PAID

Team sparring

The academy’s annual event, where freshmen are divided into groups and pit against each other based on their training results, is underway. Though it was usually just a measure of their skill level, Director Lina’s recent announcement added unexpected weight to the event.

[For this year’s group sparring event, I will allow the most outstanding cadet among the winners to select any party within the academy to join. The chosen party will have no right to refuse.]@@novelbin@@

Initially, there were minor objections to this decision. Even if a cadet was the most outstanding among the group sparring winners, suddenly inserting them into a party could disrupt the existing balance. A new addition could be problematic, especially if the cadet was too weak, or conversely, if they were too strong and posed a burden on the party. Most parties already had well-defined roles, so introducing a new member could be a sensitive issue.

However, the protests quickly subsided. After all, it was widely assumed that the winning cadet would most likely choose Utopia, the hottest party right now.

Se-hee Shin, representing Utopia, expressed an open attitude, saying, “It would be an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen our forces by accepting an outstanding freshman cadet.”

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

“Wow, Utopia, huh? They said it’s not a party you can just join by being a little skilled.” “Really?” “Yeah, my sister’s an A-rank hunter, and even she can’t get into their second squad. You need an ‘exceptional’ talent to get in.” “Hehe, so if I perform the best here, I might get into Utopia?” “Dream on. You don’t stand a chance.” “Hey, I’m not bad, okay? Huh? What’s that over there—a camera?” “Yeah, they’re broadcasting the sparring this time to ensure fairness.” “Wow, they’re really serious this time.” “Yeah, but this is also a chance for us.” “...A chance?” “A chance to raise our value.”

Haha, the one-eyed mastermind!

It’s been so long since I’ve seen her!

Se-hee Shin! Why haven’t you been streaming lately?!

Finally!

What... Jin Yoo-ha actually taught cadets? Is this for real?

Special admissions students.

Yeah, that’s impressive... But is he even capable of teaching anyone?

Isn’t it worth a shot? Imagine Jin Yoo-ha telling you, “You suit a sword better than a bow.”

It’s been ages since we last saw Jin Yoo-ha!

Damn, he looks good in a suit...

Look at those kids screaming.

Every time I see him, he looks even more handsome.