First Day, First Class

As the sun cast its gentle morning glow over the NexaCorp Korea University campus, Joon-ho rose with anticipation for the day ahead. The familiar routine of preparing for class filled him with excitement and nervous energy. With practised efficiency, he completed his morning rituals, ensuring he was well-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

After double-checking his backpack to ensure he had all the necessary materials, including his Realm and other essentials, Joon-ho decided to make a quick pit stop at the cafeteria to grab some breakfast. As he entered the bustling dining hall, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries enveloped him, enticing his senses. He joined the queue, scanning the array of options available for a quick morning bite.

Opting for a savoury breakfast sandwich and a steaming cup of coffee to fuel his morning, Joon-ho greeted the cafeteria staff with a smile as they prepared his order. As he waited, he glanced around the bustling hall, observing the familiar faces of fellow students starting their day with a hearty meal.

With his breakfast in hand, Joon-ho resumed his journey through the campus, savouring his sandwich's warm, buttery aroma and the rich, invigorating taste of his coffee. Despite the slight detour, he felt energized and ready to tackle the challenges of the day ahead.

Arriving at the lecture hall, Joon-ho felt excitement mingled with a touch of apprehension. This would be his first real taste of university academic life, and he was eager to see what lay in store. Entering the lecture hall, Joon-ho found himself amidst a sea of students who had already arrived, their anticipation and eagerness palpable in the air. Despite the early hour, the room buzzed with a sense of energy and excitement, signalling the significance of this first class of the semester.

Amidst the crowd, one figure caught Joon-ho's attention immediately: Tae-young, his roommate, whose presence served as a stark reminder of their recent confrontation during the orientation activity. The memory of Tae-young's filthy act, stealing the kill from Joon-ho's team just three days ago, lingered in his mind, adding a bitter undertone to the atmosphere. Tae-young had made it clear that he wanted no association with their room, a fact that Joon-ho couldn't easily forget.

Despite the lingering tension, Joon-ho's gaze shifted beyond Tae-young to a more welcoming sight: Hyun-ae, one of Soo-jin's roommates whom he had befriended during orientation. With a sense of familiarity, he made his way over to her and took a seat, finding comfort in her presence amidst the unfamiliar faces of the lecture hall. As the room filled with students, each carrying their hopes and dreams for the semester ahead, Joon-ho mentally prepared himself for the learning journey that lay ahead.

As Joon-ho settled into the seat beside Hyun-ae, he couldn't help but overhear her murmured monologue, a habit he had noticed since their first encounter. Her words were filled with a mix of frustration and disdain, particularly aimed at Tae-young, echoing Joon-ho's feelings towards their roommate's actions during the orientation activity.

"Look at that guy," Hyun-ae muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with irritation. "It's not even 9 yet in the morning and he already is the centre of attraction. What a narcissist."

Lost in her rant, Hyun-ae seemed oblivious to Joon-ho's presence until she glanced over and noticed him sitting beside her. Surprise flashed across her face as she questioned why he hadn't spoken up to grab her attention.

"Why didn't you say something earlier?" she asked her tone a mixture of curiosity and irritation.

"I just arrived and was getting settled. About to greet you, actually," Joon-ho chuckled softly, offering a casual explanation.

With a brief exchange of greetings, Hyun-ae quickly returned to her rant about Tae-young, her resentment palpable in her words.

"I swear, that guy is impossible to deal with," she muttered, her voice laced with frustration. "Remember what he did to us? Even before class began he already making trouble and never taking responsibility for his actions."

Joon-ho nodded sympathetically, silently vowing to navigate the dynamics of their shared living situation with diplomacy and patience.

As the lecture hall's door swung open, the figure of Instructor Dong-soo strode in with an air of authority. With a background as the current representative for Korea NexaRealm, his presence commanded respect. Despite Tae-young's recent rise to the top of the rankings, there was no animosity in the instructor's demeanour. Rather, Dong-soo's aim was clear: to nurture every student to reach their fullest potential, much like his own.

As the instructor took his place at the front of the room, Joon-ho exchanged a glance with Hyun-ae, silently acknowledging the start of the class. Dong-soo's voice filled the room, commanding attention as he introduced himself with a warm yet authoritative tone.

"As you all know by now, I'm Dong-soo Pyun," he announced, eliciting a few polite chuckles from the students. "I'm here to guide you on your journey to becoming top-tier NexaRealm players. But let's save the formal introductions for another time, shall we? This class is too big for that."

Joon-ho nodded along, appreciating Dong-soo's pragmatic approach. It made sense; with so many students, individual introductions would take up too much time. Instead, Dong-soo urged them to gradually get to know each other, fostering a sense of community among the class.

Meanwhile, the attendance sign-in popped up on Joon-ho's NCK app, prompting him to log his presence quickly. He deftly tapped away on his phone, ensuring he wouldn't be marked absent on his first day.

"Alright, now that we've got that sorted," Dong-soo continued, "let's dive into the exciting world of NexaRealm. But first, any burning questions before we get started?"

As Dong-soo launched into the lecture, the room fell silent, all eyes fixed on him in rapt attention. Joon-ho leaned forward, eager to absorb every word, his curiosity piqued by the promise of unravelling the mysteries of NexaRealm.

"In the beginning," Dong-soo began, his voice carrying a hint of reverence. "There was a vision—a vision to transform gaming as we know it. NexaCorp set out to create something extraordinary, something that would transcend the boundaries of traditional gaming."

Joon-ho felt a surge of excitement coursing through him as Dong-soo unravelled the tale of NexaRealm's genesis. The fusion of EEG devices and VR technology seemed like something out of a sci-fi novel, yet here they were, on the cusp of delving into its intricacies.

"NexaRealm wasn't just a game," Dong-soo continued, his tone tinged with passion. "It was a revolution—a convergence of innovation and imagination. And as NexaCorp expanded its influence, so too did NexaRealm's global footprint."

Joon-ho nodded along, captivated by Dong-soo's words. The idea of NexaRealm uniting players from around the world filled him with a sense of awe and wonder.

"From Korea to France to Australia," Dong-soo proclaimed, gesturing emphatically. "NexaCorp's presence spanned continents, each headquarters a testament to the game's universal appeal."

As Dong-soo painted a vivid picture of NexaCorp's global reach, Joon-ho couldn't help but feel a surge of pride knowing that he was part of something bigger than himself. The thought of being part of a worldwide community of gamers filled him with a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced before.

Dong-soo's voice took on a sombre yet determined tone as he delved into the history of the World NexaRealm Championship.

"As many of you may know," Dong-soo began, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and determination. "The World NexaRealm Championship stands as the pinnacle of competitive gaming, a testament to the skill and dedication of players worldwide."

Joon-ho leaned forward, hanging onto every word as Dong-soo delved into the championship's illustrious history.

"France's dominance in recent years, led by the legendary Léandre Blaise, has been nothing short of remarkable," Dong-soo continued, his tone reverent.

"But what about Korea? Why haven't we won yet?" Beside him, another student chimed in. Dong-soo paused, his expression sombre yet resolute.

"That's precisely why initiatives like NexaCorp Korea University exist," he replied, his words carrying the weight of the mission ahead. "To find and nurture the talent that will bring victory home."

Joon-ho nodded in silent agreement, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. As Dong-soo spoke, he couldn't help but feel a surge of determination to rise to the challenge and make his mark in the world of NexaRealm.

"France's dominance in recent years," he repeated. "Underscored by the remarkable performances of Léandre Blaise, has left a profound mark on the tournament's legacy."The admiration in his voice was palpable, reflecting the awe-inspiring talent that had shaped the championship's history.

Joon-ho listened intently, captivated by Dong-soo's narrative. The absence of Korean and Australian victories cast a shadow over the room, highlighting the pressing need for NexaCorp Korea to cultivate exceptional talent. Dong-soo's words carried a sense of urgency, igniting a spark of determination within Joon-ho and his fellow students.

"The fourth championship," Dong-soo declared, his voice resonating with determination. "It is fast approaching, and NexaCorp Korea University is our beacon of hope."

The gravity of his words hung in the air, driving home the importance of their mission to uncover and nurture the next generation of NexaRealm champions.

As the lecture progressed, Joon-ho found himself engrossed in the rich tapestry of NexaRealm's evolution and global impact. Eager to contribute, he actively engaged in discussions, sharing insights and exchanging ideas with his peers. The classroom buzzed with intellectual fervour and camaraderie, fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.

Amidst the discourse, Joon-ho felt a profound sense of purpose and belonging. The challenges ahead were daunting, but the prospect of honing his skills and realizing his potential filled him with anticipation. With each passing moment, he grew more convinced that NexaCorp Korea University was the perfect crucible for his aspirations, igniting a fire within him to seize every opportunity that lay ahead.

After his first class, Joon-ho felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. The journey was just beginning, but he was already filled with a newfound sense of confidence and determination to excel in his studies and make the most of his time at NexaCorp Korea University.