The next day dawned with an air of palpable tension, the anticipation of the final selection process hanging heavily over the NexaCorp Korea University campus. It was the last class of the week, and every student knew that today's performance would decide the ten who would move on to represent Korea in the World NexaRealm Championship. The stakes had never been higher, and the atmosphere was electric with competitiveness and anxiety.
Joon-ho and Hyun-ae felt the pressure as keenly as anyone. Both had performed admirably in the previous trials, but today was the day that truly mattered. The other 48 students in the top 50 assassins were equally determined, each with their eyes set firmly on one of the coveted top ten spots.
As they made their way to the classroom, Joon-ho glanced at Hyun-ae.
"You ready for this?" he asked, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of nervous energy.
"As ready as I'll ever be. We've trained hard for this. Now it's just a matter of staying focused and giving it our all," Hyun-ae nodded, her expression determined.
The classroom was buzzing with low murmurs as the students took their seats. Instructor Dong-soo stood at the front, his usual calm demeanour replaced with serious intensity. He knew what was at stake for these young assassins, and he was determined to ensure the selection process was as rigorous and fair as possible.
"Good morning, everyone," Instructor Dong-soo began, his voice cutting through the anxious chatter. "Today, we commence the final selection process. This will be the most challenging test you have faced so far. Only ten of you will move forward. The rest will be eliminated."
A hush fell over the room as the gravity of his words sank in. The students exchanged nervous glances, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. The atmosphere was thick with tension, each student acutely aware that their performance today would determine their future.
"The test is simple," Dong-soo continued. "It will be a free-for-all fight. No time limit. The last ten players standing will be chosen. This is a one-time run. There are no second chances."
Hushed whispers erupted among the students, ripples of uncertainty and concern spreading quickly. They argued the fairness of such a selection method. During the selection of the top 50, there were three tests in total, each contributing to a comprehensive evaluation. But now, just one single test?
Dong-soo anticipated their concerns.
"I understand your apprehensions," he said, his voice firm but reassuring. "In real life, one wrong move can change the fate of the game. Assassins are fate deciders. Your movement, your action, your decision—each will have the biggest impact on the game. We all know this, especially in a team-based game."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"Assassins, who normally acquire the role of junglers, are the biggest threat there is. If they play closer upward, or more downward, if they choose to lurk and pick off single heroes, or if they want to be aggressive or passive—they are, without a doubt, the match controllers. This is why I believe that what separates the top 10 from the rest of you is the ability to react the quickest and control the match despite others trying to do the same."
The students listened intently, their scepticism tempered by Dong-soo's rationale. Joon-ho and Hyun-ae exchanged glances, their determination renewed.
"It may not seem fair that one match is all there is to decide your fate," Dong-soo continued. "Luck does play a role in every game, but the best players can minimize its impact. Even if luck decides who passes and who doesn't, remember that your actions can influence your fate. You won't die in a car crash if you stay home all the time. Of course, an idiot could still crash into your house and kill you. But the chance is lower if you take precautions. That's why I won't take luck as a factor in this test. Your skills and decisions will determine your success."
The room fell silent again, the students absorbing the weight of Dong-soo's words. This test would be a true measure of their abilities as assassins.
"Prepare yourselves," Dong-soo instructed. "Don your Realm devices. We begin in ten minutes."
Joon-ho took a deep breath and glanced at Hyun-ae.
"We can do this," he said, his voice steady.
"Yes, we can," Hyun-ae nodded, her eyes filled with determination.
As they put on their Realm devices, the familiar hum signalled the activation. The students were transported into the digital landscape of NexaRealm, this time into a vast, open arena designed specifically for this high-stakes test. The environment was a mix of dense forests, abandoned buildings, and open fields—each offering different tactical advantages and challenges.
The tension was palpable as the 50 assassins spawned across the vast map, each as far from the others as possible. The lush greenery and dense foliage provided countless hiding spots, adding to the paranoia and fear creeping into their minds. Every rustle of leaves, and every distant sound had them questioning if they were being watched or targeted.
All of them shared the same resolve and ambition: to be among the ten chosen to move forward. Yet, the revelation that one wrong move could mean losing it all made them wary. Playing it safe became the default strategy. They sought out vantage positions that offered a blend of safety and visibility, hoping to secure spots where they could monitor their surroundings and spot potential attackers before being spotted themselves.
From his position as a spectator, Instructor Dong-soo watched the unfolding scene with a growing sense of disappointment. He could see all, move freely, and get a closer inspection of what was happening. The passive play disheartened him. Assassins were meant to be risk-takers, bold in their approach, going in for the kill and escaping pursuit with grace and precision. This role demanded courage and quick decision-making, traits necessary to excel on the world stage.
"Assassins are meant to lead the charge," he muttered to himself. "To control the flow of the battle, not hide and wait."
Joon-ho crouched in the shadows of a thick cluster of trees, felt the same conflict. He understood the rationale behind playing it safe, but he also knew that to truly stand out, he needed to demonstrate his skills. Memories of his training and past competitions flashed through his mind, reminding him of the importance of timing and boldness.
Across the map, Hyun-ae found herself in a similar predicament. Perched on a high branch of a large tree, she scanned the area below, her heart racing. The safe position offered a good view, but she knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. She had to act, to prove herself.
Minutes passed, and the arena remained eerily quiet. Dong-soo's frustration grew as he observed the stagnant play. This wasn't what he had envisioned. He needed to see the students push themselves, take risks and show their true potential.
Suddenly, a movement caught his eye. Tae-young, the current number-one assassin in Korea, broke the silence. He moved swiftly and confidently, navigating the terrain with ease. His movements were a blend of aggression and precision, targeting and eliminating an opponent with ruthless efficiency. This was the kind of play Dong-soo had hoped to see.
[Tae-young: First Blood!]
The system's voice was a complete waking-up call for all students. Hearing Tae-young had gotten the first elimination, other students now understand, what must be done.
Inspired by Tae-young's boldness, a few other students began to make their moves. The passive atmosphere slowly shifted as the realization sank in that playing it safe wouldn't secure them a spot in the top ten. They needed to take risks, to show their prowess.
Joon-ho, emboldened by the changing dynamics, decided it was time to act. He moved from his hiding spot, navigating the forest with calculated steps. His goal was to engage strategically, picking off opponents and avoiding unnecessary risks. He had to balance aggression with caution.
Hyun-ae, too, left her vantage point, moving through the treetops with agility. She knew her strengths and planned to use them to her advantage. Her strategy was to strike from above, using the element of surprise.
As the battle intensified, the arena erupted in a flurry of action. Students clashed, each showcasing their unique skills and strategies. The initial hesitance faded, replaced by a fierce competitiveness. The pressure of the one-time run pushed them to their limits, revealing their true potential.
Dong-soo watched with renewed interest. This was more like it. The students were stepping up, proving their worth. The real test had begun, and only the best would survive.
[XXX: Enemy Elimination!]
The system called out one after another, as each elimination brought their number smaller and smaller. Shouts and screams, blade and steel clashing, the sounds emitted were audible enough, that no matter where you are on the map, you can hear the conflict happening from which direction. Free for all, third partying, fourth partying, the students did all they could, hoping that they could secure a spot in the top ten.