The sun rose over Zenith Academy, casting long shadows across the courtyards and towering spires. For the top-ranked first years, today marked the first recruitment events for their clubs. This was their first chance to turn rankings into real influence, and no one knew that better than the Seo siblings.
Seojun stood outside the Genesis Club's temporary base, a spacious atrium near the academy's workshop. Beside him, Hyunwoo adjusted the drone prototype resting on a sleek metal platform. A small crowd of students gathered nearby, curious about the demonstration promised on the flyers that had appeared across campus overnight.
"This has to be perfect," Seojun said, his Scholar System displaying a checklist of tasks in the corner of his vision. "First impressions will set the tone for the club."
Hyunwoo gave a half smile as he tested the drone's rotors. "Relax. It's not like it'll explode... probably."
Seojun shot him a look, but before he could respond, Jiyeon arrived, her usual smirk firmly in place.
"Well, look at you," she said, glancing at the setup. "Mr. Third Place putting on a show. I hope you know what you're doing."
"I always do," Seojun replied evenly.
Jiyeon raised an eyebrow. "Then let's see if it's enough to get people lining up to join."
Across the campus, Eunha was preparing her own event for the Ascension Club. The west courtyard had been transformed into a towering maze, its shifting walls and timed traps designed to test the very qualities she valued: adaptability, foresight, and quick thinking.
Eunha stood at the entrance, her arms crossed as her Scholar System analyzed the maze's layout. Hyuna was perched on a nearby table, tweaking a holographic display that monitored the maze's progress.
"This is going to be amazing," Hyuna said, grinning. "I mean, unless everyone fails. Then it'll just be hilarious."
Minho chuckled as he leaned against the maze's outer wall. "Either way, I get to see some action. I'll call that a win."
Eunha ignored their banter, her focus sharp. "The goal isn't to scare people off. It's to find recruits who can think on their feet. We're not just looking for numbers we're looking for quality."
"Yeah, yeah, we get it," Minho said, stretching. "So, who's going to run this thing first?"
Eunha smirked faintly. "Anyone brave enough to try."
The crowd outside the Genesis Club's atrium grew steadily, whispers rippling through the group as Seojun stepped forward. He glanced at his Scholar System's interface, ensuring all variables were accounted for before addressing the students.
"Welcome," he began, his voice steady. "The Genesis Club isn't just another group it's a place for innovators, problem-solvers, and creators. If you're looking for a chance to make an impact, you've come to the right place."
Hyunwoo activated the drone, and it rose smoothly into the air, its sleek design drawing murmurs of approval from the audience. The drone hovered, scanned its surroundings, and began assembling a small structure from pre-arranged materials, its movements precise and efficient.
Seojun continued, "This drone is just an example of what we can do. Here at Genesis, we turn ideas into reality. If you think you have the skills or the drive to contribute, we want you."
As the demonstration concluded, the students broke into quiet discussions, several stepping forward to express interest. Seojun's Scholar System flagged their names, analyzing their potential contributions to the club.
"This is a good start," Hyunwoo said as the last group left. "But it's just a start."
Seojun nodded. "Exactly. Now, we build."
In the west courtyard, a line of students had already formed at the entrance to the Ascension Club's maze. The towering structure loomed over them, its shifting walls and hidden traps enough to give even the most confident challengers pause.
Eunha stepped forward, addressing the group. "This is the Ascension Gauntlet. Your goal is simple: reach the center within the time limit. But know this this isn't about brute force or luck. It's about adaptability and foresight. Only those who can think ahead and act decisively will succeed."
Hyuna activated the maze's interface, and the first student entered, the walls shifting behind them with an audible clunk.
"Think anyone will make it?" Minho asked, watching the maze with a grin.
"They will," Eunha said confidently, her Scholar System tracking the student's movements. "But only the ones who deserve to."
The first few challengers struggled, some getting caught in traps or taking too long to adjust to the maze's constantly changing layout. But as the day progressed, a handful of students reached the center, their determination and quick thinking earning nods of approval from Eunha.
By the end of the event, Eunha's Scholar System had compiled a shortlist of recruits who had impressed her.
"That went well," Hyuna said, leaning back on her table. "I mean, for the people who didn't totally fail."
Eunha allowed herself a small smile. "We found who we needed. That's what matters."
As the day drew to a close, Seojun and Eunha crossed paths near the academy's central fountain. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension, their mutual rivalry sharper than ever after the day's events.
"How's Genesis?" Eunha asked, her tone neutral but probing.
"Strong," Seojun replied, meeting her gaze. "And Ascension?"
"Selective," Eunha said with a faint smirk. "We're not just looking for anyone."
"Neither are we," Seojun replied smoothly.
For a moment, they stood in silence, the distant hum of activity filling the air. Despite their shared determination, their approaches couldn't have been more different.
"You know this is just the beginning," Eunha said finally.
"Of course," Seojun replied. "And I intend to stay ahead."
Eunha's smirk deepened. "We'll see about that."
As they parted ways, both siblings felt the weight of the path ahead. The clubs were established, but the real challenge was maintaining momentum and outmaneuvering the competition not just their rivals, but each other.
The battle for Zenith Academy had only just begun.