The next day arrived with an undercurrent of excitement and anticipation. The main hall of the game building was abuzz with chatter as students from all roles and ranks gathered. The spacious room, usually reserved for grand events, was filled with clusters of students, all wondering what the day had in store. Among them were Joon-ho, Kang-dae, Soo-jin, Hana, Jin-kyong, Sang-hee, and Hyun-ae, who stood together, their expressions a mix of curiosity and nervous energy.
The five main instructors took their places at the front of the hall, commanding immediate attention. Seung-hyun, the best Fighter instructor in Korea, stood tall with a confident demeanour. Beside him was Ji-woo, the preeminent Marksman coach, whose sharp eyes seemed to assess everyone present. Min-ji, the leading Roamer strategist, and Dong-soo, the top Assassin mentor, stood with poised authority, while Hye-won, the foremost Mage trainer, held a subtle yet commanding presence.
"Good morning, everyone," Seung-hyun began, his voice steady and clear. "First, we'd like to thank you for the outstanding display of skill and strategy during yesterday's match. It was a true testament to your dedication and potential."
The students murmured their thanks, though the anticipation was palpable. Everyone knew what was coming next—the formation of teams that would shape their training and competition moving forward.
"Today," Ji-woo continued. "We will be forming three primary teams. These teams have been handpicked by us, and they will represent the highest potential for success in the upcoming tournaments."
The room fell silent, everyone leaning in to hear the names that would be called.
"The first team," Min-ji announced. "Will consist of Tae-young for Assassins, Hana for Fighter, In-su for Mage, Chin-hwa for Marksman, and Kyu for Roamer."
The names sent a ripple of reactions through the crowd. Tae-young was given, as the number one Assassin in Korea, and Hana, In-su, and Chin-hwa were all top-ranked players in their respective roles. But Kyu, as Roamer? Even among his friends, there was a moment of stunned silence. Kang-dae, the group's usual Roamer as a Tank, looked particularly perplexed.
Joon-ho exchanged a glance with his friends, each of them trying to process the unexpected choice. They had all known Kyu as the quiet, enigmatic member of their group—skilled, yes, but not particularly vocal about his abilities or ambitions.
As the murmurs grew louder, Seung-hyun raised his hand to silence the crowd.
"We understand that some of you may have questions about this selection," he said calmly. "This decision was made by Director Hye-su herself, and we can assure you it is not without reason."
Ji-woo stepped forward, adding.
"Kyu is a unique talent. He's not just skilled in one role; he has the rare ability to adapt and excel in any role he's placed in. This versatility is what makes him special, and it's why he's been chosen for this critical team. In a sense, he is our secret weapon."
The room buzzed with renewed whispers. Kyu's secret was finally out—he was an all-rounder, capable of playing every role with proficiency. This revelation left many in awe and others more curious than ever.
"I never saw that coming. Kyu, of all people… who knew?" Kang-dae leaned over to Joon-ho, whispering,
"I guess there's more to him than we thought. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out," Joon-ho nodded slowly, still processing the information.
The reasoning behind the formation of the number one team was a fascinating blend of strategy, synergy, and hidden potential. Tae-young, the best Assassin in Korea, was an obvious choice. His unmatched skills and relentless playstyle made him indispensable to any top-tier team. Leaving him out would have been unthinkable, despite his notorious tendency to act on his own, sometimes disregarding the team's broader strategy. This quirk meant that the team needed players who could not only keep up with his pace but also adapt fluidly to his unpredictable manoeuvres.
In-su, the third-best Mage in Korea, and Chin-hwa, the second-best Marksman, were natural picks due to their established synergy. Their teamwork had already been proven in the Weekly Tournament, where they secured first place, demonstrating a seamless collaboration that elevated their talents. This pre-existing dynamic was invaluable, providing a solid foundation upon which the rest of the team could build.
Hana, the second-best Fighter in Korea, was another crucial addition. Her ability to sustain Tae-young's aggressive assaults was highlighted during the team deathmatch, where she held her ground admirably against him. Unlike many Fighters who focus solely on initiating fights, Hana understood the importance of defence and resilience, qualities that balanced the team's otherwise offence-heavy composition. Her defensive prowess made her the ideal partner to counterbalance Tae-young's risk-taking.
Then there was Kyu, the wildcard. His inclusion, handpicked by Director Hye-su herself, added an element of mystery and anticipation. Unlike the others, whose abilities were well-documented and widely recognized, Kyu's skills remained largely unknown. Even within his friend group, his capabilities were shrouded in secrecy. This move by Director Hye-su suggested she was privy to knowledge about Kyu that few others possessed, indicating a deeper strategy at play.
Kyu's role as an all-rounder, a player capable of excelling in any role, was unprecedented in NexaRealm. Such versatility was unheard of, making him a potential game-changer. If Kyu's abilities were as exceptional as hinted, he could be Korea's secret weapon in the upcoming World NexaRealm Championship. His inclusion wasn't just about filling a spot; it was about introducing a unique element that could turn the tide in any match.
This carefully curated team wasn't just about assembling the best individual players; it was about creating a unit that could adapt, counter, and excel against any challenge. Each member brought something unique to the table, and together, they formed a team with the potential to dominate on the world stage. The strategic foresight behind these selections reflected the instructors' deep understanding of the game and their commitment to crafting a team capable of not just competing but winning at the highest level.
As the instructors continued to call out names, the anticipation in the room grew palpable. The selection of the second and third teams was crucial, and everyone knew that these teams were just as important as the first. With the first team's lineup already setting the bar high, the pressure was on to form the next two teams with equally skilled players.
The second team was announced, and the first name called was Joon-ho. As an Assassin ranked 17th in Korea, his spot was almost guaranteed. His sharp instincts, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking made him a formidable opponent. Next was Soo-jin, selected as the team's Fighter. Though unranked, her second-place finish in the Weekly Tournament had proven her worth, showcasing her ability to stand toe-to-toe with the best. Jin-kyong, a talented Marksman and another member of the eight friends was added to the roster. Her precise aim and calm under pressure made her a perfect fit for this team. To round out the lineup, the instructors chose a Mage and a Roamer, though their names weren't immediately necessary to note. This team, like the first, was built with a strong core and potential for excellent synergy.
As the students murmured in excitement and curiosity, the instructors began forming the third team. Sang-hee, the Mage of the group, was the first name called. Known for her tactical brilliance and ability to control the battlefield, she was an invaluable asset to any team. Kang-dae, a Tank known for his resilience and strategic mind, was selected next. His ability to lead and protect his team was crucial in high-pressure situations, making him a natural choice for this role. Finally, Hyun-ae was chosen as the Assassin for the third team. Though ranked 78th in Korea, her sharp skills and adaptability were undeniable, and she had already proven her worth in the previous day's team death match. Like the second team, two more players were added to complete the lineup, a Marksman and a Fighter, whose names would be revealed later.
The announcement of these teams filled the hall with a mix of emotions. For Joon-ho, Soo-jin, Jin-kyong, Sang-hee, Kang-dae, and Hyun-ae, there was a sense of pride and accomplishment. They had made it into the top three teams, a significant achievement in itself. These were the teams that would be given the most resources, training, and attention in the lead-up to the World NexaRealm Championship. The instructors had made it clear that only three teams from the fifty present would be selected to represent Korea, and being part of these top three teams meant that their chances of advancing were almost certain.
The realization that they were one step closer to the world stage was exhilarating. For the eight friends, this moment was particularly special. All of them had made it into the top teams, a testament to their skill and dedication. They knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, but the bond they shared would only strengthen as they moved forward.
The instructors took a moment to acknowledge the significance of these selections. They congratulated the students on their performance and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. The journey to the World NexaRealm Championship was just beginning, and while the teams were now formed, the real work was only starting. Training would intensify, strategies would be refined, and every player would need to push themselves to their limits to ensure they were prepared for the global competition.
As the students were dismissed for the day, the excitement in the air was undeniable. Conversations buzzed-about potential strategies, upcoming practices, and the thrill of competing on a world stage. For Joon-ho and his friends, this was not just an opportunity to represent their country but to prove themselves among the best in the world. The stakes were high, but so was their determination. They knew that together, they could achieve greatness.