The next day dawned bright and early, and Joon-ho and Hyun-ae found themselves once again heading to their Assassin course class. As they walked into the lecture hall, they noticed the usual buzz of conversation among their peers, all of whom were eagerly awaiting the start of the lesson. The faces of other students who played as Assassins in NexaRealm showed a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Everyone was aware that today's class might hold something special.
As they settled into their seats, a hush fell over the room. The door to the lecture hall swung open, and in walked Instructor Dong-soo, Korea's current second-best Assassin. The room collectively held its breath. It wasn't that this was the first time they had seen him; he had taught classes before. However, his presence today, instead of another Assassin instructor or lecturer, hinted at something significant.
Instructor Dong-soo, with his usual calm demeanour, made his way to the front of the room. He surveyed the students with a keen eye, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice carrying authority and warmth. "For those who might not know, I am Dong-soo Pyun, your main lecturer for the Assassin course."
There were no murmurs of introduction; everyone knew who he was. Dong-soo's reputation preceded him, and his achievements in NexaRealm were legendary. He was a figure of respect and admiration among the students, a role model for every aspiring Assassin.
"Today," Dong-soo continued. "We have a lot to cover. I'll be continuing from where your last lecture left off."
He glanced at the syllabus displayed on the screen behind him.
"We'll be diving deeper into advanced stealth techniques and situational awareness. But before we begin, I want to address why I'm here today instead of your usual instructor."
The room was silent, all eyes fixed on him. Dong-soo paused for a moment, letting the suspense build.
"The Weekly Tournament last week was a test run of new gameplay settings for the upcoming World NexaRealm Championship," he said. "I was closely monitoring the matches, especially those involving our students. I'm here today because what I saw was both promising and in need of improvement."
A murmur ran through the room. The students exchanged glances, excitement and anxiety mingling in their expressions. They knew that any feedback from Dong-soo could be crucial for their growth and future performance in the game.
"Firstly," Dong-soo continued, raising a hand for silence. "I want to commend all of you. Especially to those who participated in the tournament. Without a doubt, it is no small feat, and many of you showed remarkable skills and teamwork. However, there are areas where we need to sharpen our edges. As Assassins, our role is not just to eliminate but to do so with precision and timing that can turn the tide of the game."
He then launched into the day's lesson, seamlessly integrating his observations from the tournament with the planned curriculum. He demonstrated advanced stealth techniques, using examples from recent matches to highlight both successful and flawed executions. The students were engrossed, hanging on to his every word. His feedback was detailed and constructive, aimed at pushing them to refine their skills further.
Throughout the lecture, Dong-soo maintained an engaging pace, encouraging questions and interactive participation. He emphasized the importance of adaptability, situational awareness, and the psychological aspects of being an Assassin. It wasn't just about mastering the mechanics; it was about understanding the mind of both ally and enemy, predicting movements, and acting with calculated precision.
As the class progressed, the students felt a renewed sense of purpose. They realized that being taught by Dong-soo was a rare privilege, and they were determined to absorb as much knowledge as they could. By the end of the lecture, the initial surprise of seeing him had transformed into gratitude and eagerness to apply what they had learned.
Instructor Dong-soo concluded the session with a final piece of advice.
"Remember, the path of an Assassin is one of constant learning and adaptation. Keep honing your skills, stay alert, and most importantly, trust in your abilities. The next World NexaRealm Championship is just around the corner, and I expect great things from all of you."
As he dismissed the class, Joon-ho and Hyun-ae exchanged excited glances. They knew that today's lesson was a significant step in their journey, and they were ready to face the challenges ahead with renewed determination.
As soon as the lecture ended, Joon-ho and Hyun-ae's phones buzzed incessantly with notifications from their group chat. The chatter among their eight friends was explosive, everyone discussing the same hot topic: the upcoming World NexaRealm Championship. It seemed like the main lecturers for all roles had delivered similar messages in their classes, stirring excitement and anticipation throughout the university.
Soo-jin: Did you guys hear what Instructor Seung-hyun said? The World NexaRealm Championship is just around the corner!
Jin-kyong: Instructor Ji-woo mentioned it too. It's all anyone can talk about now!
Kang-dae: Same here! Instructor Min-ji gave us a rundown in our Roamer class. This is HUGE!
Joon-ho glanced at Hyun-ae, both of them sharing a look of excitement and nervousness. They continued walking to their next class, unable to resist checking their phones as messages kept pouring in.
Sang-hee: So, it's official then? We're all prepping for the Championship now?
Hana: Seems like it. But did anyone else hear about these rumours of hidden selections?
The group chat was abuzz with speculation. Though no official announcement had been made, the whispers of secret selections and evaluations were spreading like wildfire.
Hyun-ae: Yeah, I heard about that. Some people are saying the Weekly Tournament was part of the selection process.
Joon-ho: Makes sense. They were definitely watching us closely.
The eight friends were part of a select few hundred students at NexaCorp Korea University, chosen to hone their skills and grow as future champions in NexaRealm. It was the ultimate dream for many NexaRealm players in Korea, and the university was the breeding ground for this elite group. Now, with the World NexaRealm Championship looming, the pressure was mounting.
The campus was buzzing with activity. Everywhere they looked, students were discussing strategies, reviewing their performances, and speculating about the selection process. In the cafeteria, in the hallways, and even in the dorms, the talk was all about the Championship. Anxiety mixed with excitement as everyone wondered who would be chosen to represent Korea on the world stage.
In their next class, the atmosphere was electric. Students were more focused than ever, absorbing every piece of advice and instruction their lecturer offered. The weight of the potential opportunity to compete in the World NexaRealm Championship hung over them, pushing them to give their best.
After class, Joon-ho and Hyun-ae met up with the rest of their friends in the cafeteria. The place was packed, filled with students buzzing with anticipation. They found a table in a corner and quickly settled in.
"So, what do you think about the hidden selections?" Kang-dae asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"I think it's true," Hana replied. "It makes sense. They need to see us in real competition settings, and the Weekly Tournament was perfect for that."
"It's nerve-wracking, though. Not knowing if you're being evaluated or how you're doing compared to others," Soo-jin nodded, adding. "Or all of this was baseless rumour only."
"Exactly," Jin-kyong said. "But it also means we have to stay sharp. We have to give our best in everything we do."
The friends nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. They had all come to NexaCorp Korea University with dreams of becoming champions. Now, those dreams seemed within reach, but only if they could prove themselves worthy.
As they ate their lunch, the conversation shifted to strategies and training plans. They discussed their strengths and weaknesses, shared tips, and encouraged each other. Despite the uncertainty, there was a strong sense of camaraderie among them. They were in this together, and they would support each other no matter what.
In the back of their minds, each of them knew that the next few months would be crucial. They would have to balance their studies with intense training, staying focused and determined. The road ahead was challenging, but the prize at the end made it all worth it.
For now, all they could do was give their best in every class, every match, and every training session. The World NexaRealm Championship was the ultimate goal, and they were ready to do whatever it took to get there.
As the lunch hour drew to a close, the friends lingered at their table, soaking in the camaraderie and mutual encouragement that had become a staple of their bond. The realization that each of them played a vital role in their collective journey gave them a renewed sense of purpose.
They vowed to support one another, knowing that their success in the upcoming World NexaRealm Championship would not just be a testament to their skills, but to their unwavering friendship and teamwork. With a final round of cheers, they gathered their things and headed to their next classes, hearts and minds brimming with the resolve to make their dreams a reality.