Wednesday arrived with an unexpected announcement: a day off for all students. The rigorous theoretical and practical testing had taken a toll on everyone's minds and bodies. This day of rest was intended to help rejuvenate them and give them a moment to breathe before the next phase of the selection process.
However, the students' hearts remained unsettled even with a full day to relax. Many speculated that this break was strategically placed to give the lecturers and instructors time to evaluate the responses and answers from the testing. The anxiety of the unknown results lingered, casting a shadow over what should have been a restful day.
Our group of eight friends gathered for lunch in the campus cafeteria, their faces marked by fatigue and unease. The usual chatter and laughter were subdued, replaced by quiet conversations and contemplative looks. They found a secluded table, away from the bustling crowd, and sat down with their trays of food. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation and unspoken worries.
"So, what do you guys think? Are they really using today to evaluate everything?" Soo-jin asked, breaking the silence. Her eyes scanned the faces of her friends, looking for any sign of reassurance.
"Probably," Joon-ho replied with a sigh. "I mean, it makes sense. They need time to go through all our answers and performances. It's not like they can decide our futures overnight."
"Yeah, but it doesn't make it any easier to relax. I keep replaying my answers and actions in my head, wondering if I made the right choices," Hyun-ae nodded in agreement.
"We've all trained and studied hard for this. We did our best, and that's all we can do. Worrying about it now won't change anything," Kang-dae, always the calm and collected one, tried to inject some positivity.
"I just wish we knew how they were evaluating us. It feels like we're in the dark about everything," Jin-kyong, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up.
"We'll find out soon enough. For now, let's try to enjoy the break. We don't get days off often, and we should take advantage of it," Hana, ever the optimist, smiled softly.
"Hana's right. We can't control what happens next, but we can make the most of today. Maybe we can do something fun together, take our minds off things for a bit," Sang-hee chimed in,
Kyu, the enigmatic member of the group, simply nodded, his expression unreadable as always. His silence was comforting in its way, a steady presence amid the uncertainty.
As they continued their meal, the conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics. They reminisced about past matches and shared inside jokes, their laughter slowly returning. Despite the looming uncertainty, being together provided a sense of normalcy and comfort. The rest day, though fraught with underlying tension, became a moment of bonding and solidarity for the friends.
After lunch, they decided to spend the afternoon together. They visited the campus park, played a few casual games in the recreation centre, and even indulged in some ice cream from a nearby vendor. The camaraderie they shared was a reminder of why they had come this far and why they were determined to succeed. Though the future was uncertain, they faced it together, strengthened by their friendship and shared dreams.
As the sun set and the day drew to a close, they each returned to their dorms, feeling a little lighter than before. The rest day had not only given their bodies a break but had also provided a much-needed respite for their minds. The anticipation of the next phase of testing still loomed, but they were ready to face it head-on, united and resolute.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges and decisions, but for now, they found solace in the knowledge that they were not alone. They had each other, and together, they would navigate whatever lay ahead.
Thursday dawned as another day off, but unlike the previous day, this was part of the usual semester schedule. Still, the uncertainty of the testing and its results loomed over the students. Despite the extra day of rest, the atmosphere remained charged with speculation and anxiety. Questions about the selection process and its fairness persisted, with little information available to provide clarity.
Throughout the campus, students were buzzing with discussions about the testing.
"Do you think they'll announce the results next week?" one student asked as they walked past the cafeteria.
"I hope so," their friend replied. "It feels weird that just two days of testing could decide everything."
In the study area, Soo-jin, Hana, and the rest of their friends gathered to share their thoughts.
"Two days of testing for such an important decision—it doesn't seem fair, does it?" Jin-kyong mused, leaning back against the sofa.
"I've been wondering the same thing. How can they accurately determine the top 10 with just those tests? It feels like there should be more to it," Soo-jin nodded, her brow furrowed in thought.
"Maybe they have other criteria we don't know about. Or maybe they're looking at our overall performance in the course too," Hyun-ae shrugged, her expression resigned.
"Whatever the case," Kang-dae said, "there's no point in stressing about it now. We've done what we could. Let's just stay prepared for whatever comes next."
Taking Kang-dae's advice to heart, many students decided to use the day productively. They logged into NexaRealm, not for testing, but to train and keep their skills sharp. The familiar virtual landscapes offered a sense of normalcy and control amid uncertainty.
Soo-jin found herself in a dense forest, practising her combat moves against AI opponents. The rhythm of her strikes and the fluidity of her movements helped to centre her thoughts. Nearby, Jin-kyong was engaged in a ranged combat drill, her focus evident in every precise shot she took.
In another part of the virtual world, Hana and Sang-hee were running strategic simulations, honing their teamwork and communication.
"We need to stay sharp," Sang-hee said, executing a perfect rotation. "No matter what happens, we have to be ready."
Kyu, as enigmatic as ever, was deep in solitary training. His concentration and intensity were unmatched, a testament to his dedication. His silent determination inspired those around him to push their limits as well.
The rest of the campus mirrored this scene, with students from all courses immersing themselves in practice sessions. The collective effort was a powerful display of resilience and commitment. Despite the looming pressure, they refused to let it break their spirits.
As the day progressed, the campus buzzed with energy. The training sessions, while intense, also served as a form of distraction from the mounting anticipation. Each student pushed themselves, not just to prepare for potential future tests, but to reaffirm their passion for NexaRealm and their dedication to becoming the best.
Evening fell, and the friends gathered once more, this time in the common area of their dormitory. The day's exertions had taken the edge off their anxiety, replacing it with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
"We've done all we can," Soo-jin said, her voice steady. "Now we wait."
"And whatever happens," Joon-ho added, "we face it together."
With that sentiment, they settled in for the night, their bonds strengthened by the day's shared efforts. The uncertainty of the testing process still hung in the air, but they were ready to face whatever the future held, united and unwavering.
The night deepened, and the study area grew quieter as the friends gradually drifted off to their rooms at the dorms. Despite the day's strenuous training, sleep didn't come easily. Soo-jin lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts of the past week's events. She replayed each test, scrutinizing her actions and decisions, wondering if there was anything she could have done differently. The anticipation was a heavyweight, but she reminded herself that she had given her best effort.
In the room next door, Hana sat by her window, gazing out at the stars. The serene night sky offered a stark contrast to the turmoil in her mind. She thought about the countless hours of training, the sacrifices, and the dreams she and her friends shared. The selection process seemed daunting, but Hana felt a flicker of hope. They were all capable and talented, and no matter the outcome, they had grown stronger together.
As dawn approached, the campus stirred with a quiet resolve. The friends gathered once more for breakfast, the familiar routine offering a semblance of normalcy. There was an unspoken agreement to face the day with optimism, despite the uncertainty. The break had given them time to reflect and recharge, and they were ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. With the support of each other, they felt a renewed sense of determination, prepared to navigate the complex path toward their goals.
The sun rose higher, casting a warm glow over NexaCorp Korea University as the friends finished their breakfast and made plans for the day. They decided to spend the rest of their day off in NexaRealm, not just to train but to enjoy the game they all loved.
Together, they logged in, ready to immerse themselves in a world where they could momentarily escape the pressures of the selection process. As they ventured into virtual battles, exploring new strategies and sharpening their skills, the bonds between them grew even stronger. Amid the competition, they found camaraderie and support, reminding them why they had chosen this path in the first place.