Chapter 4

He was lucky.

There was no other way to describe it; he was incredibly lucky.

The first monster, with average stats for a teenager, could be handled with his current strength.

He managed to deal with the second E-rank monster as well.

There was a two-fold difference in stats, and he was at a numerical disadvantage, but Han Sung had [Mana Dominion] and 'experience.'

He knew the monsters so well that he didn't even need to use [Information View]. The [Low-grade Strength Potion], [Low-grade Stamina Potion], [Low-grade Full Armor], and other items he bought with the money he won at the casino.

He spent a total of 120 million won to handle them.

And the third one.

Originally, it was a level where he should have given up.

Although he had prepared artifacts after visiting the casino, he had used all the buff potions in the previous stage, so it was a close call. If he pushed himself, he might have been able to survive for a few minutes.

But he couldn't give up easily.

Because it would have been difficult to get into the academy with just that.

However, the random D-rank monster that appeared for Han Sung was a 'Specter,' a mana-type monster. It was greatly influenced by mana stats and mana talent, regardless of physical ability.

In fact, it was a situation that shouldn't have appeared in this test, almost like an 'error.' Since Han Sung was already a player who had maxed out magic and had [Mana Dominion], he wouldn't lose to a Specter.

Still, it was a D-rank monster, and he reached mana exhaustion.

That was probably his limit.

A C-rank 'Twin-Headed Troll,' which normally stands over 4 meters tall, appeared.

An overwhelmingly powerful monster that he couldn't possibly defeat. Moreover, Han Sung's face had turned pale after his mana was depleted.

But perhaps it was due to luck.

Or maybe it was another error.

The two heads started fighting each other, and Han Sung stood there, racking up 'survival time' points.

That's how he ultimately succeeded.

Admission and a spectacular debut.

* * *

"Damn, something seems off."

Students, or rather, 'candidates' now, were looking at him and whispering as he passed. I didn't particularly want to hear it, but with a few cameras around, it naturally caught my ear.

"Isn't he that strong? He's around 500th place, but he'll climb the ranks quickly."

"He beat Gil Sung-hyun, Jin Hoon, and Han Beol in the ranking test, right?"

"He almost ignored and mocked them, right? I was there, and...!"

"But he's really ugly. I can't look at him for more than 3 seconds!"

"Hey! 3 seconds is too long!"

Being called strong was a misconception for now, but he would become strong soon, so he didn't mind much.

"When did I ever ignore them?"

He was just dazed from mana exhaustion. He wanted to sit down and rest, and he didn't have the time to think about anything else.

The worst part was:

"Am I that ugly?"

Han Sung checked his face in the camera.

...Well, his charm is 3.

His facial features hadn't changed much, but something was off. His skin had worsened, and his expression had become subtly unpleasant.

If his base had been better, it would have been different, but now his face was to the point where anyone would think, "I don't want to be around this person."

For a moment, he thought focusing on [Charm] rather than [Luck] might not be bad, especially as its influence grows in the later stages of the game.

"Sigh. Still, the reward was quite generous."

- The Achievement function has been unlocked.

- [Stormy Freshman]

- Achievement Grade: Rare

- A nobody, 'Lee Han Sung,' made a stormy debut. 'Lee Han Sung's presence will grow even more.

- Your recognition increases!

- You attract the attention of the three main characters.

- Recognition: 58 Points gained!

- You have risen to 563rd place and been admitted!

- Goal exceeded!

- You have received [Low-grade Weapon Random Box] * 3

- Unbelievable [Luck] is in effect!

- [Low-grade Weapon Random Box * 3] has been upgraded to [Mid-low-grade Weapon Random Box].

"Not a bad start."

That's what [Luck] is. It often gives unexpected effects from unexpected places.

While [Achievements] don't have a significant impact in the early stages, they become a crucial element in the later stages. In other games, 'experience' becomes 'level' for players, but here, 'achievements' become 'class' beyond 'strength.'

[Recognition Points] serve as currency for using the system shop to obtain various 'random boxes' and specific items, apart from quests.

It might not have been important at another time, but for the current Han Sung, whose luck is exploding, it was the most crucial element.

"Should I test my luck again?"

One mid-low-grade box is more efficient than ten low-grade boxes.

"Using mid-low-grade weapon random box."

At Han Sung's words, a brown box floating in the air spun and opened.

- Your luck was not good.

- You have obtained [Rare] [Barbarian's Sword].

"Wow, a rare grade?"

Weapons have a grading system: [Common], [Magic], [Rare], [Epic], [Treasure], [Legendary], [Mythical]. Of course, there are countless other grades in between.

But a rare grade appeared.

While there are many grades above rare, it's an unbelievable occurrence for a rare-grade item to appear in the academy, especially during the tutorial.

Yet, it only says his luck was not good.

"Moreover, a Barbarian's item?"

He immediately thought of 'Bake Raymond' from the casino, who possessed the [Barbarian's Bracelet]. When items have the same proper noun, there's a high possibility of a connection.

"I don't recall anything specific..."

The [Barbarian's Bracelet] is a [Relic] that can awaken from rare to treasure grade, making it famous. However, he had never heard of a set.

The world is so vast that it's impossible.

Han Sung considered using the internet but opted for [Information View].

An EX-grade, out-of-spec ability.

While searching is good, this is faster and more accurate.

"Of course!"

It was a jackpot.

If he could obtain the [Barbarian's Bracelet] and have everything 'bloom,' it would be the best. An item that could be used throughout the academy. If he could get a third Barbarian's item, there's a possibility of a set effect.

Han Sung opened the internet and searched.

'End of the world, Barbarian, set.'

Search results appeared.

Most of the information was redundant, but there were about five Barbarian items, and someone had collected three. The set effect was significant, showing the highest efficiency in physical stats.

"Good. I need to get them as soon as possible."

If he could get the bracelet and have it bloom, it would raise his weak physical stats to the minimum standard for a candidate.

Han Sung surfed the internet late into the night, searching for Barbarian items other than the sword and bracelet.

The vast sea of information, frozen in place, looked somehow sad. Something welled up in Han Sung's chest at the sight.

As he got busier, he missed his parents, whom he saw only a few times a year, and even his ill-tempered sister. Despite how much he disliked her, family is family.

The air was inexplicably chilly, and the large dormitory was empty.

Han Sung, overwhelmed by a strong sense of emptiness, pulled the blanket over his head and closed his eyes.

* * *

The [Intermediate Stamina Training Room] in the center of the academy resembled a miniaturized soccer field.

It was equipped with various machines, including benches and power racks, ranging from a minimum of 100 kg to a maximum of tons. On one side were high-gravity training rooms, attribute resistance training rooms, and high-concentration mana training rooms.

"Hey, what are you so focused on?"

Han Beol, who was lifting a 200 kg dumbbell, asked Jin Hoon, who was doing squats with 1.2 tons, heavier than usual.

"Huff. Huff."

He couldn't even speak properly, breathing heavily and sweating profusely.

Han Beol knew why he was doing this.

The candidate, Lee Han Sung, had risen to 500th place. While 500th place couldn't compare to the top 10, including himself, he had stood up to a C-rank monster alone.

Or, with that score, he might have injured or killed it.

Bang.

Jin Hoon put down the weight.

"Huff. Huff. He was amazing."

"Who, that Lee Han Sung guy?"

"Yeah, did you see his eyes?"

Han Beol recalled.

He seemed dazed.

"Um...?"

"Like he was looking at our older brother. No, our dad."

"Huh?"

"Is that all? Is that it? Do more. If you can! Try to keep up with me!"

"Hey, that's not... "

To Han Beol, it just looked like he was exhausted and unfocused. That was probably the case, as Han Beol's eyes were very accurate.

"No, it was clear. It was confidence."

"Confidence?"

"Yeah, he didn't even see us, or that Gil Sung-hyun, as competition."

Jin Hoon tends to overestimate strong opponents, which makes him like them even more.

"...When did he become a friend?"

"He's the same age and from the same school, so he's a friend."

"Hey, that's not it."

"Why? He doesn't seem like a bad guy."

"True... How many bad people do you know?"

Han Beol couldn't understand such a Jin Hoon, but he also liked that side of him. Endlessly kind and inclusive, a friend who is comfortable and trustworthy just to be around.

"Anyway, I need to work harder. I'm going to the gravity field."

"Ugh! You're going to do that? You've already done it for 4 hours today?"

"I have to. I have to win."

Jin Hoon clenched his fist tightly.

Han Beol saw Jin Hoon's passionate eyes for the first time in a long time.

Jin Hoon is most excited at times like this. He loves the rough beating of his heart, as if it's proof that he's alive. Because of this, Han Beol couldn't stop him.

Moreover, his competitiveness was also aroused.

He can't lose to his friend Hoon.

"Got it. I'll do more 'ability' training then."

"Okay. See you later."

Han Beol watched Jin Hoon enter the gravity training room and activated his smartwatch.

"Yes, Team Leader. I have someone to investigate. Yes."

Curiosity. And also caution.

Whether this person, who is like a blank sheet of paper, is someone who can fit in with his friend. Or if he is a black stain that will corrupt him.

"Please just investigate. I'll handle the rest."

I hope he can be a friend.

He seems talented, but I don't want to kill him myself.

The End

ⓒ [Dongju]

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