The bell rang, signalling the end of the Assassin role class. Students began to pour out of the lecture hall, their chatter and laughter filling the corridor. Among them were Joon-ho and Hyun-ae, both adjusting their backpacks as they walked side by side.
While both had committed to the Assassin role in NexaRealm, Hyun-ae had opted for the integrated option, allowing her to cross-train as a Fighter. On the other hand, Joon-ho had remained steadfastly focused on the Assassin path, never aiming to diversify his skills too much.
As they left the building, the midday sun greeted them, casting long shadows on the university grounds.
"It's lunchtime," Hyun-ae said, her stomach rumbling slightly. "Want to grab something from the cafeteria?"
"Sounds good," Joon-ho agreed. "I'm starving."
The cafeteria was bustling with students, the aroma of various dishes wafting through the air. They joined the line, each selecting their meals—a mix of rice, grilled chicken, and vegetables. Once they had their trays, they found a spot by the window, the sunlight streaming in and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
As they settled in to eat, Hyun-ae sighed, poking at her food.
"My NCK points are running low," she complained, her voice tinged with frustration. "I knew this would happen if I didn't participate in more events, but I just didn't have the time."
"Yeah, same here. We're two of the three in our group who haven't been active in events. It's starting to take its toll," Joon-ho nodded, understanding her plight.
Hyun-ae took a bite of her chicken, chewing thoughtfully before continuing.
"I mean, we still have enough points to get by, but it won't last forever. We need to find a way to earn more, or at least manage what we have better."
"Maybe we should start looking at smaller events or side quests in NexaRealm. They might not give as many points as the big tournaments, but every bit helps. Plus, they could be a good way to improve our skills without too much pressure," Joon-ho leaned back in his chair, thinking.
"That's not a bad idea. And with your skills as an Assassin and my dual-role capabilities, we might be able to handle a variety of challenges. It could be fun, too," Hyun-ae nodded slowly.
"Exactly," Joon-ho said, his enthusiasm growing. "And it could be a good break from our usual routines. We don't always have to go for the big wins—sometimes the smaller victories can add up."
"You're right. Let's plan to check out the event board after lunch and see what's available. We might find something interesting," Hyun-ae smiled, feeling a bit more optimistic.
They continued their meal, the conversation shifting to lighter topics—their favourite classes, recent game updates, and the latest university gossip. Despite the looming concern over their NCK points, they found comfort in each other's company and the shared determination to find a solution.
"We still have some time before our next class. Want to head to the event board now?" As they finished their lunch, Hyun-ae glanced at the clock.
"Sure," Joon-ho agreed, standing up and grabbing his tray. "Let's see what opportunities are out there."
They deposited their trays and made their way to the event board, a large digital display near the cafeteria entrance. The board was filled with various announcements, from major tournaments to smaller, niche events. They scanned the list, noting down a few possibilities that seemed promising.
"Look at this one," Hyun-ae said, pointing to an event that involved a series of stealth-based challenges. "This could be perfect for us. It's not too big, but it offers a decent amount of points."
"Yeah, this looks good. And there's another one here that focuses on team coordination and strategy. We could sign up for both and see how it goes," Joon-ho read the details and nodded.
They jotted down the information and made their way to their next class, feeling more hopeful about their situation. The path ahead might be challenging, but with determination and teamwork, they were ready to face it head-on. The life of a student at NexaCorp Korea University was never dull, and with each new day came new opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
Joon-ho and Hyun-ae made their way to their next class, leaving the bustling cafeteria behind. Meanwhile, in another part of the campus, Soo-jin and Hana were just finishing their Fighter class. The two girls chatted animatedly as they headed toward the cafeteria, eager to grab some lunch after a morning of rigorous training.
Both Soo-jin and Hana were enrolled in the Fighter course, but like Hyun-ae, Hana had opted for the integration option, allowing her to attend Assassin classes as well. This meant that once a week, their paths would cross differently—Joon-ho would walk to class with Hana, while Soo-jin would head to class with Hyun-ae, a routine they had grown accustomed to.
As they entered the cafeteria, the aroma of various foods greeted them. They quickly joined the line and picked out their meals, each opting for a hearty portion of rice, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables. Finding a table by the window, they settled in to eat.
"Can you believe how intense that class was today?" Soo-jin said, taking a bite of her meal. "I feel like I'm learning so much, but it's exhausting."
"Definitely. But it's all worth it. The more we push ourselves, the better we'll become. Plus, with the NCK points we earned from the Weekly Tournament, we can afford to relax a bit more," Hana nodded in agreement, sipping her drink.
Soo-jin smiled, her thoughts drifting to the contrast between their situation and that of their friends, Joon-ho and Hyun-ae.
"Speaking of NCK points, have you noticed how Hyun-ae has been acting lately? She seems more stressed than usual."
"Yeah, I've noticed. She didn't participate in the Weekly Tournament, so she's probably feeling the pinch. It's tough, especially when you see your friends struggling," Hana frowned slightly.
"I've offered to share some of my points with her, but she always refuses. She says it wouldn't be fair for her to take points that we earned through hard work," Soo-jin nodded, her expression thoughtful.
"That's Hyun-ae for you," Hana said with a sigh. "Always thinking of others before herself. But we need to support each other, even if she doesn't want to take the points directly. Maybe we can find other ways to help her out."
"We should come up with something. It's not just about the points—it's about making sure she feels included and supported," Soo-jin agreed, feeling a pang of worry for her roommate and close friend.
They continued their meal, brainstorming ideas on how to subtly help Hyun-ae without making her feel uncomfortable. As they chatted, Soo-jin couldn't help but reflect on how fortunate they were to have each other. Despite the challenges they faced, their bond as friends and teammates gave them the strength to push through.
While Hyun-ae never openly showed her worry, Soo-jin had picked up on the signs—small things like Hyun-ae refusing to eat out or skipping optional social events to save points. It was a stark contrast to Soo-jin and Hana's situation.
Their success in the Weekly Tournament had granted them a comfortable cushion of points, allowing them to enjoy their time at the university without the constant stress of managing their resources. However, this didn't mean they were oblivious to their friends' struggles.
As they finished their meal, Soo-jin and Hana resolved to find a way to support Hyun-ae and Joon-ho. They knew that navigating the challenges of university life and the competitive world of NexaRealm required more than just individual effort—it required a community of friends looking out for one another.
"We should get going. We have a busy afternoon ahead," Soo-jin glanced at her watch and sighed.
"Yeah, let's head out. And we'll keep thinking about how to help Hyun-ae. We're all in this together," Hana nodded, gathering her things.
With a renewed sense of purpose, the two friends left the cafeteria, ready to face whatever the rest of the day had in store. As they walked back to their next class, their conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the underlying commitment to support their friends remained strong. At NexaCorp Korea University, the bonds of friendship and teamwork were just as important as any skill learned in the classroom or on the battlefield of NexaRealm.
This issue of managing NCK points was not unique to Soo-jin, Hana, Joon-ho, and Hyun-ae; it was a common struggle for all students at NexaCorp Korea University. Balancing academic responsibilities, competitive gaming, and social activities required careful planning and resource management. Every student, regardless of their rank or role, grappled with the same challenge of earning and spending NCK points wisely.
The points dictated their access to amenities, extracurricular activities, and even daily necessities. It was a constant balancing act, a crucial aspect of life at the university that taught them not only how to excel in NexaRealm but also how to manage real-world challenges with resilience and strategic thinking.