As Hye-su wrapped up the discussion on the NCK points system, she seamlessly transitioned to the next agenda item, commanding attention with her authoritative presence.
"Now, onto the timetable," she announced, her voice echoing through the hall.
The screen behind her flickered to life, displaying a detailed schedule divided into days of the week, each segment coloured to represent different times of the day. As the students focused their attention on the screen, Hye-su continued, her words precise and commanding.
"Here at NexaCorp Korea University, we believe in a holistic approach to education," she explained. "That's why we've structured our timetable to cater to both your academic and role-based learning needs."
With a click of a button, the screen zoomed in to highlight the schedule for each role: Mage, Jungler, Roam, Marksman, and Fighter. Hye-su elaborated on how students would be grouped based on their designated roles, ensuring that they received tailored instruction to hone their specific skills.
"Each role will have dedicated class days to focus on honing their capabilities," Hye-su clarified, her gaze sweeping over the attentive audience. "But remember, it's not just about specialisation. We also encourage cross-disciplinary learning."
She gestured to the elective options available to students, emphasizing the importance of diversifying their skill sets.
"While your primary role classes are essential, don't underestimate the value of exploring other disciplines," she advised. "You never know where your strengths may lie."
The students exchanged excited whispers, already envisioning the possibilities that lay ahead. Joon-ho nodded along, intrigued by the prospect of delving deeper into his chosen role while also branching out into new areas of study.
Soo-jin and Sang-hee leaned in closer, discussing their options for electives and how they could leverage their skills in different roles. Kang-dae, ever the strategist, absorbed the information with a thoughtful expression, already formulating a plan to maximize his learning experience.
Joon-ho leaned into his friends, a mixture of excitement and apprehension evident in his expression.
"It's going to be intense, but I'm kind of looking forward to it," he admitted, glancing around at the sea of students absorbed in conversation.
Soo-jin nodded in agreement, her eyes bright with anticipation.
"I can't wait to dive into classes tailored to my role," she remarked, her voice filled with determination. "But I'm also curious about exploring electives. Who knows what hidden talents we might discover?"
Sang-hee chimed in, her gaze thoughtful as she considered their options.
"It's a unique approach," she mused. "But I like the idea of focusing on what we're passionate about. Plus, it'll be interesting to see how it all ties into our academic progression."
Kang-dae, ever the strategist, listened intently to their conversation, his mind already racing with plans and possibilities.
"I'm curious to see how the teachers approach this," he remarked, his tone thoughtful. "Their insights could be invaluable in shaping our understanding of our roles and how they intersect with other disciplines."
Amidst the hum of voices, snippets of conversation intertwined with Joon-ho and his friends' discussion. One nearby student, a young woman with a notebook, leaned toward her friend, excitement shining in her eyes.
"Can you believe we get to focus on our roles right from the start?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with eagerness. "I've been practising my mage spells all summer. This is going to be amazing!"
Her friend nodded enthusiastically, her expression mirroring the excitement.
"I know, right? I can't wait to see how much we'll improve with specialised instruction," she replied, her voice filled with anticipation.
Not far away, a group of students huddled together, their voices tinged with uncertainty as they discussed the challenges ahead.
"Do you think it'll be difficult to keep up with the pace of the classes?" one of them asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into their tone.
Another student shrugged, his brows furrowed in thought.
"I guess it depends on how well we adapt to the new system," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I'm willing to give it a shot. It's not every day you get the chance to learn from the best in the country."
Meanwhile, the teachers observed the students' reactions with interest, their expressions a mix of curiosity and determination.
"It's fascinating to see how they're responding to the new approach," one of them remarked, a thoughtful expression on their face. "I'm looking forward to guiding them through this journey and seeing how they grow."
Another teacher nodded in agreement, their gaze fixed on the students with a sense of pride.
"They may have their doubts now, but I have no doubt they'll rise to the challenge," they replied, their voice filled with confidence. "With dedication and perseverance, they'll exceed even their expectations."
As Hye-su concluded her speech, her voice projected with authority and conviction, resonating throughout the hall.
"And finally," she began, her tone firm yet commanding. "I must address a necessary adjustment to our schedule."
Her words drew the attention of every student, their eyes fixed on her as she continued.
"Previously, you were granted Fridays off to provide a break from your studies. However, in light of recent developments, I have decided to implement a new policy," she declared, her expression serious. "Which is why starting along with your class, Friday mornings will be reserved for English language acquisition classes."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mixture of surprise and discontent evident among the students. Hye-su raised a hand to silence the chatter, her gaze unwavering.
"I understand this may come as an inconvenience to some of you," she acknowledged, her voice steady. "But let me be clear: proficiency in English is essential for success in today's globalized world."
Her words hung in the air, the weight of their implication sinking in among the students.
"The best in the world are not limited by language barriers," she continued, her tone unwavering. "They excel in multiple languages, and English is no exception."
Hye-su's gaze swept across the assembled students, her expression resolute.
"I will personally oversee these English classes, and attendance is mandatory," she declared, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Those who fail to attend will find themselves at a severe disadvantage in their academic pursuits. Or rather, just accept and say your farewell to uni life here."
With that final warning, Hye-su concluded her speech, her words echoing in the silence that followed. There was no applause, only a solemn acknowledgement of the new directive, a stark contrast to the applause that had greeted her earlier.
A hushed silence fell over the hall, punctuated only by the soft murmurs of the students. Joon-ho exchanged a glance with Soo-jin and Sang-hee, their expressions reflecting a mix of surprise and resignation at the unexpected addition to their schedules.
"I can't believe we have to take English classes on top of everything else," Sang-hee whispered, her voice tinged with frustration.
Soo-jin nodded in agreement, her brows furrowed in concern.
"I know, it's going to make our schedules even busier," she replied, her tone resigned.
Joon-ho frowned, his mind racing as he considered the implications of the new requirement.
"It's going to be tough, but I guess we don't have much of a choice," he murmured, his voice laced with resignation.
Dean Man-shik stepped forward once more, his presence a calming influence in the wake of Hye-su's announcement.
"Students, please," he began, his voice projecting a sense of reassurance. "I understand that this change may be unexpected, but I assure you, it is in the best interest of your academic and professional development."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.
"Learning English is not just about meeting requirements; it's about opening doors to a world of opportunities," he explained, his tone earnest. "As the director mentioned, proficiency in English is essential for success in today's global economy."
The dean's words seemed to resonate with the students, some nodding in understanding while others listened intently.
"I encourage you to approach these classes with an open mind and a willingness to learn," he urged, his voice carrying a note of encouragement. "Together, we can rise to meet this challenge and emerge stronger for it."
With a final nod of reassurance, Dean Man-shik signalled the break for the first half of the orientation, the screens behind him fading to black as the lights in the hall dimmed. As the students began to disperse, a sense of determination lingered in the air, a silent resolve to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.
Outside the hall, the campus buzzed with activity as students discussed the events of the day and exchanged plans for the weeks to come. Though uncertainty lingered, there was also a palpable sense of excitement for the journey ahead.
Though the road ahead may be daunting, there was also a sense of camaraderie and determination, a shared resolve to navigate the complexities of university life together. And so, as they parted ways for the moment, the students of NexaCorp Korea University embarked on their journey with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.