The day felt surprisingly ordinary, considering the weight of what had just happened. Joon-ho leaned back, stretching out on the campus lawn under a pale sky, his friends sprawled in casual circles around him. Kang-dae lounged nearby, flipping through his phone as if the preliminary rounds hadn't just determined their future on the NexaRealm world stage.
It was surreal, really—the way things had played out. Out of hundreds of students, they had somehow made it, not only as individuals but as a team bound by camaraderie and skill. Joon-ho glanced around at each of them, each caught in their thoughts, yet tethered to a shared reality they'd never anticipated.
Kyu and Soo-jin were mid-discussion about their new equipment load-outs, with Sang-hee chiming in about some recent strategic insights from a pro tournament stream. Hana had her notebook open, sketching out character builds while Jin-kyong observed, suggesting tweaks that only a marksman with his level of precision could understand. As for Hyun-ae, she was quietly watching them all with an amused smile, as if savouring the way this ragtag group had somehow become one of the chosen three teams to represent Korea.
The coincidence of it all felt uncanny. Out of hundreds of students, Joon-ho's group of friends—his very classmates, rivals, and companions—had ended up standing on top, beating the odds to become Korea's representatives for the World NexaRealm Championship. It felt like a scripted fairytale, almost too good to be true. Yet here they were, basking in this moment of unexpected calm before the storm. For Joon-ho, it felt like destiny, a strange blend of luck, skill, and timing that had drawn them together and given them a chance to go down in history. They were students first, yes, but the championship had lit a fire within them, pushing them to pursue something far greater than any of them had imagined.
And so, as the conversation settled into a comfortable lull, each of them silently knew that their paths were no longer ordinary. The coming days would be gruelling. They'd face some of the most skilled NexaRealm players in the world. Yet, for now, they let themselves breathe, enjoying the quiet before they plunge into something epic.
Just then, each of their phones buzzed in near-perfect unison, screens lighting up with a message from the NCK app. Glancing down, Joon-ho saw the words they'd been waiting for—"Official Call-Up: All students of Teams 1, 2, and 3 are to prepare for departure by Friday to an off-site facility for training ahead of the World NexaRealm Championship."
For a moment, the group stared at their screens, soaking in the gravity of it all.
"So… it's official," Soo-jin said, a grin breaking across her face. "They're not wasting time, are they? An entire month of training… they mean business."
Kang-dae whistled, giving a nod of approval.
"An off-site facility, huh? Wonder what kind of setup they've got there. It'll probably be way better than the campus labs. State-of-the-art gear, special rooms, full VR immersion…" He trailed off, visibly excited.
Jin-kyong smirked.
"Think it'll be some military-grade tech? They don't hold back when it comes to competitive prep. Korea's got a lot to prove, after all."
Kyu, seated at the edge of the group, only nodded quietly, acknowledging the message without much fanfare. His silence carried its weight, a steady presence that reminded them of his serious approach toward everything he did. He didn't need to say much; they knew he'd be just as dedicated as any of them when the time came.
"Looks like this is our life for the next month," Hana said, laughing a bit. "We'll be cooped up in some super-secure, private facility, eating, sleeping, and breathing NexaRealm strategies. Are we ready for that?"
Hyun-ae nodded eagerly, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"More than ready," she replied, her excitement contagious. "I mean, it's the World Championship. This is the dream, right? Time to put all that hard work to the test."
They all exchanged glances, the thrill of the competition settling in as their reality. It was going to be gruelling, and the pressure would be unlike anything they'd ever faced, but at that moment, they knew they wouldn't trade it for anything.
Director Hye-su stood motionless by the glass wall, her gaze set intently on the bustling campus grounds below. Inside the room behind her, her trusted assistant Hae-won sat alongside the five top instructors Korea had to offer, each a master of their respective class. The air in the room held a quiet, restrained anticipation as the instructors waited for her to speak.
Turning, Director Hye-su's voice was calm but carried a firm resolve.
"It's time we show the world what Korea is capable of," she began, her words measured but laced with a palpable urgency. "As you all know, our teams have qualified, and we're sending them to the off-site training grounds. This is no ordinary preparation. It's crucial that we work them to the bone, build them up, infuse in them every ounce of strategy, skill, and resilience we can muster."
She looked around the room, meeting the gaze of each instructor one by one.
"Instructor Seung-hyun," she addressed the Fighter instructor first. "Your job is to push their physical limits. Let's make sure no one outlasts them on the battlefield. They need to become unstoppable forces up close. I want strength, precision, and aggression perfected."
Instructor Seung-hyun nodded, his jaw set with determination.
"Consider it done. They'll be ready."
"Instructor Ji-woo," Director Hye-su continued, turning to the Marksman instructor. "Focus on building their instinct, their precision. They'll need to be untouchable from a distance, firing with unfailing accuracy. We can't afford hesitation."
Instructor Ji-woo gave a confident smile.
"They'll be sharpshooters by the time I'm through with them."
"Instructor Min-ji," Director Hye-su moved to the Roamer strategist. "Your job will be to teach them fluidity, how to be everywhere and nowhere at once. They need to learn the battlefield like it's the back of their hand. Give them the awareness to see everything and the agility to dodge whatever's thrown at them."
Instructor Min-ji nodded thoughtfully.
"Understood. I'll give them the eyes and mind of a strategist."
She looked toward Instructor Dong-soo next.
"Instructor Dong-soo, our Assassins are to be shadows, effective and silent. By the end of this month, I want them able to take down targets before anyone realizes they're there. Leave no room for mistakes."
Instructor Dong-soo's expression was serious.
"Trust me, they'll move like whispers in the dark."
Finally, Director Hye-su turned to Instructor Hye-won.
"And you, Instructor Hye-won, will handle the Mage class. We need magic that's not only powerful but adaptable. They must be able to counter and exploit every possible scenario. Teach them mastery over their magic as if it's an extension of themselves."
Instructor Hye-won gave a resolute nod.
"They'll leave as masters, Director."
A silence settled over the room as Director Hye-su took in the strength of the team she'd assembled. These weren't just instructors; they were the nation's best, a coalition of strategists and visionaries who'd trained champions. This time, Korea wouldn't be outshone.
"No more excuses," she said finally, her voice resolute. "The world sees us as pioneers, one of the first to bring NexaRealm to life. Yet we've lagged, letting our teams flounder on the world stage. The netizens won't forget it, and neither will I." She took a breath, her gaze steely. "It's time to reclaim our pride, to show our potential. With your guidance, I know they can do it. Make them champions."
As her words sank in, each instructor sat a little straighter, their eyes mirroring her fierce determination.
The instructors sat in silence, absorbing Director Hye-su's charged words, a palpable shift settling over them. Each of them had trained countless students, but this mission was different. This wasn't just about skill—it was about pride, redemption, and restoring Korea's position in the world of NexaRealm.
Breaking the silence, Instructor Seung-hyun finally spoke, his voice low but unwavering.
"Director, you have our word. We'll make sure they're ready for anything."
Instructor Ji-woo nodded in agreement.
"This time, we're not only aiming to compete. We're aiming to win."
Instructor Min-ji added.
"They'll know every inch of the battlefield before we're through with them."
As each instructor expressed their commitment, Director Hye-su felt a swell of resolve solidifying within her. She knew each of them would go to lengths far beyond any regular training regimen. The students had the raw talent, but under the guidance of this elite team, they'd be transformed into true champions.
"We'll leave for the training site tomorrow," Director Hye-su announced her tone one of finality. "We get the place up and running before they arrive by Friday. It's time to put our ambitions to the test. I want you all to push them, to challenge them to their limits. Failure is not an option."
The instructors rose in unison, their expressions resolute. As they filed out of the room, Instructor Hye-won lingered a moment, meeting Director Hye-su's gaze.
"They'll be ready, Director," she reassured, her confidence echoing that of the others.
Director Hye-su nodded, watching her leave with a sense of fulfilment. She knew that, by the time their teams emerged from the off-site training, they'd be a force to reckon with.
As the door closed, Director Hye-su took one last look over the campus through the glass wall, feeling the weight of the upcoming tournament. Korea would shine again; she was certain of it.