The gates of Zenith Academy loomed ahead, an enormous archway of gleaming steel and engraved runes that pulsed faintly with light. Students streamed through, some with nervous expressions, others with quiet determination. The air thrummed with tension every student here was a system user, and the unspoken weight of competition was palpable.
Seojun adjusted his bag and glanced at Jiyeon, who walked confidently beside him. "So, first day," he said, keeping his voice casual. "Ready to make a name for yourself?"
Jiyeon smirked. "I already have one. The question is whether you'll be able to keep up."
He rolled his eyes but didn't respond. Across the courtyard, he spotted Eunha and Minho arriving together. His sister looked calm, her sharp gaze scanning the crowd like a hunter sizing up prey. Minho, on the other hand, seemed less concerned, casually cracking his knuckles as he walked.
Eunha met Seojun's eyes briefly, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. They hadn't spoken since their final preparations, but their rivalry was as sharp as ever.
The crowd quieted as a sharp bell echoed across the grounds. A towering holographic display flickered to life above the central plaza, showing the academy crest: a golden phoenix rising from flames. Beneath it, a countdown began.
00:15:00
"Fifteen minutes until the orientation," Jiyeon said, checking her system interface. "This should be interesting."
Seojun nodded but kept his thoughts to himself. The entrance exam had been grueling, but he knew Zenith wouldn't stop there. If anything, today would set the tone for the battles ahead.
The auditorium was a testament to Zenith's grandeur. Rows of polished benches stretched toward a massive stage, illuminated by chandeliers that shimmered like stars. As students filed in, whispers filled the air.
"That's Jang Taejin, right?" a boy murmured, pointing toward the stage.
"Yeah," another replied. "They say he's the most powerful system user alive. No one even knows what his system is."
Seojun's Scholar System flagged the name immediately, pulling up snippets of rumors and reports. Principal Jang Taejin: enigmatic, respected, and feared. Even in his previous life, Seojun had heard whispers about him, but the details were always vague.
Eunha leaned toward Minho as they took their seats. "What do you think his system is?"
Minho shrugged. "Something terrifying, probably."
The whispers died as the lights dimmed, and the figures on stage stepped forward. Principal Jang Taejin stood at the center, flanked by Vice Principal Seo Minjae and three other instructors. The room fell silent as Jang surveyed the students, his gaze piercing despite his calm demeanor.
"Welcome to Zenith Academy," he said, his deep voice reverberating through the auditorium. "You stand here today as the best and brightest of your generation. But know this: being chosen for Zenith does not guarantee your success. From this moment on, your systems alone will not be enough. To thrive here, you must evolve physically, mentally, and strategically."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "This is not a place for the complacent. It is a crucible, designed to break the weak and temper the strong. And your first trial begins now."
Behind Jang, Vice Principal Seo Minjae stepped forward, her icy blue eyes scanning the crowd. "I am Vice Principal Seo," she said crisply. "Your systems have brought you here, but they will also be your greatest liability if you fail to master them. At Zenith, you will be tested not just in skill, but in discipline and resilience. Those who falter will be removed without hesitation."
Eunha's Scholar System pinged faintly.
[Analyzing: Vice Principal Seo likely possesses a system tied to command or control. Observations indicate military background.]
Eunha's lips tightened. A command system would make Seo dangerous in both tactical and psychological settings.
The introductions continued as a broad-shouldered man with a booming voice stepped forward.
"Welcome, rookies!" he said with a grin. "I'm Master Park Gunwoo, your Combat Tactics instructor. My job is to teach you how to fight, survive, and win even when the odds are stacked against you."
Seojun frowned, his Scholar System noting the man's physique and demeanor.
[Analyzing: Master Park likely possesses a hybrid Fitness-Tactical System. Potential skillset includes real-time combat analysis.]
"Great," Jiyeon muttered beside him. "Another tank who also knows how to think."
Next came a wiry man with a cheerful smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hello, students!" he said brightly. "I'm Professor Choi Sangwoo, your Systems Theory instructor. My role is to help you understand your systems' intricacies and how to push them to their limits. Of course, pushing limits can be... unpredictable."
His words sent a ripple of unease through the room. Seojun's Scholar System flagged him immediately.
[Caution: High likelihood of manipulation-based system. Approach with care.]
Eunha, watching from across the room, whispered to Minho, "Never trust the cheerful ones. They're always the most dangerous."
The final instructor stepped forward a striking woman with red hair tied into a bun. Her piercing gaze swept the room, silencing even the faintest whispers.
"I am Instructor Han Yeseul," she said. "I will be overseeing Leadership and Strategy. At Zenith, you will learn that leadership is not about power but precision. Every decision you make will determine your future and your survival."
Eunha's Scholar System pinged again.
[Analyzing: Instructor Han likely possesses a prediction or foresight-based system. Tactical intelligence high.]
Eunha narrowed her eyes. "She'll be the one to watch," she muttered.
As the introductions ended, Jang Taejin stepped forward once more. "Now that you've met your instructors, let us proceed to the first trial."
The display behind him flickered, showing a virtual map of the academy grounds. Red markers dotted the screen, scattered across various locations.
"Your task is simple," Jang said. "Reach the central plaza within the next two hours. Along the way, you will face obstacles designed to test your abilities and your systems. Those who fail to reach the plaza in time will be expelled."
The room erupted in murmurs and gasps.
"This is insane," Jiyeon muttered. "It's the first day!"
"Quiet," Seojun said, his Scholar System already analyzing the map.
Eunha, across the room, was doing the same. Her system highlighted potential routes, but the red markers suggested trouble.
"This isn't just a test of speed," she whispered to Minho. "It's a test of adaptability."
The lights dimmed further, and Jang's voice cut through the murmurs. "The trial begins now. Good luck."
The floor beneath the students shifted. Sections of the auditorium split apart, dropping groups of students into randomized locations across the academy grounds. The orientation was no longer a ceremony it was a battlefield.
Seojun landed in a dimly lit corridor, Jiyeon at his side. "This is it," she said, brushing herself off.
"Stick with me," Seojun replied. "We'll reach the plaza first."
Meanwhile, Eunha and Minho landed in a hedge maze. Eunha's system glowed faintly, analyzing the layout.
"This isn't just a maze," she said grimly. "It's a trap."
Minho grinned. "Good. Let's smash it."
The first trial had begun, and the stakes couldn't be higher.