Kang Minho wasn't easy to pin down, but I wasn't one to back down from a challenge. After my first pitch to him fell flat, I decided to change my approach. This time, I wasn't going to talk to him at the gym or approach him casually. If I wanted him to listen, I needed to speak his language.
So, the next morning, I texted him:
[Eunha: Meet me at the obstacle course in the park. 10 AM. Bring your A-game.]
Minho didn't reply, but I knew he'd show up. Sure enough, at 10 sharp, he arrived, wearing athletic gear and looking annoyed.
"This better not be a waste of my time," he said, crossing his arms.
"It won't be," I promised, tying my hair back into a ponytail. "We're going to settle this the old-fashioned way."
Minho raised an eyebrow. "You want to compete against me? Seriously?"
"Why not?" I smirked. "Think of it as a test. If I can't keep up, you can walk away. But if I impress you, you'll hear me out."
He laughed, shaking his head. "Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you."
The obstacle course was no joke. It stretched across the park, with climbing walls, rope swings, and balance beams designed to push participants to their limits. Minho's Fitness System would give him a clear advantage, but I wasn't going to make it easy for him.
As we started, Minho shot ahead, his enhanced speed and reflexes making him a blur on the course. I kept my pace steady, using my Scholar System to analyze the best way to conserve energy and tackle each obstacle efficiently.
By the halfway point, Minho was still in the lead, but I wasn't far behind. When we reached the final challenge a towering wall that required climbing and a leap to the finish I made my move.
My system highlighted the optimal handholds and footholds, guiding me as I scaled the wall with precision. Minho reached the top first, but as he prepared to leap, I shouted, "The rope to your left will stabilize your jump!"
He hesitated for a split second before following my advice. It worked, giving him a perfect landing. I followed close behind, hitting the ground just a moment after him.
Panting, Minho turned to me, his expression a mix of confusion and respect. "Why the hell did you help me? You could've used that to win."
"I didn't come here to beat you," I said, brushing dirt off my hands. "I came here to prove a point. Your Fitness System makes you fast and strong, but it doesn't give you foresight. That's where I come in. Together, we'd be unstoppable."
Minho studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "You don't quit, do you?"
"Not when I know I'm right," I replied, meeting his gaze evenly.
Finally, he nodded. "Alright, Eunha. I'll give this a shot. But if I feel like you're just using me, I'm out."
"That's fair," I said, offering my hand.
He shook it firmly, his grip like a vice.
The next morning, Seojun and I received identical notifications from the Zenith Academy system.
[Notice: Zenith Academy Faction Orientation Begins Tomorrow. All system users are required to attend. Failure to participate will result in expulsion.]
I frowned, rereading the message. Something about it felt... off.
Across the room, Seojun glanced at his phone and smirked. "Looks like we'll finally see who's prepared better."
But as I stared at the notification, a cold chill ran down my spine. The words "Failure to participate will result in expulsion" lingered in my mind.
Something wasn't right, and I had the distinct feeling that Zenith's orientation was going to be more dangerous than either of us anticipated.