As the students of NexaCorp Korea University went about their daily activities, a sudden notification flashed across their screens, capturing everyone's attention. The message was brief and direct:
"All students are required to assemble in the main hall in one hour. English lessons, previously cancelled for the week due to testing, will resume."
The abruptness of the announcement sent a ripple of shock through the campus. In any other university, many students might have ignored such a notice, especially given the testing stress they were under. But here, skipping a class taught by the director herself, Director Hye-su, was unthinkable. The director's reputation for excellence and the importance she placed on these sessions made it clear that attendance was not optional.
The sudden recall sparked a flurry of activity. Students who were eating, showering, playing sports, or immersed in NexaRealm quickly adjusted their plans. The urgency of the message left little room for delay, prompting everyone to rush back to their dorms.
They needed to grab their bags, stuffed with essential utensils and their Realm devices, just in case. The unexpected nature of the call fueled speculation about what might be happening. It seemed unlikely that the director would summon everyone for a standard English class, especially after the intense week of testing.
Outside the dormitory buildings, the eight friends hurriedly regrouped, exchanging puzzled glances as they prepared to head to the main hall. Joon-ho, who was just inside NexaRealm, shook his head in bewilderment.
"This can't be just an English class, right? Not after everything that's been happening."
"I doubt it. There's something more to this. Maybe they're announcing the results early, or there's another test we weren't told about," Hyun-ae nodded, stuffing her Realm device into her bag along her walk.
Soo-jin and Hana, both still catching their breath from an early morning workout, quickly changed and grabbed their belongings. Well, the workout was always Hana's forte, but this time Soo-jin decided to join her.
"Whatever it is, we have to be prepared," Soo-jin said. "We can't afford to miss anything important."
As the friends made their way across the campus, they joined the throngs of students converging on the main hall. The atmosphere buzzed with curiosity and a hint of anxiety. Conversations overlapped as theories flew: could this be an early announcement of the election results, or perhaps another round of evaluations?
Inside the main hall, students found their seats, the buzz of speculation continuing until Director Hye-su herself walked onto the stage. The room fell into a hushed silence, every eye fixed on the woman who held their future in her hands. The director's presence commanded respect and attention, and as she began to speak, the anticipation in the hall was palpable.
Director Hye-su stood on the stage, her presence commanding the attention of every student in the main hall. As she began to speak, a hush fell over the room, all ears intently listening.
"First, I want to apologize for the sudden call," she started, her voice clear and authoritative. "I understand this might have disrupted your schedules, but I appreciate your promptness and cooperation."
She offered a warm smile, acknowledging the collective effort.
"Congratulations to each one of you for being here on time despite the short notice. This week has been demanding, and I commend you for your resilience and dedication."
Her expression grew more serious as she addressed the recent tests.
"Over the past two days, we have gathered an array of responses from both the theoretical and practical aspects of your training. The results have been quite interesting, and they reflect the depth of talent and potential within this cohort."
Director Hye-su paused, allowing her words to sink in.
"However, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Right now, you will undergo the final test of the week. This will be an English exam."
A murmur of unease rippled through the hall as nearly half the students exchanged worried glances. Many had not prioritized their English lessons, despite the director's weekly classes.
She continued, reminding them of her intentions from the very beginning.
"During orientation week, I emphasized the importance of this English class. I envisioned our students being equipped with the international language, crucial for global competition. All top players and country representatives are multilingual. For Korea to stand among them, we must adopt the same standards."
The director's gaze swept across the hall, meeting the eyes of the students.
"This English class was approved with this vision in mind. The upcoming World NexaRealm Championship requires not only skill in the game but also the ability to communicate effectively on an international stage. Hence, today's exam is a vital part of the selection process."
With that, Director Hye-su stepped away from the mic, signalling the start of the exam. Instructors and lecturers began to distribute the exam papers, moving efficiently through the rows. The students took their seats, a palpable mix of anxiety and determination in the air. For the next two hours, they would focus on this unexpected but crucial test.
Soo-jin glanced at the exam paper, feeling the weight of the moment. She took a deep breath, recalling the director's words about the importance of multilingualism. Beside her, other students mirrored her resolve, understanding that this test was not just about language proficiency but also about their future as potential representatives of Korea.
The hall was silent except for the rustle of papers and the soft scratching of pens. Each student concentrated intently, aware that this final test could significantly impact their chances of being among the top ten. The pressure was immense, but they knew that overcoming this challenge was essential for their growth and success in the world of NexaRealm.
The two hours of the examination began, and the atmosphere in the hall shifted to one of intense focus. For some students, the exam paper in front of them felt like an insurmountable challenge. Those who had not taken their English lessons seriously or who struggled with the language were filled with anxiety. As they read through the questions, a creeping sense of dread began to circulate in their minds.
The thought that even if they had performed well in the previous two days' testing, doing poorly or failing this English exam might shatter their dreams of representing Korea. Their minds raced with regret over missed classes, half-hearted efforts, and the lack of preparation. For these students, the exam seemed to stretch endlessly, each question a reminder of their shortcomings.
On the other side of the spectrum were the students who had diligently studied and were confident in their English skills. For them, this exam was a welcome opportunity. They saw it as a chance to secure their spot among the chosen representatives, especially if their performance in the earlier tests had been less than stellar. These students approached the exam methodically, reading each question carefully, recalling lessons, and applying their knowledge with precision.
For them, the two hours seemed to pass more swiftly, filled with the reassuring rhythm of their pens moving steadily across the paper. They viewed this test as a gift, a way to balance out any mistakes they might have made during the practical or theoretical tests. Their focus was unwavering, and their confidence in their abilities bolstered their performance.
The contrasting experiences in the hall highlighted the diverse levels of preparation and skill among the students. Some were battling nerves and second-guessing every answer, while others were navigating the exam with calm determination. The room was silent except for the occasional rustle of papers and the sound of pens against the exam sheets.
As the clock ticked down, the pressure mounted for everyone. Those struggling with the language found themselves racing against time, trying to answer as many questions as possible. The more prepared students used the remaining minutes to review their answers, ensuring that their responses were thorough and accurate.
When the two hours finally came to an end, a collective sigh of relief filled the hall. Instructors moved through the rows, collecting the completed exam papers. The students, their faces reflecting a mix of exhaustion and anticipation, began to gather their belongings.
For those who had struggled, the end of the exam brought a sense of resignation. They knew they had done their best, but the uncertainty of their performance weighed heavily on them. Conversely, those who had approached the test with confidence felt a sense of accomplishment, hopeful that their efforts had paid off.
As they left the hall, the students couldn't help but speculate about the outcome. Conversations buzzed with speculation, some trying to gauge how others had found the test, while others remained silent, lost in their thoughts. This final exam added a new layer to the selection process, one that would be crucial in determining the top ten who would go on to represent Korea in the World NexaRealm Championship.
The anticipation of the results now loomed over them all, a testament to the high stakes of this unique and challenging selection week.