Early Monday morning, a soft chime echoed through the dormitories and apartments of NexaCorp Korea University. The top ten students in each role, having eagerly awaited this moment, reached for their phones as the notification from the NCK app appeared on their screens. It was a call for the final selection to determine the top three in each role. The message detailed the next steps, informing the students that they would not be participating in normal class sessions. Instead, they were instructed to head to the game building for a series of rigorous tests and matches.
Joon-ho, Soo-jin, Hana, Hyun-ae, and the rest of their friends gathered in the common area, their faces a mix of excitement and nerves. They glanced at each other, acknowledging the challenge ahead. The notification outlined that the selected students would be randomly assigned to teams of five, each comprising one Assassin, one Marksman, one Fighter, one Mage, and one Roamer. This team-based approach would not only test their skills but also their ability to work collaboratively under pressure.
As they made their way to the game building, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The state-of-the-art facility, typically bustling with students honing their skills, was now reserved exclusively for the top contenders. The halls echoed with the sound of footsteps and hushed conversations, each step taking them closer to the matches that would decide their fate. Joon-ho's heart raced as he thought about the enormity of the task ahead. He knew that his performance here could make or break his dreams of standing among Korea's elite.
Entering the main hall, they were greeted by Instructor Seung-hyun, Instructor Ji-woo, Instructor Min-ji, Instructor Dong-soo, Instructor Hye-won and several other faculty members. The instructors briefed them on the day's proceedings, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and strategy. Each student would receive their team assignment via the NCK app, ensuring that the teams were formed impartially and fairly. The instructors stressed that this was not just a test of individual prowess but also an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, adaptability, and resilience.
Entering the main hall, they were greeted by Instructor Seung-hyun, Instructor Ji-woo, Instructor Min-ji, Instructor Dong-soo, Instructor Hye-won, and several other faculty members. The instructors briefed them on the day's proceedings, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and strategy. Each student would receive their team assignment via the NCK app, ensuring that the teams were formed impartially and fairly. The instructors stressed that this was not just a test of individual prowess but also an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, adaptability, and resilience.
As the briefing concluded, the instructors split up, each taking with them their students of specific roles. Instructor Dong-soo called for the Assassins, and Joon-ho found himself walking alongside Tae-young and a few others. Instructor Min-ji gathered the Roamers, Instructor Seung-hyun took charge of the Fighters, Instructor Ji-woo led the Marksmen, and Instructor Hye-won corralled the Mages.
"Alright, Assassins, follow me," Instructor Dong-soo said with a sharp clap of his hands.
He led them to a smaller, more intimate training room lined with practice dummies and virtual training modules. The tension was palpable as the students settled in, eager to hear what he had to say.
"Today is about pushing your limits," Dong-soo began, pacing in front of the group. "You've proven yourselves individually, but now it's about how you operate within a team. Your role is critical—striking swiftly, decisively, and without hesitation. Tae-young, I expect you to lead by example. The rest of you, learn from him but also find your strengths."
Tae-young nodded solemnly, his eyes scanning the room. Joon-ho felt a mix of intimidation and determination. He couldn't afford to let his nerves get the best of him, not now.
Meanwhile, in another room, Instructor Min-ji was addressing the Roamers. Hyun-ae stood among them, listening intently.
"Roamers, your job is to be the eyes and ears of your team," Min-ji said, her voice firm. "You are the support, the backbone. Without you, the team falls apart. Communication and positioning are your greatest assets. Stay sharp and stay connected."
Kang-dae felt a surge of pride and responsibility. He knew that his role was crucial, and he was determined to excel.
In the Fighters' training room, Instructor Seung-hyun was putting the students through their paces.
"Fighters, you are the frontline. Your strength and resilience are what keep the team going. Today, we focus on coordination and timing. You need to be in sync with your team. One misstep and it could mean disaster."
Soo-jin and Hana exchanged determined looks. They knew the pressure was on, but they were ready to face it head-on.
Instructor Ji-woo had the Marksmen lined up, his demeanour stern.
"Marksmen, precision is your game. You must be calm under pressure, accurate in your shots, and quick on your feet. Today, we'll be honing those skills to perfection."
Jin-kyong, with her sharp focus, felt a sense of calm wash over her. She knew she had what it took to shine.
Lastly, Instructor Hye-won addressed the Mages. Sang-hee stood at attention, absorbing every word.
"Mages, you control the battlefield. Your spells can turn the tide of battle. Today, we work on strategy and spell execution. Remember, your power is immense, but it must be used wisely."
Sang-hee nodded, ready to prove her worth.
Simultaneously, in each of the different rooms, the instructors shared the same exciting news with their students. Instructor Dong-soo, with his Assassins, started the announcement.
"Listen up, everyone. We're going to conduct a special team fight—one that wasn't originally planned. You'll be part of a deathmatch, with no respawns. This will help us see who stands out among the best of the best."
The Assassins exchanged glances, the air thick with anticipation. Joon-ho felt his pulse quicken. Does a team fight against other roles? This was going to be intense.
"Roamers, this is your chance to show just how critical you are to any team. You'll be fighting against other roles in a deathmatch. Remember, this isn't just about surviving; it's about demonstrating your skills and strategies," in the Roamers' room, Instructor Min-ji's voice rang with excitement.
Kang-dae clenched his fists in determination. This was his opportunity to prove himself beyond the supportive role he usually played.
"Fighters, it's time to go head-to-head with other roles. A deathmatch, with no respawns. We want to see your resilience, your strength, and your ability to dominate the battlefield," Instructor Seung-hyun, with the Fighters, could barely contain his enthusiasm.
Soo-jin and Hana shared a look of mutual resolve. This was their chance to shine, to show they were more than just fighters—they were champions.
"Marksmen, this is it. A death match against other roles. We want to see your precision, your accuracy, and your coolness under pressure," in the Marksmen's room, Instructor Ji-woo's announcement was met with murmurs of excitement.
Jin-kyong felt a surge of adrenaline. This was her arena, and she was ready to prove her mettle.
"Mages, you'll be facing off against other roles in a deathmatch. This is your chance to showcase your strategic thinking and your spell execution under pressure," Instructor Hye-won continued with the Mages, her voice calm but firm.
Sang-hee's eyes gleamed with determination. She was ready to show that she could command the battlefield like no other.
The instructors explained that this idea had come up during a discussion about how to best identify the most spectacular students among the fifty top tens. By putting them through a deathmatch, the instructors could see who truly stood out. The goal was to create the best possible team to represent Korea, even if it seemed a bit biased. They needed to ensure that their representative team had the highest chance of winning the world tournament.
Instructor Dong-soo elaborated on the rationale.
"Think about it this way. If we paired someone like Tae-young with other roles who are the weakest of their top ten, no matter how brilliant Tae-young is, his team would likely lose. We can't afford that. We need to see who performs best under pressure and in real combat scenarios."
The students absorbed this information, understanding the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just another test; it was a chance to prove that they deserved to be among Korea's elite.
As they prepared for the upcoming matches, the tension and excitement in the air were palpable. This was their moment to shine, to show their instructors and themselves that they had what it took to be the best. Each of them, in their respective rooms, felt a mix of nerves and determination. This was it—the ultimate showdown.
The students prepared themselves mentally and physically for the impending matches. Conversations buzzed around the rooms, filled with strategies and nervous energy. Joon-ho, Kang-dae, Hyun-ae, Soo-jin, Hana, Jin-kyong, Sang-hee, and their peers all knew that this was their moment to shine or fade.
As the instructors prepared to launch the deathmatches, the students steeled themselves for the challenge ahead. This was the moment they'd been training for—the chance to prove they were the best of the best.