It had been a transformative two months since Hee-Joon had enrolled in the training academy. He had delved deep into the intricacies of dungeon exploration, honing his knowledge of monsters, mana stones, and the inner workings of the mystical labyrinths.
Now, as the curriculum shifted towards combat training and formations for the remaining four months, Hee-Joon felt a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
Unlike most awakened who was bound to a specific power type, be it magic or weaponry, Hee-Joon's awakening had been different. He found himself confused about which path to choose as he did not unlock any attributes or skills and only relied on the system which gave him points.
While others in his class were mastering their specialized skills, he grappled with the challenge of understanding and harnessing his own mixed powers.
As the time for combat training approached, Hee-Joon felt a growing sense of unease. Unlike his classmates, he lacked any elemental powers or combat skills. All he had was the system, which provided basic tasks and awarded points at the end. The discrepancy between him and his peers left him feeling anxious and unsure of how to proceed.
In the midst of his inner turmoil, Hyun-Soo, a classmate known for his aloof and cold demeanor, approached Hee-Joon. His expression was one of mild curiosity as he remarked,
"Well, well, the usually energetic guy seems lost today. What's troubling you?"
Hee-Joon sighed, glancing at his own empty hands.
"I have no idea which combat or magic-related skill to pursue. I don't even know what my awakening is supposed to be. It's as if I'm in the dark, while everyone else is moving forward with their powers." Hee-Joon replied.
Hyun-Soo's gaze narrowed slightly as he listened intently.
"What do you mean you're not aware? When people awaken, their powers become evident to them. It's like an instinctual understanding," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
Feeling a mixture of frustration and envy, Hee-Joon watched as Hyun-Soo clicked his fingers, conjuring a small flame. He couldn't help but feel surprised and disheartened by the ease with which his classmate displayed his power.
"Fwoosh"
"See" this is what awakened can do based on their powers, showed Hyun-Soo
After witnessing Hyun-Soo's effortless display of conjuring flames, Hee-Joon's spirit sank even further. With a disheartened tone, he muttered to himself,
"I suppose I'll focus on combat training for now. Maybe, in due time, I'll discover my own magic-related abilities." He held onto a glimmer of hope, believing that the ongoing quest and its mystery rewards might hold something valuable.
As the time for combat training approached, the students gathered in a special combat hall that had been meticulously designed to withstand the onslaught of various magical powers.
The construction of this unique training facility was a testament to the ingenuity of the academy's engineers and the resourcefulness of the raiders who had ventured into the depths of dungeons.
The walls of the combat hall were fortified with crystal ores extracted from the very dungeons the students would soon be raiding. These crystals possessed exceptional magical resistance, ensuring that the training area remained impervious to the destructive forces unleashed during intense battles.
The floor was inscribed with intricate runes, channeling the residual mana of the crystals to create a neutralizing field, dampening the effects of spells and enchantments.
As the students entered the combat hall, they swiftly changed into their combat attire, specially crafted to provide both protection and agility. The fabric was interwoven with resilient fibers, granting them enhanced durability while allowing freedom of movement. Embedded within the clothing were small magical glyphs, imbued with defensive enchantments that could deflect minor attacks and provide a measure of protection.
Surveying the surroundings, Hee-Joon's eyes widened at the sight of a vast array of weaponry neatly arranged along the walls.
Swords of various shapes and sizes, gleaming blades honed to perfection, bows strung with taut strings, and quivers filled with arrows stood ready for use.
A selection of spears, halberds, and polearms was also available, catering to those who preferred a longer reach in combat.
Adjacent to the traditional weapons, an assortment of magic wands adorned the shelves. Each wand held a core made from the mana crystals harvested from defeated monsters. These wands offered a conduit for aspiring mages to harness their elemental powers and cast spells with precision.
Hee-Joon observed his fellow classmates, each drawn to the weapon or wand that resonated with their awakened abilities. Some gravitated toward the elegant finesse of the swords, while others felt a natural affinity for archery and opted for bows and arrows.
A few were captivated by the allure of magic, their eyes fixated on the intricately carved wands and the swirling energies contained within.
As Hee-Joon delved into the selection of weapons, his anticipation mingled with a growing sense of unease. He began his search with swords, grasping each hilt and assessing its weight and balance.
Yet, with each sword he wielded, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. The blades felt either too heavy or too light in his grip, and the lengths didn't quite match his stature.
Undeterred, Hee-Joon moved on to explore the different kinds of spears. He carefully lifted each one, studying their designs and imagining himself engaging in combat.
However, no matter how meticulously he examined them, none of the spears resonated with his spirit. The lengths were either too long or too short, and the weight distribution fell off.
His brows furrowed in frustration as he ventured deeper into the selection, determined to find a weapon that would align with his being. He tried his hand at halberds, testing their reach and versatility.
He attempted to wield maces, gauging their impact and power. Yet, with every attempt, the nagging sensation of inadequacy persisted.
Hee-Joon's mind whirled with questions, Why couldn't he find a weapon which was suitable for him? Was there a flaw within him that prevented a connection with these tools of combat? Doubt gnawed at his confidence, threatening to undermine his aspirations.
As Hee-Joon scanned the array of weapons, his eyes were drawn to a pair of unique blades that seemed to call out to him. One was slightly taller than his own arm's length, its gleaming edge showcasing a subtle curve and intricate engravings. The other was smaller in size, fitting snugly in his left hand, its compact design exuding a sense of nimbleness and agility.
Intrigued by the dual blades, Hee-Joon reached out and grasped them, his fingers curling around the hilts with a sense of familiarity.
As he held the blades, he could feel an instant connection. The weight, balance, and grip of the weapons felt perfect in his hands as if they were made specifically for him.
A surge of confidence and determination welled up within him as he imagined himself in combat. With the taller blade in his right hand, he envisioned delivering powerful, precise slashes aimed at the monster's neck, incapacitating it with a single strike.
The smaller blade in his left hand would dart and weave, striking at the monster's vulnerable spots with incredible speed and finesse.
Hee-Joon knew in his heart that he had found his weapon. The dual blades felt like a natural extension of himself, allowing him to unleash his full potential in battle.
With this newfound clarity, he made his decision and resolved to train tirelessly, honing his skills with the dual blades and mastering to use the blades.