The Special Talent Offer
While Ak Hong-hyang and the others were busy adapting to the Wi-Fi connection and focusing on their training, a small boat appeared in the distance, cutting through the waves as it approached. It was a tiny vessel, the kind one might see on a calm river, and it looked dangerously out of place on the open sea. It seemed as though a single large wave would be enough to capsize it instantly.
Bukjin and his companions turned their gaze toward the approaching craft. They soon spotted a beautiful woman, appearing to be in her early thirties, standing atop the small boat. With her long black hair fluttering in the wind and dressed in a white jeogori, she exuded an ethereal, celestial aura. Furthermore, her little boat was slicing through the water at an incredible speed, even though no one was at the oars.
How is this possible? A boat moving on its own without anyone rowing? Bukjin was genuinely surprised.
"It looks like she's heading straight for us," Han Bul-bu noted in a low voice.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the small boat reached the side of their vessel. Who is this elegant woman? The same question echoed in everyone's mind. The five members of Bukjin’s team exchanged glances, silently asking if anyone recognized her. They quickly realized that none of them had a clue.
The fast-moving boat came to a smooth halt, docking right alongside the merchant ship Bukjin and his group were using. The woman stood quietly on her deck, radiating an indescribable dignity and aristocratic grace. One look was enough to tell she was no ordinary person. Her gaze swept over the people on the ship, and a gentle smile touched her lips.
"Students on the ship? Would you mind if I came aboard for a moment?"
The team's eyes naturally drifted toward Bukjin. He had already manipulated his smartphone to deactivate the Wi-Fi function. Seeing that the woman’s demeanor was exceptionally polite and refined, Bukjin gave his consent, even though he didn't know her identity.
"Of course. Please, come up."
In a flash, the woman’s figure blurred and reappeared on their deck in the blink of an eye. She’s a powerhouse! Alarm bells rang in the hearts of everyone present. The movement technique she had just displayed far exceeded their imagination; it was clear she was an incredibly high-level martial artist.
"Who might you be?" Bukjin asked first.
The woman smiled warmly. "I’ve come from Pungeo City. I suspect you’re more interested in my position than my name... I am the Vice Principal of the National Imperial Intermediate Academy of Pungeo Province. My surname is Wang."
What?! The Vice Principal of the provincial National Imperial Intermediate Academy?
The revelation of her status sent a shockwave through the group. To Bukjin, it felt as if the dean of a top-tier Ivy League university had suddenly shown up to visit the worst-performing student at a tiny rural branch school. The rest of the team was equally stunned by the appearance of such an unexpected figure.
The Vice Principal of the most prestigious academy among the Five Great Schools... Just thinking about her status made their heads spin.
"So, you are Vice Principal Wang," Bukjin said, shaking off his shock. "Did you... perhaps come here to see me?"
Could it be? Did my dazzling performance in the Academic & Martial Arts Competition move the heart of even a prestigious academy's Vice Principal? Sigh, I suppose it couldn't be helped. My excellence has finally become known to the whole world! Bukjin thought to himself.
To be fair, anyone hearing Bukjin’s thoughts would have found them reasonable. His performance in the recent competition had been nothing short of legendary, far outstripping the contributions of his teammates. If someone like Vice Principal Wang had come looking for someone, Bukjin was the only logical choice.
However, Wang Yeoyi smiled and shook her head. "Well, that’s not entirely correct. I actually came here to meet Student Han Bul-bu. Though, of course, Student Im Bukjin is also a person of great interest to us."
"..."
A wave of awkwardness washed over Bukjin. Meanwhile, Han Bul-bu, hearing his name, gasped in disbelief.
"Vice Principal Wang... you came to see me? But why...?" Han Bul-bu could hardly believe his ears.
"That is correct," Wang Yeoyi replied. "I’ll get straight to the point. I watched your one-on-one duel with Student Jo Pacheon. It was a magnificent battle. The fighting spirit, tenacity, and potential you displayed in that fight were truly exceptional. As the Vice Principal of the Imperial Intermediate Academy, I have the authority to recommend students for special admission. I would like to recommend you as a Special Talent Student for our academy. What do you think, Student Han Bul-bu?"
"What?" Han Bul-bu’s eyes went wide. The situation was so overwhelming that his mind went blank. The other students stared at him in awe.
An opportunity to become a Special Talent Student at the National Imperial Intermediate Academy! This was a golden ticket that couldn't be bought with money or power. To have a Vice Principal-level figure deliver the news in person was the kind of miracle that only happened in novels.
"Senior Han, why are you just standing there?" Bukjin, having quickly pushed aside his awkwardness, began to get excited. He clapped Han Bul-bu on the shoulder.
"Don't just stand there like a statue! Give the Vice Principal an answer! Vice Principal Wang! Senior Han will definitely participate in the interview! Absolutely!"
Han Bul-bu finally snapped out of it. "I... I... but... my skills..." He stammered, his thoughts still paralyzed by the shock. He seemed to want to say that his skills weren't worthy of the Imperial Intermediate Academy. In truth, Han Bul-bu had believed that his level wasn't even high enough to enter any of the Five Great Academies of Pungeo Province.
Wang Yeoyi smiled as she watched him. She had expected this reaction. She had already obtained and reviewed all the data on Han Bul-bu, including his personality. The more she learned about him, the more she liked him. That was why she had rushed out to sea to find him before any other academy could snatch him up.
However, what surprised Wang Yeoyi most today was Bukjin’s reaction. Her initial response to Bukjin had been quite blunt, showing little regard for his feelings. She had seen the awkwardness flash across his face, just as she expected. But the moment Bukjin heard that Han Bul-bu was being recommended, that awkwardness vanished, replaced by genuine joy. He was as excited as if he had been the one chosen.
This reaction was outside her calculations. Is he truly happy for his friend? Or is he just hiding his embarrassment? Wang Yeoyi couldn't quite tell. But it didn't really matter. Bukjin had shown the most outstanding skills in the competition so far, but that was only by the standards of Unmong City. While he was certainly qualified to enter the Imperial Intermediate Academy, he didn't quite meet her criteria for a special recommendation. Furthermore, she didn't particularly like the notorious boy standing before her. His past behavior was the polar opposite of the Imperial Academy's values. Her only interest was in securing Han Bul-bu.
Wang Yeoyi spoke honestly. "Actually, you don't need to give me an answer right this second. From what I know, all Five Great Academies of Pungeo Province have taken an interest in Student Han Bul-bu after seeing that duel. I’m certain you’ll receive special recommendations from the other schools as well. You have three days to think it over carefully and give me your answer."
The other students looked shocked once again. All Five Great Academies want Senior Han? Just because of that one fight with Jo Pacheon? What on earth did they see in that battle? Was there something that incredible about him?
Han Bul-bu was just as bewildered. This was an opportunity he hadn't even dared to dream of. He pinched his cheek to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Baek Geum-un beat him to it, though.
Slap! Her small hand landed on Han Bul-bu’s cheek.
"Does it hurt?"
Han Bul-bu nodded, seeing stars. "It’s not a dream."
Baek Geum-un started hopping up and down. "What are you hesitating for? Give her an answer! The best academy in the province wants you! Why would you ever say no?"
Just as Han Bul-bu was about to nod in agreement, Bukjin stepped in front of him.
"Wait a moment, Senior Han. I think you should follow Vice Principal Wang’s advice and think it over carefully. There’s no need to rush. This is a major decision that will affect your entire life. It won't be too late to decide after some deep thought."
Han Bul-bu looked at Bukjin. Bukjin then turned to Wang Yeoyi.
"Vice Principal Wang. You are a person of high status and power. A single word from someone like you carries immense weight and influence. You just said that as long as Senior Han answers within three days, he can be selected as a special talent student. Is that correct?"
Wang Yeoyi nodded. "That is correct."
As she looked at Bukjin, she felt a sneer forming in her heart. Has he finally reached the limit of his jealousy and anger? Heh, is he trying to make Han Bul-bu stall so he can try to steal the opportunity for himself? Unfortunately for you, no matter how excellent your skills are—even if you win the entire competition—I have no intention of giving you a special recommendation.
Her focus remained solely on Han Bul-bu. When one likes someone, they often embrace their flaws, sometimes even seeing them as charming quirks. Conversely, when one dislikes someone, everything about them seems repulsive; even their strengths become unbearable defects. Wang Yeoyi wasn't a cruel person, nor was she particularly arrogant. She was a woman of deep cultivation and high character. If she weren't, she never would have chosen someone like Han Bul-bu—someone with no background, no overwhelming strength, and nothing particularly exceptional compared to others. And because she had chosen him first, Han Bul-bu’s reputation had skyrocketed, leading the other prestigious academies to line up for him as well.