I’ll Show You Despair
A short while later.
Before the measurements had even begun, Instructor Jeong Sam-seok walked straight toward Bukjin and spoke.
"Im Bukjin. Oh Sobang, last year’s champion, has exercised his privilege. Furthermore, the geniuses from the other classes have been pestering the faculty with requests of their own. Consequently, your group assignment has been adjusted. Follow me to Training Arena One."
In an instant, countless gazes shifted toward Bukjin. Their eyes were filled with curiosity, pity, and sympathy. In the history of the academy’s annual competitions, Training Arena One held a special significance. It was the stage reserved specifically for the geniuses the school administration and faculty kept a close eye on, where their Hyeongi—their Mystic Energy—was measured separately from the rest.
The current situation was clear: because Bukjin had displayed such exceptional skill during yesterday’s written exam, scoring perfectly in all three subjects, he was now being targeted by the other top students. Had it not been for that, his previous track record would never have qualified him to be measured at Arena One. The other students naturally began to imagine Bukjin being trampled by the geniuses of each class during this practical exam. It was, by all accounts, a cruel turn of events.
Bukjin followed behind Jeong Sam-seok toward Arena One, asking in a low voice, "Instructor, what kind of privilege does the winner of the previous competition receive?"
Jeong Sam-seok replied without even turning his head. "The previous champion has the privilege to choose the location and format of their exam. It’s merely a courtesy to allow them to test in a comfortable environment; it doesn't actually grant any bonus points."
"I see," Bukjin replied nonchalantly.
As they walked, Jeong Sam-seok continued, "Im Bukjin. The fact that you scored perfectly on all three subjects yesterday has already spread to every academy in Unmong City. Because of that, the Unmong City Education Committee has dispatched a Special Inspector for today’s practical exam. Ostensibly, he’s here to oversee the 3rd Academy’s competition, but in reality, he’s here to observe you. You must be even more mindful of the exam regulations from here on out."
"Yes, sir," Bukjin replied, again with total indifference.
Bukjin understood that Jeong Sam-seok was telling him not to act rashly or lose his temper as he usually did. Bukjin had already staked everything on this competition. He had to take first place. As long as no one harassed or provoked him, he intended to finish the exam quietly and efficiently.
After a few more steps, Jeong Sam-seok asked in a hushed tone, as if he couldn't hold it back any longer, "How are you feeling today? Are you confident about the practical?"
Bukjin replied, "I’m just going to do it, I guess."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, I think if I just put in a decent effort, taking first place shouldn't be a problem."
"You brat, do you think this situation is a joke? I am asking you seriously."
"I’m not joking either, you know."
"Fine. I won't ask anymore. The practical exam is different from the written one. It’s a realm that cannot be conquered by cramming. Your martial foundations are lacking, so I don't have high expectations. Just do your best to get a passing grade; if you do that, staying in the academy shouldn't be an issue."
"Hmm... Instructor, you seem quite interested in me, don't you?"
"Just consider it a favor for your father’s sake."
"Were you and my father on good terms?"
"You’ll find out later... We’ve arrived."
While they were talking, the two had reached the front of Arena One. Four instructors, including Grade Dean Cho Heun, were standing atop the platform. Beside them stood a middle-aged man dressed in long blue robes. They had been conversing amongst themselves, but as Bukjin arrived below the arena, they all turned to look at him.
The gaze of the man in the blue robes was particularly intense. Bukjin knew immediately that this was the Special Inspector from the Education Committee Jeong Sam-seok had mentioned. He wasn't sure if he was imagining it, but he felt a massive wave of hostility coming from the man. Bukjin didn't like the inspector one bit, but he didn't let it show on his face.
"Today, Inspector Lee Cheong-hyeon of the Unmong City Education Committee has visited our testing grounds to encourage you all. You students of Group One are the elite talents of our 3rd Academy’s second year. With the Inspector watching, I hope you will demonstrate your skills to the fullest. That said, there is no need to be overly nervous. Now, let the practical exam begin!"
Grade Dean Cho Heun announced in a booming voice. Soon after, the instructor serving as the proctor stepped forward and began calling out names.
"Number 87, Class 2-1, Naeng Yeop! Step up! We will measure your Hyeongi!"
Naeng Yeop, a boy with fair skin and a neat appearance, was the ace of Class 1. He was quite popular. Not expecting to be called first, he looked surprised before hurrying up onto the arena.
In the center of the arena floor, a square black stone plate about three feet wide was embedded. Atop it sat a square pillar made of white jade, about one foot thick and three feet high. Mystic runes were engraved upon the jade pillar. From a distance, Bukjin thought it looked remarkably like the thermometers he had seen back on Earth. The name of this white jade pillar was the Measuring Stone.
The Measuring Stone was an artifact crafted using Mystic Array formations, used specifically to measure the grade of one's Hyeongi. As Naeng Yeop stepped onto the platform, the proctor approached and inspected his body for any hidden items. Once the inspection was complete, Naeng Yeop stood to the right of the stone. He placed his palm upon the Measuring Stone and began to circulate the maximum amount of Mystic Energy his body could produce.
Immediately, a pale red light rose from the very center of the stone. It looked exactly like mercury rising in a thermometer when exposed to high heat. A moment later, everyone’s eyes turned toward the markings on the stone that indicated the Hyeongi grade. The pale red light climbed rapidly, reaching the third marking. Its speed slowed as it passed the mark, finally coming to a halt about three finger-widths above the third line.
Naeng Yeop maintained his energy for about ten breaths. His face was flushed red, and the veins in his neck were bulging. With that, the measurement was complete.
"Naeng Yeop, Hyeongi Grade 3.6."
The proctor announced the final score. According to the regulations, the examinee had to use their energy to push the light as high as possible and then maintain that state for ten breaths to determine the final grade. Naeng Yeop looked thrilled. A grade of 3.6 was the highest score he had ever received. He bowed politely toward the instructors and the Inspector before stepping down with a beaming face.
The instructors watching him also looked pleased. According to statistics, the average Hyeongi grade for first-year students was between 1 and 2. Only a handful of geniuses ever exceeded Grade 2. For second-year students, the average was between 2 and 3. Reaching Grade 3 was enough to be considered a talent. Similarly, third-year students averaged between 3 and 4, with anything over 4 being deemed genius-level. Naeng Yeop’s 3.6 was a score perfectly worthy of being called a genius. It was an auspicious start to the exam.
Grade Dean Cho Heun was also very satisfied. He turned his head to look at the Special Inspector, Lee Cheong-hyeon. However, Lee Cheong-hyeon’s expression remained stoic, even somewhat dissatisfied.
"Brother Cheong-hyeon, is there something about this score that displeases you?" Cho Heun asked.
Lee Cheong-hyeon replied without hesitation. "By the standards of the 1st and 2nd Academies, a score like that is merely average. If the average level of the so-called geniuses in the 3rd Academy’s second year is only that much, I cannot help but be disappointed."
Hearing this, Cho Heun put on an awkward expression and said, "We’ve only just begun. Please, keep watching."
"Is that so? I hope you won't disappoint me," Lee Cheong-hyeon replied flatly.
The exam continued. The students who followed Naeng Yeop generally scored between 3.1 and 3.2. The dozen or so students who came after him were all at a similar level. The proctor’s complexion began to sour, and cold sweat started to bead on Cho Heun’s forehead.
"Now, everyone, don't be too nervous. There’s no rush, so relax and show us what you’ve got!" Cho Heun shouted.
The pace of the exam slowed slightly, but the results didn't change much. As time passed, disappointment and boredom began to cloud Lee Cheong-hyeon’s face.
"Class 2-3, Go Min, Hyeongi Grade 3.8!"
Finally, a score surpassing Naeng Yeop’s appeared. Only then did Cho Heun let out a long sigh of relief. Go Min was the top student of Class 3. It seemed he had finally achieved a breakthrough. Cho Heun turned to look at Lee Cheong-hyeon, but the man’s expression remained unchanged. Even a 3.8 wasn't enough to move the Inspector’s heart.
"Class 2-5, Jeong Sang-yong, Hyeongi Grade 3.7!"
"Class 2-10, Song Ho, Hyeongi Grade 3.6!"
"Class 2-4, Wang Do, Hyeongi Grade 3.3!"
"Class 2-8, Ak Hong-hyang, Hyeongi Grade 4.0!"
Finally, the first Grade 4 score of the second year appeared. It was Ak Hong-hyang, the top student of Class 8. Cho Heun was overjoyed. Ak Hong-hyang was truly one of the core talents of the second year. Cho Heun thought that a score like this would surely move Lee Cheong-hyeon. But when he turned his head, the Inspector’s face was still cold.
Dammit... Cho Heun grumbled inwardly. We’re just the 3rd Academy. Isn't he setting the bar cruelly high?
Cho Heun felt stifled. The exam pressed on. Time flowed by, and most of the students from each class finished their measurements. The students who had completed their tests gathered around Arena One with curious faces. More and more people were watching the platform with intense interest.
"Class 2-1, Oh Sobang! Step up to the arena!" the proctor called out loudly.
Oh Sobang snapped to attention. Finally, my turn.
Oh Sobang turned his head and shot a cold smile at Bukjin, who was standing not far away.
"Im Bukjin, keep your eyes wide open and watch closely. I’m going to show you exactly how massive the gap between us is. I’m going to make you taste true despair."