Entrance Exam (2): Shocking Upset
"As expected, this year's class is on another level. To think so many exceptional talents have gathered."
Everyone in the room nodded at the murmur. It was an undeniable fact.
About twenty men and women sat in their seats, staring at the massive monitor. The screen was divided into dozens of sections, each showing the outstanding cadets in their respective groups. Next to it, a device updated scores and eliminations in real time.
This was the monitoring room on the top floor of the academy—one of the key facilities commonly known as the president's office.
"Hmm, worthy of the title Hero. Impressive. Taking out three or four with a single blow."
"The power of the goddess truly is on another plane. It's almost unfair how strong she is."
"Now, now—even with the goddess's blessing, the essence of that power comes from within. She's just strong. We mustn't forget that."
Naturally, the most popular view was Group A, where Hero Erina Yulis was placed. But it wasn't the only one drawing attention.
"Yurika Heinrich's holy spells are remarkable too. To wield such vast divine power—truly worthy of being appointed Saintess by the Church."
"Her movements are still clumsy and slow, but just firing Holy Arrow drops most of them on the spot."
"Her role is supporter and healer from the start. Excelling at both proves her excellence."
Next was Group C.
"Aren't you all watching the second daughter of the Jo-un family? Look at that absurd sorcery. Even I can't comprehend the formula—embarrassing as that is to admit."
"The Jo-un family wields inexplicable powers through bloodline factors passed down from their ancestors. It's only natural we mortals can't grasp it."
The four semifinal groups lived up to their reputations, captivating not only the instructors but even the gaze of the elderly man seated at the center.
Cheonwigwang—the president of Prunel Academy and a legendary Awakener known as the "Furious Sleeping Dragon." He stroked his long beard and addressed the man beside him.
"No need to evaluate those four. They've long surpassed cadet level. That's why we placed other promising ones in the other groups, correct, Instructor Kang Hanseong?"
Kang Hanseong, who had been silent, nodded.
"Yes, President. We've assigned at least two to each remaining group. All top prospects from the entrance applications."
"Hmm. In your opinion, excluding those four, which group stands out the most?"
"My insight is limited, but personally, I find the two in Group G the most intriguing."
At his words, the red-haired woman beside him lit up. Jegalrin, the instructor in charge of the Magic and Pharmacy departments.
"Oh? The White Wolf has high expectations? Now I'm curious."
"...Please refrain from calling me by that title."
"Oops, sorry. So, Whitey? Who's in G?"
"...Cadets Song Junho and Hwangbo Han."
Cheonwigwang showed interest at the names.
"Hwangbo Han—the son of Hwangbo Muhon?"
"Yes, the legitimate heir. Apparently trained directly in martial arts and physical conditioning."
Hwangbo Muhon—the S-rank hero commonly called the Fist King. His son, Hwangbo Han, had inherited his father's superior physique and talent, plus immense support from childhood. It would be stranger if he wasn't strong.
"Against the son of the Song sword clan... This should be interesting. Let's finish watching the Hero's performance first, then evaluate slowly."
Cheonwigwang spoke calmly, as if there was no rush—but the report that followed made that impossible.
"P-President."
"Hm? What is it?"
"...Cadet Hwangbo Han has just been eliminated."
"...!?"
His words left the president and all the instructors stunned. They hurriedly checked Group G. Sure enough, Hwangbo Han's name was marked in red on the list.
And it wasn't just him. While other groups had at most ten eliminations, over half of Group G's cadets had dropped out en masse—like they'd been swept away by someone.
Some instructors looked baffled at the rapidly climbing list.
"What is this? Was Cadet Song Junho this strong?"
"It's only been 20 minutes. Even for a prodigy, this is..."
Only Cheonwigwang let out a gasp of admiration.
"Incredible. His sword is that fast and fierce? Blood truly can't be denied."
"N-No... It's not Cadet Song Junho's doing."
"...What? Then who? Are some cadets teaming up?"
Cheonwigwang suggested a joint attack. Logically, nothing else explained such quick devastation.
But even that was off the mark.
"No. It was all one cadet."
"...Who?"
The instructor checking the screen swallowed dryly.
"Cadet Choi Siwoo—ranked 410th in entrance scores."
* * *
The boy stared in a daze, entranced. His messy gray hair tangled like cotton fluff, and his gentle eyes gave the impression of a monk who couldn't harm a single ant—but anyone who knew his identity wouldn't dare say that.
Song Junho. The boy who carried the blood of the Song family, which had produced sword saints for generations.
Though born from a one-night fling and not fully recognized as family, his innate genius couldn't be hidden. Through grueling effort from childhood, he'd built confidence in his skills and vowed never to falter, no matter the foe.
Yet that vow rang hollow now. He was more shocked than ever in his life.
...What the hell just happened?
It was instantaneous. A mere instant, really.
He recalled the events ten minutes prior.
Transported to a dense forest. Crossing it, he first encountered none other than Hwangbo Han.
He knew instinctively. The rumors of the Fist King's son as a next-gen hero weren't exaggerated. This man before him was strong.
As they clashed, sensing each other's prowess, a mysterious cadet suddenly appeared and kicked Hwangbo Han away.
If that were the end of it, he'd have shrugged it off. A surprise attack from someone specialized in ambushes or stealth was fair game.
But Hwangbo Han flew off with a "Kweeeek!", slamming into a boulder and passing out cold.
Hwangbo Han. A monster whose raw physical power even he couldn't easily overcome.
"What the..."
He swallowed dryly. Before him stood a boy who perfectly fit "young noble"—a head shorter than him, with a slender frame lacking any visible muscle.
Which made it all the harder to believe.
That body produced that kind of power?
No mana enhancement either—no telltale mana waves.
His body tensed instinctively.
"Hey."
"...!"
The boy who called him smirked, utterly different from before.
"Long time no see, kid."
"...You know me?"
"Course I do. Know you real well."
How could he not? They were once the closest of bros.
He wiped sweat from his gleaming forehead after mowing down approaching foes to reach him. Song Junho flinched, thinking it an attack.
Kid's still a scaredy-cat.
"What're you doing? Here for a staring contest? Guys don't gawk like that."
He crooked a finger at the gulping Song Junho.
"Come at me, kid."
* * *
A whoosh echoed as a purple flash streaked through the air. The serene yet lethal sword trail carved massive scars around it.
Anyone would call it flawless. Those versed in the blade would praise the fusion of talent and effort.
At its center, the wielder—Song Junho—unleashed ceaseless strikes aimed at finishing the boy before him.
To onlookers, it looked like he had the upper hand. But reality was the opposite.
Not even grazing him!
His sword inflicted zero damage on Choi Siwoo. Not even close to landing, let alone brushing cloth.
Meanwhile, his opponent moved a step ahead, effortlessly countering.
No doubt about it. He predicted every swing before it happened.
Reading all sword paths perfectly for ideal responses. Siwoo was toying with him in the palm of his hand.
This can't be real...!
The more Song Junho swung, the deeper he sank into an endless bog.
Thud!!!
"Guh!"
Suddenly, lightning-fast movement—a kick slammed into his gut. Concise and lethal, like a honed spear ripping organs.
His waist buckled naturally. Seizing the gap, a follow-up struck his jaw.
Song Junho tumbled backward pathetically.
Then he felt eyes looking down.
"What're you doing? Here to nap? Get up and grab your sword already."
"......"
He was playing with him. The gap was undeniable.
He couldn't comprehend. If it were famed Hero Erina Yulis, he'd accept it.
What the hell is this monster...?
Was he really the same age?
As shock and fear froze Song Junho, Choi Siwoo opposite him tilted his head in confusion.
Why's this kid not going all out?
Did he eat something bad and get a stomachache?