Kuh...!"
A hand-sized mini screenfold fan glowed blue, expanding instantly to block his fist.
-Clang!
The clash of manifested spirit force shook the air.
"She blocked Teacher's punch?!"
U Hyo-chung gasped, but reality differed. Shin Sua's face twisted in agony; Jang Han-nam oozed leisure.
-Zip!
He vanished again, reappearing behind her. Even the prized top entrant couldn't react. He grabbed her uniform collar, hoisting her like a cat by the scruff.
"In real combat, efficiency doesn't save your life. Remember that."
Silence fell. Students who'd agreed with Shin Sua were now overwhelmed by Jang Han-nam's display.
"Twenty years in this game, and showboating might seem childish. Tough luck—I'm that kind of teacher, and I won't change."
Intuitive lessons are the best education. I recalled his motto. Consistent guy.
Still, many students looked unconvinced.
"Lots haven't bought into Spirit Descent's necessity yet. Let's make it a quiz with bonus points."
Jang Han-nam noticed too.
"Spirit Lord Transformation grows you faster—true. But why do top-tier Shangju stress Spirit Descent endlessly? Answer per group, first come first served."
Groups huddled in discussion. No quizzes on day one before—my butterfly effect?
"No clue."
U Hyo-chung was lost. Bonus points had Mun Hee-jeong facing us seriously, though she seemed uninterested in speaking.
"You got nothing?"
I asked; she whipped her head away.
"...Not really. Just three days as a kid."
Spirit Descent—what even is it? Sounds so corny.
She added softly, her voice thin like her frame.
It made sense she wasn't deep into it. Her Spirit Lord Transformation boasted ironclad defense—no need for body boosts to fight or flee. Though that "defense specialist" idea was a misconception till she grasped true use; I'd correct it later. Ironic how acing the exam against a doll with fake Ancestor Spirit misled her.
"Well, Taeyang, any guesses...?"
"Thinking. Hold on."
Recalling game dialogue, I inferred the answer as other groups raised hands.
"Group 8. Confident? Speak."
"A healthy mind in a healthy body?"
"Your health must suck if that's your 'answer.'"
"Huh?"
"Group 8: full-body twists, 50 reps on the spot. Now."
"N-Now!"
First tryout flopped hard. Shin Sua and Seol Romi pondered warily. Gong In-myeong chilled with music; his group looked sick.
"Next. Group 4."
"My take—"
"Wrong. You need healthy minds too."
After Group 4's PT doom, I remembered a mid-game combat event lesson. Key: the expression difference when Jang Han-nam's punch met Shin Sua's screenfold.
"Got it."
I raised my hand before my group agreed.
"Group 7?"
"Yes."
Timing after two fails; all eyes on me.
"Why do top Shangju drill Spirit Descent?"
"Because it's efficient."
Mun Hee-jeong glared like I was insane. PT in that puffy outfit? Who knows what she'd do.
"Didn't hear Teacher say efficiency doesn't save lives?"
She eyed me like a startled deer turned killer.
"Chill."
As I soothed her, U Hyo-chung chuckled in disbelief; others too. No way that's right. Test-dumper idiot. Delinquent looks. Seemed Class A pegged me as dumb already.
I wasn't confident either. Me, wrong on basics?
"Fun. I denied efficiency minutes ago, now you say drill it for efficiency. Explain."
Him demanding reasoning—not PT—proved me right. Now solve it.
"Shin Sua's Spirit Lord Transformation held enough power to block Teacher's punch."
"Not asking for praise. Continue."
I nodded.
"Similar output, but their spirit forces differed hugely."
"Specifically?"
"Shin Sua used way more than Teacher."
Some students sighed in realization. I'd seen it: Jang Han-nam's spirit haze was compact, packing huge punch; Shin Sua's vast output barely blocked.
She wasn't lacking—talent overflowed. Why Spirit Descent's efficiency? Simple: advanced Spirit Lord Transformation guzzles spirit force matching its power; Spirit Descent doesn't.
"Without Spirit Descent mastery, you're stuck spamming Spirit Lord Transformation, burning limited spirit force."
A mastered Shangju activates Spirit Lord Transformation only when needed, efficiently. Dodge or tank with body boosts—no waste.
Spirit Lord-only rushers face mobs? Exhaust quick.
"Spot on."
Jang Han-nam approached with a killer grin of satisfaction.
"Hear that? Just like Kim Taeyang said."
His meaty palm clapped my shoulder.
"Getting strong efficiently ≠ fighting efficiently. The most inefficient, boring training lets you max efficiency in battle."
He'd baited "efficiency" to block easy answers.
"Group 7 gets 2 points."
"Whoa!"
U Hyo-chung glomped me in shock. Mun Hee-jeong softened, tension easing.
"Did you just smile?"
"Shut up."
Cute. Gemma's quip at her face made me stifle a laugh. Socially awkward girl.
Hecklers shut up, pretending nothing. Only Seol Romi and Shin Sua glared. Romi hates not winning; Sua's pride stung from her flop and no comeback.
Anyway, poked the wrong bears.
<Oh. Studious delinquent?>
"Perfect placement test score, me."
As I replied to Gemma, Jang Han-nam clapped twice, refocusing us.
"Excitement's fine, but class ain't over. You're grinding here till fourth period."
He reminded us what bonus-chasing made us forget.
"As said, Spirit Descent's real-combat value is incalculable. You get it intellectually from Kim Taeyang, but experiencing beats hearing."
Two more claps: monster dolls emerged from Training Ground 3's hiding spots.
"Next 1 hour 40 minutes: fight dolls using only Spirit Descent. Spirit Lord Transformation or poltergeist? Deductions."
I'd known, just sighed. Others sweated in panic.
"Shoulda eaten a burger."
<Man up and prep.>
First combat training. I prayed no big injuries, pulled my staff from my bag, and took stance.
"Begin."
Dolls charged at Jang Han-nam's signal.
"Spirit Descent!"
Gemma's soul, turned will-o-wisp, surged into me.