### **Chapter 14: Beyond the Basics**
The victory over the Rock Sentinel marked a turning point for Jae-min and his team. Not only had they successfully cleared their first dungeon, but their camaraderie had grown stronger. However, there was no time to rest on their laurels. The university tournament loomed on the horizon, and with it, a new set of challenges.
Jae-min spent the next few days analyzing his performance in the dungeon. While he had led the team effectively, he couldn't shake the feeling that his reliance on the system had put too much pressure on himself.
"Next time," he muttered to himself, "I need to make sure everyone's skills are better integrated into our strategy."
---
**System's New Directive**
The system interrupted his thoughts.
**"New quest active: Train and recruit two new companions. Suggested criteria: High potential talents and complementary abilities. Deadline: 14 days. Reward: Advanced Zone Skill – Spatial Fortress."**
Jae-min frowned. "Two companions? That's easier said than done. Where am I supposed to find people who meet those criteria?"
The system responded:
**"Potential candidates exist within your current institution. Scanning database… Priority candidate identified: Kang Se-ri."**
A holographic image of a girl appeared before him. Kang Se-ri was a top student in Class 2-C, known for her precision and control in long-range combat.
"She's the archer, right?" Jae-min recalled seeing her in a previous sparring match. "She's amazing, but how do I convince her to join me?"
**"Secondary candidate identified: Oh Tae-jun."**
The image shifted to a tall, broad-shouldered boy with an intimidating aura. Tae-jun was a close-combat specialist with unmatched physical strength.
"Tae-jun, huh? This just keeps getting better. He's known for being a lone wolf."
---
**The First Approach**
The next morning, Jae-min found himself outside the training grounds where Kang Se-ri practiced. She was firing arrows at targets with pinpoint accuracy, each shot hitting the bullseye.
Jae-min approached cautiously. "Hey, Kang Se-ri, got a minute?"
She glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Jae-min, right? The guy who won the class tournament?"
"Yeah, that's me," he said, scratching the back of his head. "I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming university tournament. I'm building a team, and I think you'd be a perfect fit."
Se-ri lowered her bow, eyeing him curiously. "Why me?"
"You're one of the best long-range fighters in the school," Jae-min said honestly. "Your skills would complement my team perfectly. With your precision and my Zone manipulation, we could dominate the competition."
She crossed her arms, considering his proposal. "I don't know… What's in it for me?"
Jae-min hesitated, then decided to be upfront. "If we win, you'll get recognition, and it'll open up opportunities for higher-level dungeons. Plus, I have a system that can enhance our chances."
Se-ri raised an eyebrow. "A system, huh? Interesting. Alright, I'll join—on one condition. You need to prove your leadership skills in a sparring match. If you can handle a mock battle against me, I'll consider it."
"Deal," Jae-min said, determination in his eyes.
---
**The Sparring Match**
The match took place in the academy's training arena, with a small crowd of curious students gathering to watch.
Se-ri wasted no time, firing arrows in rapid succession. Jae-min activated **Spatial Dominance**, creating Zones of distortion to deflect the arrows. However, Se-ri adjusted quickly, using her superior aim to anticipate his movements.
"She's good," Jae-min thought, dodging a near-miss.
The system chimed in:
**"Suggestion: Utilize multi-layered Zones to disrupt her rhythm."**
Jae-min followed the advice, creating overlapping Zones that slowed Se-ri's movements while simultaneously destabilizing the ground beneath her.
Se-ri stumbled, but she recovered quickly, firing a final arrow that grazed Jae-min's shoulder.
"Match over," she said, lowering her bow. "Not bad, Jae-min. You've got potential."
"So… is that a yes?" he asked, panting.
Se-ri smirked. "Yeah, I'm in."
---
**Recruiting Tae-jun**
Finding Tae-jun was easier than expected. He was in the weightlifting area, effortlessly lifting a barbell loaded with weights that would make most students faint.
"Tae-jun!" Jae-min called, approaching him.
The taller boy set down the barbell and looked at him with mild interest. "What do you want?"
"I'm putting together a team for the university tournament," Jae-min said. "I want you to join."
Tae-jun snorted. "Not interested. I work alone."
"Look, I get it," Jae-min said. "You're strong, and you don't think you need anyone else. But this tournament isn't just about individual strength. It's about teamwork. And I think you'd be a great addition to the team."
Tae-jun crossed his arms. "Why should I care?"
"Because you want a challenge, right?" Jae-min said, meeting his gaze. "This tournament will be filled with the best of the best. You'll face opponents stronger than anyone you've fought before. Don't you want to prove you're the strongest?"
Tae-jun's expression shifted, his interest piqued. "Alright, I'll join. But don't expect me to follow orders blindly."
"Deal," Jae-min said, extending his hand. Tae-jun shook it firmly, sealing the agreement.
---
**Training Begins**
With Se-ri and Tae-jun on board, Jae-min's team was finally complete. Over the next few days, he focused on developing strategies that leveraged each member's strengths.
Se-ri's precision allowed her to pick off targets from a distance, while Tae-jun's brute strength made him a formidable force in close combat. Ji-a's water manipulation provided versatile support, and Min-seok's lightning-infused attacks added an element of unpredictability.
Jae-min's own role as a tactician became more defined, his ability to manipulate Zones providing the foundation for their strategies.
The system continued to guide him, offering valuable insights and new missions to push him further.
---
**A Glimpse of the Future**
One evening, as Jae-min reviewed their progress, the system issued a new message:
**"Warning: Anomalous activity detected in upcoming tournament. High likelihood of external interference. Proceed with caution."**
Jae-min frowned. "External interference? What does that mean?"
The system didn't respond, leaving him with a sense of unease.
Whatever lay ahead, Jae-min knew one thing for certain: the university tournament would be unlike anything he had faced before.
**To be continued...**