As if being dragged into the principal's office, Kang Sihyun walked in, gave a brief explanation about his Copy ability, shared his thoughts as the world's first Quadruple-Class, vaguely answered a question about whether he had plans for further ability engraving, and then left, once he was alone he couldn't help letting out a hollow laugh.
It seemed like he was too late to go and pick up Haru.
Heaving a sigh and donning his new school uniform, he couldn't recall the path leading to the first year's A Class. Well, to be precise, it was more accurate to say he didn't know. The head teacher had probably done the orientation while he was doing the interview.
Feeling like nothing was going right, he wandered aimlessly, trying to guess the right direction, only to get lost at the central entrance. That's when a familiar voice rescued Sihyun.
"What are you doing here?"
It was Daun.
"Did you get lost?"
It seemed like he was on the right path, but he was obviously lost. Nodding in response to her question, Sihyun followed behind Daun and Jihye silently, expressing his gratitude. Daun stared at Sihyun with clear eyes, after tucking her hair behind her ears. Feeling a sense of guilt from her gaze, Sihyun awkwardly lowered his eyes. Daun and Jihye's footsteps came into view.
"It's okay not to know your way at first. Since we're in the same class, let's go together."
Jihye kindly invited him to join them. Sihyun, thanking them silently, followed behind Daun and Jihye. Daun's voice echoed in his ears.
The original Kang Sihyun was very good at orientation, but he wasn't.
He swallowed discomfort that others couldn't see, it felt like a lump in his throat as if something large was stuck there.
Between bouts of contemplation, when they arrived at the classroom, familiar faces greeted them.
"Oh, Sihyun's here!"
Feeling like it was best to not engage with him, Sihyun turned away from Haeun. He looked around the surprisingly normal looking classroom. He expected it to be as fancy as the dorms and cafeteria, but it was nothing special.
Then his gaze fell on the timetable attached conspicuously next to the blackboard.
1st Period: Korean History
2nd Period: Mathematics 1
3rd Period: Korean Language
4th Period: English
Lunch Break
5th Period: Theory
6th Period: Elective
7th Period: Training
8th Period: Self-Directed Training
After dinner, free time
The timetable from Monday to Friday was identical. Apart from a sprinkle of individuality, it seemed like a copy-paste timetable. Looking again didn't change a thing.
Just a few minutes ago, he'd claimed there was nothing surprising... This insane school seemed to have no interest in anything besides Korean History, Korean Language, Mathematics, and English.
While he was still in awe, the teacher entered and settled into an awkward stance. In the chilly classroom with only eight desks, the short-haired teacher energetically began the self-introduction. Sihyun, who was half-listening to her, snapped to attention upon hearing a particular statement.
"So let's keep the seating arrangement as it is now!"
"Yes."
"Yes?"
Amidst the ambiguous responses, one question lingered. Sihyun, who hadn't paid attention when he took a seat, looked around with eyes wide open. He wasn't even aware he'd taken this spot. With Haeun in front and Seowoo behind, there was no way he would be happy with this, yet the cheerful teacher smoothly shifted the discussion back to orientation.
"The timetable will proceed as you see in front of you. During free periods, you're free to rest or train. However, the dormitory curfew starts at 11, so make sure to return by at least 10. We're about to decide on elective subjects listed on the timetable. Ah, should we pick the class president first?"
"...."
What kind of old fashioned school was this? I glanced around, wondering if class presidents were usually just "picked" like this, but it seemed I was the only one with doubts. At this level, it felt like the world was trying to outsmart me, no, it felt like I was the one outsmarting the world.
This is definitely supposed to be South Korea, so why is it like this?
Apart from being in a web novel, I thought things wouldn't be much different, but experiencing it was entirely different. Although when you think about it, the world would obviously be different
Suddenly, Seowoo raised his hand and volunteered as class president. Naturally, there was no opposition. Without any voting done, it was naturally resolved.
As the new class president, Seowoo distributed handouts. Sihyun checked the gray printout on his desk and let out a breath seeing the 'Theory' and 'Training - choose one' written there. With only eight students in the class and just two options, he didn't understand why handouts were necessary.
"During Theory class, we'll cover basic and advanced theories, including the appearance of Awakened Individuals and detailed explanations of Irregular types and their ranks. In Training, we plan to conduct various ability adaptation exercises and partner training to help you acclimate to your abilities while also maintaining your physical fitness. Please check the area you think needs more attention after reviewing!"
Listening attentively, Sihyun immediately circled 'Theory' without hesitation. For someone who had suddenly landed in an unfamiliar place, this was exactly the subject he needed.
After handing in the printout, there was a session about school rules and regulations. It felt like time dragged on as the tedious orientation continued. Just as he thought it was break time, orientations by teachers for periods 1 to 4 began.
Listening to the same explanations over and over, Sihyun propped up his chin and drowsily waited for lunchtime. However, unlucky for him, the orientations by teachers persisted from the 1st to the 4th period.
When the 1 hour and 20 minutes long lunch period finally arrived, Sihyun sluggishly got up. He felt more tired after dozing off. He had thought the Mirgun Military Academy would be different, but the orientation seemed monotonously similar wherever he went.
Though he was tempted to skip lunch to go take a nap, Daun and Haeun both grabbed Sihyun's arms simultaneously. Inadvertently, there were eight of them seated together for lunch. Suddenly, Haeun asked a question.
"By the way, how did the interview go?"
"Interview?"
"Because of the New Class."
"Ah... well, he probably told them he was sick."
At Daun's matter-of-fact response, Sihyun coughed. Covering his mouth and turning his head away, he coughed while Haeun gave him a meaningful look.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Just thought things might get interesting."
Feeling uncomfortable with Haeun's teasing, Sihyun wiped his arm and took another sip of soup. Until that moment, he hadn't been particularly concerned about the interview he had done. After spending a day listening to uninteresting and banal orientations by the teachers, during evening free time, when Haeun showed him the community posts on his phone, that's when he started to get concerned.
"...."
When evening came, in a cafeteria that seemed unusually bustling, Sihyun sat frowning. Even upperclassmen were here for dinner, and the place was abuzz. He felt awkward with so many eyes on him, glancing nervously around. Haeun, who had been earnestly looking at his phone, suddenly burst into laughter.
"Have you gone crazy?"
Ignoring Hamin's harsh words, Haeun wiped his tears, catching his breath while laughing with all his might. Breathing heavily, he laughed so much that tears kept streaming down his face.
"Why is everyone looking at me like that?"
"What do you mean?"
Looking at him as if he knew something, Haeun's laughter rose as he reached out toward Sihyun. His sly smile seemed mischievous.
"Look at this, Sihyun! You're currently trending at number one!"
"Oh..."
Seeing his name on top of real-time searches, Sihyun, who had been looking at Haeun's screen, swallowed his resignation. It was no wonder it felt more chaotic than usual. Apparently, the interview article had been released.
It was something I had already anticipated.
Even though I had only imprinted two abilities, I was still a Quadruple-Class.
I wasn't completely surprised that I ended up as number one on the trending page, but seeing the posts still made my eyes tremble. The top trending search was Kang Sihyun, followed by 'Quadruple' and 'Copy', 'New Class' and then 'Supreme King Rank Zero'. There were articles related to me from the top 1 to 3, so there was no way the 4th wasn't related. With a growing sense of unease, I clicked on the Rank Zero search. Haeun's smirk grew as if he already knew about this situation.
[Trending at Number One: Supreme King Rank Zero, ㄱ ㅅ ㅎ Information Compilation]
Among the lines of text that unfolded, the familiar consonants of my initials caught my eye.
'ㄱ ㅅ ㅎ'
There were words that seemed to be my name, yet I couldn't fathom how it could possibly be mine.
[Trending at Number One: Supreme King Rank Zero, ㄱ ㅅ ㅎ Information Compilation]
Author: Remitar
Due to the chaos from the appearance of the New Class Quadruple, I decided to bring some actual info amidst the rumors and speculations. If you're busy just read the three-line summary below.
First, let's roughly summarize the incidents.
Around 4 o'clock, FBS released an article about the New Class and Quadruple Awakened Individual.
(link)
Said Quadruple is Kang Sihyun, a first year student at Choegang High.
Once the name was revealed, all sorts of rumors emerged. From discussions about his personality to claims of being the son of someone from H Corporation or the sibling of a Black Velvet member. There's a lot of speculation, but nothing's been verified.
You can see what he looks like from his middle school days in sports newspapers since he was on the track team.
They say his New Class ability is Copy, and even though he's a Quadruple, he has only inscribed Healer and Copy abilities. (You can read more about Copy in the link above)
The reason for choosing only two classes has been listed as a frail constitution.
Articles with various exaggerations were being spread by those hyped with Korean pride.
Then, a student suspected to be from Choegang High claimed that among the speculated students, Kang Sihyun is ranked 7th among the Choegang High first years. (Search for Choegang High ranking system if you're unfamiliar)
People who disagreed with that claim argued that a Quadruple couldn't be ranked 7th.
When the post author claimed to be authentic, it turned out it was a joke, but it had already turned into a meme.
With the waves, there was a rumor that Kang Sihyun was Choegang High's rank zero, which has since been treated as a common fact.
As the situation escalated, the post author deleted the post.
People who didn't know anything started believing that Kang Sihyun was genuinely ranked zero at Choegang High.
The story kept spreading without being rectified.
That's the current situation.
Three-line Summary:
Kang Sihyun is a New Class and a Quadruple. He has imprinted only Healer and Copy abilities.
However, a student from Choegang High claims that Kang Sihyun is ranked 7th.
People arguing against it say Kang Sihyun can't be ranked 7th as a Quadruple.
Amidst the commotion of insufficient information, it seems like it's just brain-dead gossip. But for now, the fact is that Korea has its first Quadruple. Quadruple>>>>>big gap>>>>>>Triple.
Many nations will likely want a Quadruple, so Redem will have to take responsibility.
---
- What kind of name is Remitar?
-It's bc he's a reliable source [1]
-lmao
-that's fuckin funny ahahahah
- how r u so sure he'll join Redem? They're not the only guild in Korea
- bc redem's the best… get tf outa here
- Didn't the guy that founded Free Guild get caught in a hit-and-run?
- i thought they were still top 3 in korea
- where is he tho? he get scared and ran?
- If he fkn ran i hope he gets hit too ahahah
- why is there only irrelevant talk in the comments?
- founder-nim! Get of the phone and stop hiding
- it really hit me after reading, korea has the world's first Quadruple …
- we don't say 'do you know kimchi?' anymore, now it's 'do you know Kang Sihyun?'
- Why is nobody mentioning the Copy Class? Just looking at it seems like a scam, right? Seriously, just the fact that it's Copy should be amazing, but also Quadruple-Class? Please, a balance patch, anyone?
- God: no, not happening. come again.
- … ok ;_;
- But even if he's ranked 7th now, he'll probably become 1st place soon. A New Class Quadruple? Seriously?
- This post will soon become a holy site.
- I'm going on a pilgrimage in advance. Please make me an Awakened.
- How old are you??
- fucking 32
- ahahahah the wishes of an old man
- New Class with Quadruple... Is this the level of Korean Awakened individuals? Kang Sihyun is a legend beyond belief. My heart swells.
- Damn, is it really important that Kang Sihyun is Quadruple now? Go check a sports article and see Kang Sihyun's face right now. That's the national treasure.
- Agreed, I wanted to say that, but no one mentioned it, so I thought I'd have to , talk alone
- Hahyuk's little brother became a Dual, so at this point, the standard for , Korean Awakened is their face.
- Yeah, true. It would be great if someone could do their part and create a , fan cafe for Sihyun T-T
- Seriously, with that kind of face...
- At Choegang they have the 'Four Heavenly Kings', Kang Haeun, Yu Seowoo, Baek Geonu, and Lee Hamin, if they add Kang Sihyun won't they be five?
- Oh the Five Heavenly Kings?
- ahahah what about F5?
- ahahahahahahahah that's crazy ahahah
- Wait, so who's making the fan cafe? It seems like this is really happening…
- Okay, I'll quit my job and make one. I believe in this.
- What the heck?
As Sihyun scrolled down the post, his fingers moved to allow the scrollbar to glide effortlessly. Hundreds of comments were nestled beneath the article, each one revealing a spectrum of reactions. He had anticipated becoming top 1 trending, but...
'Rank zero'
Yoo Sihyun's blue eyes twitched as he read the words that consistently appeared in the comments section.
This was an unexpected turn of events.
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[1] Remitar is a Korean cement brand