As dawn broke over the military camp, the temporary resting place before their departure to Nova Academy, Deren slowly opened his eyes.
The morning was already too loud for his liking.
The sound of footsteps, clanking weapons, and the excited chatter of cadets filled the air, disrupting the peaceful silence he wished he could enjoy a little longer.
He sat up, running a hand through his messy hair.
Today marked the start of something he never wanted—a life he never asked for at Nova Academy, a place that would force him into a path he found utterly uninteresting.
Before he could gather his thoughts, the sound of ruckus outside his tent snapped him back to reality.
In the next second, Ryn and Kael burst in, their energy far too excessive for this early in the morning.
"Deren! Wake up! We're finally heading to Nova Academy! This is amazing!" Ryn's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Deren merely let out a lazy grunt, unwilling to respond beyond that.
"Come on, bro! This is Nova Academy! The place where real heroes are forged! I can feel the aura of greatness!" Ryn continued passionately.
Deren simply stared at him blankly, struggling to understand the enthusiasm.
Kael, standing beside Ryn, patted his shoulder with a laugh.
**"Let him be, Ryn. Deren's just not the type to get excited over entering the Academy.
"Unlike me! I can already picture the beautiful women there! This is my chance!"**
Deren sighed.
"So, you're joining the Academy just to chase women?"
Kael shrugged, grinning.
"Of course! Status, power, and... women! Everything that makes life worth living!"
Ryn turned to Deren, his expression full of curiosity.
"And you? What are you looking forward to?"
Deren didn't even hesitate.
"Nothing."
Ryn and Kael exchanged looks.
"Oh, come on, Deren... at least pretend to be excited," Ryn sighed in disappointment.
Deren stretched, cracking his neck.
**"I'd rather stay in the underground world and handle my own business.
"But unfortunately, I got dragged into this mess.
"So I'll just get through it without wasting too much effort."**
The Nova Academy Briefing
When they arrived at the central training grounds, dozens of cadets had already gathered around a long table where an instructor stood, waiting.
On the table, thick, blackened Metavore hide was displayed—its surface scarred yet resilient.
The instructor's voice boomed across the field.
**"Listen up. Core Etherion is our greatest weapon.
"But it is not to be used recklessly.
"Observe the difference between a normal weapon and one enhanced with Core Etherion."**
A soldier picked up a standard firearm and fired at the Metavore hide.
The bullet bounced off harmlessly, barely leaving a scratch.
Then, he switched to a Core-enhanced weapon, firing once more.
This time, the shot pierced effortlessly, shattering the thick hide from within.
Ryn's eyes widened in awe.
"That's incredible! A normal weapon didn't even leave a mark!"
Kael raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.
"If I had a weapon like that, I wouldn't just be a force on the battlefield—I'd also be irresistible to the ladies!"
Deren sighed.
He had seen all of this before.
For others, this might be fascinating, but to him?
It was nothing new.
The Laws of Core Etherion
The instructor's tone grew serious.
**"However, unauthorized use of Core Etherion is considered a serious crime.
"If anyone is caught selling Core illegally or wielding Core-enhanced weapons outside of regulated supervision, the punishment will be severe.
"Even within the Academy, the use of Core-based weapons is strictly monitored."**
Ryn gulped.
"So... there's no chance of borrowing one in secret?"
Kael chuckled.
"Guess we'll have to wait for an official permit."
A whisper came from a nearby cadet.
**"I heard that in the underground market, people sell Core illegally.
"But if you're caught... it's a death sentence."**
Ryn's eyes widened.
"Seriously?!"
The instructor continued.
**"Core Etherion can be a blessing or a curse.
"In the wrong hands, it could bring disaster.
"That is why its circulation is heavily controlled.
"And for those of you who aspire to join the Aether Corps, following these regulations is an absolute duty."**
After that, the instructor moved on to explain the Metavore classification system and the ranks within the Aether Corps.
**"Metavore are categorized by strength and threat level.
"They range from Tier 1, which consists of small, mindless creatures, to Tier 10, which are catastrophic threats capable of leveling entire cities.
"Metavores classified Tier 6 and above typically require special forces or heavy artillery to subdue."**
A holographic display flickered to life, showcasing various types of Metavore encountered over the years.
Deren observed the data with mild interest, already familiar with most of these creatures.
But what intrigued him was the absence of any mention of the more advanced Tier 9 or 10 Metavores.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
Are they hiding something?
Meanwhile, Ryn and Kael were completely engrossed in the presentation, marveling at the different forms of Metavore.
Ryn clenched his fists in determination.
**"If we want to survive in this world, we have to become stronger.
"This is what being in the Aether Corps means!"**
Kael, on the other hand, smirked, his mind clearly elsewhere.
**"I just hope we don't get assigned to the more boring training regimens.
"If I have to do nothing but drills all day, I'll die from boredom!"**
Deren let out a tired sigh.
"You're both way too excited for this."
As the briefing continued, the reality of their new life at Nova Academy began to set in.
For most cadets, this was the start of a journey toward greatness.
But for Deren?
This was nothing more than another inconvenience in his pursuit of a quiet life.
One that, despite his best efforts,
Refused to let him go.
"However, we also have a ranking system within Aether Corps. New cadets are only granted access to basic weapons and light armor. As you progress in rank, you'll eventually gain access to Full Armor Battle Suits and Colossia—combat mechs that can only be piloted by highly skilled cadets."
The cadets fell silent, many of them eager to reach higher levels.
"Each rank advancement in the academy will grant you broader access to advanced combat equipment. But with that privilege comes greater responsibility. No one can pilot a Colossia without years of training."
Ryn's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"I can't wait to get to that level! Imagine piloting a war mech and fighting massive Metavores!"
Kael chuckled.
"I'm more interested in the advanced armor. With that, I'll look even more charismatic."
Deren simply crossed his arms and remained silent.
To him, all of this was just something he could learn on his own without needing to get overly excited.
The instructor concluded the session with a firm tone.
"All of this technology is strictly regulated. If anyone misuses or sells equipment without authorization, the punishment will be severe."
The cadets nodded seriously, understanding that their journey at Nova Academy had just begun.
Training Begins
After a long session explaining Metavores and the combat equipment used to fight them, the cadets were finally directed to the physical training area.
The enthusiastic atmosphere from earlier quickly faded as they realized that before they could even touch a Core Etherion weapon, they would first have to endure grueling physical training.
A vast training field stretched before them, surrounded by various exercise facilities.
The instructor stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
**"Before you wield a Core weapon, your body must be ready.
"If your body is weak, no Core will save you from death."**
Ryn let out a deep sigh.
"I thought we'd be using those cool weapons right away... Turns out, we have to run first."
Kael patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry, this is a great opportunity to build a body that attracts women."
Deren, who had remained silent, yawned.
**"In that case, Kael, you should train twice as hard.
"I'm not sure muscles can make up for your face."**
Kael glared at him, while Ryn chuckled.
Before they could continue their banter, the instructor blew a long whistle.
**"Alright! Ten laps around the field!
"Anyone who falls behind will run five extra laps!"**
The field was soon filled with groans of protest, but there was no room for complaints.
The cadets had no choice but to run.
A Test of Endurance
Running ten laps might sound simple to some, but under the scorching sun, it quickly turned into torture.
The first five laps were manageable, but by the sixth, some cadets began to lag behind.
Ryn groaned, sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Deren, are you still okay?!"
Deren, still running at a steady pace, simply shrugged.
**"It's just running.
"I'm more worried about the other training sessions coming up."**
Kael was panting heavily beside them.
"I... I'm more... worried... about my... lungs... This is torture!"
"You're talking too much and running too little," Deren remarked dryly.
Basic Combat Training
After running, they were immediately directed to the next session—learning how to hold and swing weapons properly.
Each cadet was given a wooden training staff, meant to simulate real weapons.
The instructor walked among them, his sharp eyes scanning their stances.
**"Grip it properly.
"If your grip is weak, your weapon will be knocked away or taken from you."**
Kael tried holding his staff in a flashy way, attempting to look cool.
In a split second, the instructor disarmed him with one hand, sending him tumbling to the ground.
**"What did I just say?
"A weak grip makes your weapon useless."**
Ryn laughed, but his turn soon came.
The instructor easily exposed the flaws in his grip, forcing him to adjust.
Deren, on the other hand, remained composed, gripping the staff firmly yet relaxed.
The instructor gave him a brief approving nod before moving on.
Kael grumbled as he stood up.
"Hmph, lucky you, Deren."
"It's not luck," Deren replied lazily.
"I'm just not stupid when it comes to basics."
Strength Training & Combat Drills
After mastering weapon grip, they were forced to do strength-building exercises—lifting weights above their heads and holding the position for minutes.
Ryn groaned, trembling under the weight.
"This feels like torture."
"You want to wield Core weapons?" Deren replied calmly.
"This is the price you pay."
Kael gritted his teeth.
"I'd rather train by chatting with women than lifting heavy things..."
The Days Turn Into Weeks
Day after day, the training became harsher.
They went through endurance training, agility tests, and one-on-one combat drills.
Every day, their bodies were pushed to their limits.
And before they knew it, months had passed.
Ryn had fainted three times in a single week.
Kael nearly quit, admitting this wasn't the life he imagined, but he stayed out of sheer pride.
Meanwhile, Deren remained indifferent, treating everything as a mundane obstacle he had to endure.
At night, after training, they would sit on the grass, gazing at the star-filled sky.
Their conversations, once filled with excitement, had been replaced by exhaustion and lighthearted complaints.
Kael groaned, lying on the ground.
"If this keeps up, I'll turn into a muscle-bound idiot who can't think anymore."
"You don't need training for that," Deren commented dryly.
Ryn chuckled.
"You really have no sense of motivation, Deren."
"I have no interest in motivating people who complain every day," Deren replied, completely unfazed.
Kael let out a dramatic sigh.
**"I thought we'd be fighting more, wielding cool weapons.
"But in reality?
"All we do is run, do push-ups, and practice basic techniques."**
Deren stared at the night sky, his expression unreadable.
"If I had a choice, I wouldn't be here."
Ryn glanced at him.
**"But we are here, Deren.
"Don't you have even the slightest desire to become stronger?"**
Deren was silent for a moment, then sighed.
**"I don't care about being strong.
"I just want to live peacefully.
"But now?
"I'm stuck in a life I never wanted."**
No one responded.
They simply sat in silence, enjoying the cold night air after a long, exhausting day.
**In the distance, instructors continued shouting orders to other groups still in training.
Meanwhile, the three of them simply enjoyed this fleeting moment of peace...
Before another grueling day of sweat and suffering began.**
The next day, all cadets gathered inside Nova Academy's main training hall.
The hall was massive, with various weapons neatly displayed along the walls—swords, spears, daggers, pistols, small cannons, shields, and even experimental weapons still in development.
Above them, Etherion crystal lights glowed brightly, casting an atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement.
At the front, standing before the cadets, were two imposing figures who immediately captivated everyone's attention.
One was a tall man with silver hair tied back, clad in black armor bearing the emblem of Aether Corps.
Beside him stood a woman with fiery red hair and sharp eyes, wearing a more flexible combat uniform, though it still clearly displayed her rank as an elite soldier.
The man stepped forward, his deep, authoritative voice cutting through the tension.
**"Welcome to the next phase of your training.
"My name is Captain Vargan, a Rank A+ combatant from Aether Corps.
"I've fought over a hundred Metavores in various war zones, and I will make sure none of you become liabilities on the battlefield."**
The woman beside him smirked slightly, crossing her arms over her chest.
**"And I am Lieutenant Seraphina, Rank A.
"Some of you may have heard my name from reports about our victories on the northern front.
"But today, I'm here to make sure you don't just know theory—but can actually fight with the weapon you choose."**
The cadets remained silent for a moment before whispers erupted among them.
"That's Captain Vargan! He's famous for his brutal close-combat duels!"
"Lieutenant Seraphina? She holds the fastest Metavore elimination record in Aether Corps!"
Kael, standing between Deren and Ryn, let out an impressed whistle.
**"Whoa, if they're our instructors, I'm getting even more excited!
"Especially Lieutenant Seraphina..."**
Deren sighed.
"Kael, I'm sure she prefers killing Metavores over entertaining your flirting."
Kael patted his chest confidently.
**"You're wrong, Deren.
"Women love men who can fight!
"I just need a chance to prove myself!"**
Ryn grinned and patted Kael's back.
"Don't let that chance end with a kick to your gut."
Before Kael could respond, Captain Vargan cleared his throat loudly, instantly silencing the entire hall.
Weapon Selection
**"Now, pay close attention.
"You will each select a weapon that best suits your combat style.
"There is no perfect weapon—each has strengths and weaknesses."**
He gestured toward the row of swords in front of him.
**"Swords are versatile weapons, great for close-quarters combat.
"But you must master both blocking and quick attacks."**
Seraphina stepped forward, picking up a long spear.
With astonishing speed, she spun it before thrusting it into the ground.
**"Spears offer greater reach and an advantage against larger Metavores.
"But their weakness is close-range combat—if an enemy gets too close, you'll struggle to react."**
They continued introducing other weapons one by one.
Daggers for swift attacks and high mobility.Pistols & cannons for ranged combat.Shields for maximum defense.
Once the explanations ended, Captain Vargan raised his hand.
**"Now, each of you will choose a weapon and begin practicing with training dummies.
"Your first evaluation is one month from now, so you have time to master your weapon."**
Seraphina stepped forward, gesturing toward a rack of armor.
**"Besides weapons, you will also be using protective gear.
"There are three main types of armor:
"Light Armor, Standard Armor, and Heavy Armor."**
Captain Vargan added,
**"Light armor offers high mobility but limited protection.
"Standard armor is balanced between defense and agility.
"Heavy armor provides maximum defense but sacrifices speed.
"Your choice should complement your fighting style."**
Ryn nodded eagerly.
"So if I wear heavy armor, I can be like a tank in a game?"
Seraphina smirked.
"Yes, if you can handle the extra weight."
Kael rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
**"Hmm... If I wear light armor, I can move quickly and look cool, right?
"Women love fast and agile men."**
Deren glanced at him lazily.
"Or they might just think you're a coward for running all the time."
A few cadets nearby chuckled, while Kael grumbled in annoyance.
The First Evaluation: Simulated Combat
Once all the equipment had been introduced, Vargan spoke again.
"And as a final note, your first evaluation will be a simulated battle against Metavores."
The room fell silent.
One cadet in the back shouted in shock.
"What?! We have to fight Metavores?!"
Seraphina raised an eyebrow.
**"Simulated Metavores.
"They're not real, but they are dangerous enough to test whether you're ready for actual combat."**
Murmurs spread throughout the hall.
Most cadets looked nervous.
Kael swallowed hard.
**"Uh... Did I hear that right?
"We'll be fighting soon?!"**
Ryn clenched his fists, determined.
**"This is what we came here for!
"If we can't handle a simulation, how will we survive real battles?"**
Deren remained expressionless, but his mind was already calculating everything.
*"A simulation, huh...?
"This could be the perfect chance to test some things."*
Seraphina folded her arms.
**"Your evaluation will determine your combat ability.
"If you can't fight, you don't belong here."**
Captain Vargan stepped forward, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
**"Train hard.
"If you fail, you won't just embarrass yourselves—
"You'll be sent back home as weaklings unworthy of standing on a battlefield."**
The pressure in the room intensified.
The reality of Nova Academy was now clear—this was no ordinary school.
Only the strong would survive.
And Deren, Ryn, and Kael were about to face their first true challenge.
"I can't even land a proper strike on a wooden dummy!"
"What if we fail? Will we be punished?"
"We just started learning to fight, and they're already throwing us into a Metavore simulation?!"
Deren, who had been silent the entire time, finally raised his hand.
"So... if we fail this test, does that mean we can leave?"
The entire room fell silent.
Every pair of eyes turned to him.
Captain Vargan and Lieutenant Seraphina exchanged glances, before both of them smirked slightly.
Captain Vargan tapped his sword hilt.
"Unfortunately, no."
Deren frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Seraphina crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering.
**"Metavores are increasing in number.
"The world needs more warriors.
"Anyone who fails this exam will continue training until they're strong enough.
"You don't get to escape this fate."**
Kael gulped.
**"So... if we fail, we won't be kicked out?
"We'll be forced to keep training?!"**
Vargan nodded.
**"Exactly.
"The world has no use for weaklings.
"You'll keep fighting—whether you like it or not."**
Deren stared blankly at the ceiling.
"So basically... even if I intentionally fail, I still can't be free?"
Ryn patted his back.
**"Accept your fate, Deren.
"You're part of Nova Academy now—forever."**
Kael chuckled.
"Maybe you should start putting in a little more effort?"
Deren let out a long, exhausted sigh.
"I wish time would move faster... or rewind."
And with that, the cadets began preparing themselves, finally understanding—
There was no way out.
The only option was to get stronger.
Because in Nova Academy...
The weak had no place to exist.