Markdown

"I'm so thrilled," Anna said. "In here, we can fight to the fullest. Any wounds you take won't affect your real body. So, what's your name? I'm Anna."

Kyle didn't respond. Instead, he lunged at her without warning, launching a flurry of punches. Anna dodged every strike with ease. In a flash, she vanished from his sight and reappeared behind him, landing a powerful kick to his back.

He was sent flying, crashing into a nearby pillar. Above them, a glowing tab displayed their health and power rank levels.

Grimacing, Kyle forced himself to his feet and charged again—bare-fisted against a soul weapon.

Anna sighed. She decided to end it quickly. She slashed her weapon once across his chest.

Kyle's health dropped instantly to zero.

The next moment, Kyle was ejected from the pod and returned to his real body. He stormed out, fuming.

"Damn it. How did she finish me off in one move?" he muttered, clenching his fists.

He found Eddie and Jake still at the gaming stations. Without a word, Kyle dragged them both away.

"Where are we going? Kyle!!" Eddie asked, mouth full of gumballs.

They were headed to their second class.

---

The classroom was noticeably less crowded. Only a handful of first-year students had shown up. It turned out the students could choose the types of classes they attended—some preferred theory-based sessions over combat or training.

Kyle, however, insisted that Eddie and Jake attend the training and sparring classes with him. Reluctantly, they agreed.

After the sessions, the trio returned to the hostel. As they walked, Eddie leaned close to Kyle.

"Did you fight the Rank A girl in the game?"

Kyle ignored him. It sounded like Eddie was mocking him.

Later that evening, Kyle pulled out his device to see if the hostel had a rooftop. He had always wanted to see the Kingdom from above.

It did. But the rooftop was beyond the girls' quarters—which were strictly off-limits to boys.

Eddie, ever the schemer, came up with an idea: they'd sneak up there after lights out. Jake was hesitant but eventually agreed.

---

That night, they snuck through the corridors and slipped quietly past the security doors. Once on the rooftop, they were greeted by a cold wind and an incredible view.

It was peaceful.

The breeze was strong, and the night was silent. The three of them walked to the edge and gazed out over the illuminated city. From their vantage point, they could see the rapid movement of flying cars streaking through the sky. Giant billboards lit up buildings below. Houses shimmered with vibrant light displays.

To their left loomed the Academy building, towering even taller than the hostel. It looked magnificent from up here.

Kyle inhaled deeply, savouring the moment.

"I like this view," he thought.

After some time, they decided to head back before the Night Guards made their rounds.

These guards patrolled the campus during the night to ensure all students were in their rooms and asleep. Though the hostel rooms were equipped with sensors and cameras to track activity, the systems weren't always reliable. Manual checks were still necessary.

---

The next morning, the trio headed to the canteen for breakfast. The dining space was bright and spacious, with tall windows letting in natural sunlight. Students gathered at flexible seating areas—some in quiet conversation, others immersed in their meals.

Digital touchscreen menus were embedded into every table, allowing students to browse and order food seamlessly. The air buzzed with chatter. A nearby café served hot drinks and snacks to those in a hurry.

Kyle, Eddie, and Jake sat at an empty table. Kyle began scanning the menu and ordered a large meal for them all.

Suddenly, the front doors opened.

James entered—accompanied by two masked figures in black hooded robes. Each held a sleek tablet.

James stepped forward.

"This is an announcement regarding today's assessment," he said. "Once your name is called, please come forward to receive your results."

One by one, students were called. Each placed their hand on the tablet, which scanned and displayed their rank and assessment score.

The scoring was explained as follows:

10 – Excellent Improvement

20 – Great Improvement

30 – Partial Improvement

40 – No Improvement

Each student returned with different expressions—some defeated, others elated.

Most of those who had only attended lectures came back disappointed. In contrast, students who had actively trained and sparred wore confident smiles.

Anna stepped forward. Her tablet lit up with a 10. She was the fourth student to receive such a high score.

Naturally, only first-year students were being assessed. The second-years had an entirely separate system in their own building.

Eddie's turn came. He received a 20, returning with a grin from ear to ear.

Jake was next. He was given a 40. Head lowered, he walked back slowly.

Then it was Kyle's turn.

He was confident he'd done well. At least a 30, surely.

Instead, his tablet displayed the same score as Jake's—40.

Stunned and furious, Kyle clenched his jaw.

"How? This can't be right." He walked back, visibly angry.

As the mysterious men left the canteen, students scattered to their next class.

Kyle quickly opened his system interface:

[EXP: 60/100]

[Health: 10/10]

[Strength: 5/5]

[Agility: 5/5]

"There has to be a faster way to level up than just completing quests," he thought bitterly.

---

They entered their next class, only to find Anna sitting beside them. She turned to them with a bright smile.

"Hello again. We've met before."

Eddie and Jake exchanged surprised glances.

"She's so pretty. I've met her before—yes! In my dreams," Eddie thought, starstruck.

Kyle, meanwhile, was trying to figure out why she was so sociable with everyone.

Anna smiled at Eddie. "What's your name?"

"I'm Eddie! This is Jake. And the quiet one over here," he pointed, "is Kyle. Isn't it weird he dyed his hair white?"

Kyle flinched slightly. He hadn't dyed it. He was born that way.

His father once told him the white hair was a sign—a gift from their ancestor, the Blood Monarch. A mark passed down to one of the descendants.

But Kyle always thought that story was nonsense.

"If it's a gift, why white hair?" he would often wonder.

He never told anyone the truth. So instead, he lied—it was dyed.

Anna extended her hand for a handshake. Kyle stared at it. Then he turned away, refusing.

He didn't trust her. He didn't like her.

---

As the class ended, two older boys walked over.

One of them smirked.

"Hey, let us show you around. You want to know the rules this school has for the weak ones?"