The Path of a Soldier
In addition to his poor reputation and notorious infamy, Bukjin had shown himself to be quite the provocateur. Whether it was running blatant advertisements during the Academic & Martial Arts Competition or acting with complete disregard for social decorum, he was the definition of arrogant. His attitude—one that suggested he didn't care for anyone or anything—gave off the distinct impression of a man who had absolutely no lingering attachments to this world.
For these reasons and more, Wang Yeo-ui found it impossible to feel any goodwill toward him. Bukjin, for his part, was completely oblivious to her distaste—and even if he had noticed, he wouldn't have cared. Deep down, he was simply happy for Han Bul-bu. The only reason he had stepped in to stop his friend from accepting the offer immediately was a tactical instinct to secure better terms.
To Bukjin, "better terms" meant things like larger scholarships, more prestigious instructors, and superior treatment. He truly considered Han Bul-bu a brother; otherwise, given his personality, there was no way he would have bothered sticking his neck out for someone else's affairs. Han Bul-bu, sensing this, placed immense trust in Bukjin.
Han Bul-bu nodded and replied with impeccable politeness. "Principal Wang, I will certainly give your proposal the serious consideration it deserves. I promise to give you an answer within three days. Regardless of my final decision, it is a great honor to be recognized and valued by you. Thank you."
He was gradually regaining his composure, and his voice no longer faltered with a stutter. Wang Yeo-ui smiled and nodded in approval.
"Very well. I shall look forward to your answer, Student Han Bul-bu. And to the rest of you—the National Imperial Junior Academy always welcomes applications from talented individuals. There has been a change in the Empire's recruitment policy this year. Any student who meets the testing criteria can apply for accelerated admission, regardless of their current grade level at a junior academy."
Accelerated admission?
The Empire had historically been extremely strict about skipping grades in basic education. Such a path had long been the exclusive privilege of those with immense wealth and power, and it was generally believed that such policies failed to cultivate true talent. The students' faces were masks of shock. The Empire suddenly allowed skipping grades?
While they were reeling from the news, Wang Yeo-ui had already returned to her small boat. She released a powerful, invisible surge of energy to propel the craft, and it shot forward at an incredible speed, vanishing from their sight in the blink of an eye.
Only then did the students snap out of their daze.
"Senior Brother Im! Why did you stop Senior Brother Han earlier?" Baek Geum-un asked, eyeing Bukjin with suspicion.
Bukjin gave a brief explanation of his reasoning. "As Principal Wang said, Senior Brother Han needs time to think. While he takes his time to deliberate, his market value will only go up."
Mi Yeo-yeon nodded in agreement. "Intermediate academies are different from junior academies. They use a small-group, elite education system. Furthermore, the curriculum is highly specialized. It's not limited to broad subjects like Hyeongi, herbs, pills, formations, or history. They focus on professional education tailored to a student's individual strengths. A graduate from our academy who went on to an intermediate school once came back to give a speech. He emphasized that the quality of education and the faculty have a profound impact on one's future. In that sense, Senior Brother Im's choice was correct. There's no need to fall for the first sweet apple dangled in front of you."
"I see," Baek Geum-un replied, finally understanding.
"I suspect other prestigious academies will be reaching out to Senior Brother Han as well," Bukjin said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Senior Brother, you need to weigh your options carefully. Discuss the conditions and treatment with every school that wants you. Naturally, the Imperial Academy is the top choice, but if another school offers significantly better benefits, it might be wiser to choose them."
This line of thinking stemmed from one of the biggest dilemmas Bukjin had faced as a student back on Earth when applying for universities. Is the school name more important, or the major? Back then, Bukjin had chosen a mediocre major at a famous university, prioritizing prestige over the field of study. If given the choice again, he would have prioritized the major.
After a while, the students resumed their training until their allotted time was up. A Sea Race boatman steered their vessel back toward the harbor. Bukjin took the opportunity to review the strategy for tomorrow's team battle one last time with his teammates.
On the way back, the atmosphere among the students was a mix of emotions. Baek Geum-un was still her innocent self, chasing a large white bird that was circling the mast. Ak Hong-hyang stared out at the distant sea, lost in deep thought. Mi Yeo-yeon was the same. Wang Yeo-ui's sudden visit and her offer to Han Bul-bu seemed to have made a significant impact on both girls.
It occurred to them that the Five Great Prestigious Academies might not be as unreachable as they had thought. If Han Bul-bu can do it, why can't we? As this thought took root, a fierce competitive fire began to burn in their hearts.
And Bukjin...
Bukjin was watching the Sea Race boatman row with an expression of pure curiosity. The appearance of the Sea Race was vastly different from that of ordinary humans. Their physical builds varied wildly; some were nearly twenty or thirty feet tall, while others were the size of small children. Their bodies were often developed around their hands and feet, and some even possessed multiple sets of limbs. Most shared characteristics with marine life, and their hair and skin colors were unlike anything found in humans. Their skin tones, in particular, were incredibly diverse.
However, most of the Sea Race spoke the same language as humans, so communication was never an issue. They weren't exactly friendly toward humans, but they didn't seem to harbor active hatred either. Throughout the Empire's long history, there had been many wars between the two races, with a cycle of invasion and counter-invasion. Both sides had suffered immense losses over the centuries. Consequently, the current era of peace was a hard-won treasure for both humans and the Sea Race. With the end of the wars, they had begun to interact and trade.
Bukjin observed the boatman with fascination. He didn't care at all that Wang Yeo-ui hadn't extended an offer to him. In fact, he had no desire to leave Unmong City. Even after he finished his third year and graduated, he planned to stay. Even if the Emperor himself offered him a high-ranking government post, Bukjin wouldn't be interested.
All he wanted was to stay in Unmong City, keep his smartphone charged, and continue updating the system. His only true goal, buried deep in his heart, was to find a way back to Earth through the phone's functions. This world was vast, but he had no desire to explore it. The outside world was far too dangerous, and more than anything, he missed home.
The boat carrying the group arrived at the harbor. When the students disembarked, the 3rd Academy's private carriage was waiting for them. Just as they were about to board and depart, a group of Unmong-wi soldiers approached and signaled for the carriage to stop. Leading them was Company Commander Jin Geom-nam.
"Pardon the interruption," Jin Geom-nam asked politely. "Which of you is Student Han Bul-bu?"
The students in the carriage looked bewildered. Han Bul-bu quickly stepped down.
"I am Han Bul-bu."
Jin Geom-nam studied him with a look of intense curiosity before breaking into a warm smile. "A certain high-ranking official wishes to meet with you. Please, come with me to the Unmong-wi headquarters for a moment."
The military is inviting Han Bul-bu?
Bukjin and the other students watched with intrigue as Han Bul-bu walked away with Jin Geom-nam.
"Is Senior Brother Han in danger?" Baek Geum-un asked, her voice laced with doubt.
"I doubt it," Ak Hong-hyang replied confidently. "Commander Jin came to invite him as a favor to someone else. That means the person who wants to see him harbors goodwill. If it were anything else, they would have arrested him, not invited him."
Mi Yeo-yeon seemed to agree. "Let's just wait. We'll find out what happened once he returns."
Bukjin lay back in the carriage, seemingly unbothered. The Unmong-wi headquarters was very close to the harbor. After about the time it takes for a single stick of incense to burn, Han Bul-bu returned. The carriage finally set off toward the city center.
"Senior Brother Han! Tell us! Who wanted to see you?" Baek Geum-un asked, playing with the white bird she had caught at the shore.
Han Bul-bu shook his head. "That person's identity is classified."
"Then why did they call you?" she pressed.
"They wanted me to enlist in the military," Han Bul-bu said.
Baek Geum-un scoffed. "Enlist? When you've been offered a spot at one of the Five Great Academies? Who would choose the army over that?"
Han Bul-bu remained silent. Bukjin was internally stunned.
"You didn't... actually say yes, did you?" Ak Hong-hyang asked, sensing the heavy atmosphere.
Han Bul-bu nodded. The students were speechless, reeling from the shock. However, seeing his resolve, no one dared to ask further, and Han Bul-bu offered no more explanations.
The following day dawned clear and bright, with a refreshing breeze. As the sun rose in the east, the Unmong City harbor was already teeming with crowds. Ten Taegum-class warships were anchored along the coastline, looking like ten metallic beasts rising from the depths, a sight that stirred the hearts of all who saw them.
On the pier, City Lord Im Gun-hyeon, the ministers of the six departments, and the Unmong-wi Commander Dan Si-bi had all made an appearance. Representatives from the various prestigious academies had also taken their seats in the designated areas, ready to observe and evaluate the students they had their eyes on.
Wang Yeo-ui was among them, but her expression was one of visible disappointment. Late last night, Han Bul-bu had visited her to formally and sincerely decline her offer of admission. It was a turn of events she had never expected. And the reason he gave was one that even she couldn't argue with.
He was enlisting.