PAID

My name is Lee Ji-eun.

Though, more often than not, people know me by my alias, Hwarang.@@novelbin@@

Before I entered the academy, I had already gained a bit of fame, swinging my twin axes with vigor, and was even hailed as the next close-combat dealer to follow in the footsteps of Dog Warrior Kang Do-hee.

But no matter how many monsters I sliced through or how many gates I cleared, it was hard to get any real attention.

That’s because we’re living in the age of Utopia, without a doubt.

Not that I harbored any feelings of inferiority or jealousy. That kind of petty behavior isn’t really my style as someone who prides herself on being a strong woman.

But I was curious.

What exactly is this Utopia that everyone keeps praising, claiming it’s so great?

Is it truly an impeccable group of irregulars, destined to follow in Lina’s footsteps, upholding true heroism?

Or is it, as some have whispered, just a hollow front propped up by Jin Yoo-ha, the pretty face, to maintain their fame?

Of course, I could have found out all I wanted about Utopia and Jin Yoo-ha with a quick internet search. But I’ve never been one to believe something unless I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

So, when I entered Velvet Hunter Academy, I was full of anticipation.

After earning the top score, I thought I’d meet Utopia and see Jin Yoo-ha for myself.

‘Getting the highest score in the academy shouldn’t be too hard. There’s only Iron Wall to watch out for among the incoming students. Hmm, if I get the top score, maybe I can ask for a meeting with Utopia? That should be possible, right?’

I was confident.