For the next couple of days, classes resumed as usual, a strategic move by the instructors to allow students to rest and recalibrate from the intense selection process. The students who had failed to qualify needed time to accept reality, while those who had made it into the top ten needed to calm themselves and refocus. The school was a mix of relief and renewed determination.
Our fortunate group of eight friends used this time according to their needs. For many of the top performers, like Tae-young, Hana, In-su, and Chin-hwa, this period was an opportunity to dive deeper into NexaRealm and practice relentlessly. Their mindset was clear—they aimed to represent Korea and become the best. Soo-jin, driven by a similar ambition, joined Hana in their intensive training sessions.
On the other hand, some students, like Jin-kyong and Sang-hee, chose to unwind. Jin-kyong, with her passion for dancing, spent her free time at the arcade, losing herself in the rhythm of the dance machine. Sang-hee, who had struggled with her English test, saw this as a chance to improve. She dedicated her days to studying, determined to overcome the language barrier that had previously hindered her.
Joon-ho, however, was different. He neither practised intensely nor engaged in activities to unwind. Instead, he spent most of his time slumped in bed, wrestling with feelings of unworthiness. He participated in practice sessions occasionally and tried to relax with friends, but his heart wasn't in it. Even Soo-jin could see through his brave facade. As his childhood friend, she understood him well. Joon-ho's behaviour reminded her of her breakdown after the Weekly Tournament, where she had blamed herself for their second-place finish.
Soo-jin watched Joon-ho closely, her concern growing each day. She remembered how she had felt, overwhelmed by a sense of failure despite their collective success. It pained her to see Joon-ho heading down a similar path. She knew that behind his attempts to appear strong, he was struggling with the belief that he didn't deserve his place among the top ten.
As the days passed, the contrast between those who practised and those who relaxed became more pronounced. Tae-young and Hana's relentless training paid off as their skills sharpened further, while Jin-kyong's and Sang-hee's relaxation helped them return to their studies and practices with renewed vigour. But for Joon-ho, neither approach seemed to work. His friends noticed his withdrawn demeanour, but only Soo-jin understood the depth of his struggle.
Determined to help him, Soo-jin decided to confront Joon-ho about his feelings. She waited for the right moment, catching him alone in the dormitory.
"Joon-ho," she began softly, "I know you're feeling like you don't deserve to be here. But remember, you earned your spot just like the rest of us. Luck might have played a part, but skill and determination got you through. Don't let self-doubt hold you back now."
"I just… I don't know, Soo-jin. It feels like I barely made it like I'm just waiting to be exposed as a fraud," Joon-ho looked at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty.
"You're not a fraud. You've got what it takes, and you've proven it. We're all in this together, and we'll keep pushing forward together. Trust yourself a little more, okay?" Soo-jin placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Her words, filled with sincerity and warmth, began to break through Joon-ho's wall of self-doubt. He nodded slowly, appreciating her support. As they stood there, united in their shared journey, Joon-ho felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could find his confidence and truly believe in his place among Korea's best.
As the days passed, significant changes rippled through NexaCorp Korea University. With most students failing to qualify for the top ten, a sense of uncertainty settled over the campus. Whispers and doubts began to circulate among the students. If the ultimate goal was to represent Korea on the world stage and bring home their first-ever trophy, why was the university accepting so many students only to select a few? The question loomed large: What was the point of being here if they couldn't even cut?
NexaCorp Korea University has always prided itself on being the premier institution for NexaRealm training, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors. Weekly tournaments, intensive training sessions, and countless hours of honing skills were all part of the rigorous curriculum. But now, with the majority of students falling short of the top ten, the purpose of the university itself was being questioned.
These whispers of discontent didn't go unnoticed. The students' concerns quickly reached the ears of Director Hye-su, who understood the importance of addressing the growing unease. The director decided it was time to make a statement, to reassure and refocus the student body.
Standing before a packed auditorium, Director Hye-su addressed the gathered students with a calm yet authoritative presence.
"I understand the questions and doubts that have arisen over the past few days," she began. "Many of you are wondering why we go to such lengths to run this university, to take in hundreds of students, and to conduct weekly tournaments if only a handful of you are selected for the world stage. Let me assure you, there is a purpose."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing.
"NexaCorp Korea University was founded not only to find the best players for the World NexaRealm Championship but also to nurture and develop talent across the board. While the World Championship is the pinnacle of competition, it is not the only stage where you can shine."
Director Hye-su's eyes scanned the room, meeting the gazes of students filled with hope and trepidation.
"Just like in sports such as football, where the World Cup is the ultimate goal, there are numerous other prestigious tournaments and competitions. In NexaRealm, there are various regional and international competitions where countries compete and represent themselves. These include the Asian Cup and many others. Each of these competitions offers a platform for you to showcase your skills and achieve greatness."
A murmur of relief and curiosity swept through the audience as the director's words began to shift their perspective. "For those of you who did not make the top ten this time, remember, there is always next year and the years to come. Your journey does not end here. Use this time to refine your skills, learn from your experiences, and prepare for the next opportunity. Every match, every tournament, and every training session is a step toward your growth and success."
The director's statement provided much-needed reassurance to the students. While the initial disappointment of not qualifying still lingered, a renewed sense of purpose began to take hold. The realization that there were other avenues for success within NexaRealm reignited their determination.
For the group of eight friends, this message was particularly resonant. Joon-ho, Hyun-ae, Soo-jin, Hana, Sang-hee, Jin-kyong, Kang-dae, and Kyu all found themselves reflecting on their paths. While some had qualified and others had not, they all understood that their journey at NexaCorp Korea University was far from over.
Soo-jin, with her sights set on being the best, found renewed motivation in the director's words. She was determined to excel in every competition, big or small. Hana, equally driven, pushed herself harder in training, knowing that every bit of effort counted. Jin-kyong and Sang-hee, who had used the break to unwind, now saw the importance of balancing relaxation with focused practice.
Joon-ho, who had been struggling with feelings of unworthiness, felt a flicker of hope reignite within him. Director Hye-su's assurance that there were other opportunities helped him see that his journey wasn't defined by one selection process. He realized that he could still achieve greatness, not just for himself, but for his friends and teammates who believed in him.
As the university settled into its new rhythm, the students began to adapt to the changing dynamics. They understood that while the path to the World NexaRealm Championship was challenging, it wasn't the only way to achieve their dreams. With a sense of renewed purpose, they continued to train, compete, and grow, ready to seize every opportunity that came their way.
As the days turned into weeks, the atmosphere at NexaCorp Korea University gradually shifted from one of uncertainty to one of determined focus. The students who had felt disheartened by their initial failures began to channel their energy into rigorous training and study. Friendships deepened as peers supported each other through their respective journeys, and a sense of camaraderie blossomed across the campus. The halls buzzed with discussions about strategies, upcoming tournaments, and shared aspirations. The whispers of doubt were replaced with voices of encouragement and resolve, creating an environment where growth and improvement were at the forefront.
Joon-ho, though still grappling with his feelings of inadequacy, found solace in his friends' unwavering support. Hyun-ae's efforts to lift his spirits, coupled with the director's reassuring words, gradually helped him regain his confidence. As he stood on the training grounds, watching Soo-jin and Hana push their limits in sparring matches, he realized that his journey was just beginning. The promise he had made to Soo-jin echoed in his mind, reminding him of his purpose. With a deep breath, Joon-ho steeled himself for the challenges ahead, ready to prove that he belonged among the best. At that moment, surrounded by friends and driven by a renewed sense of determination, Joon-ho knew that he had found his place in the ever-evolving world of NexaRealm.