Chapter 15: Foundations of a Faction

The soft buzz of conversation lingered in the plaza after the rankings announcement. Students drifted off in clusters, their faces reflecting everything from pride to determination or bitter frustration. The top five, however, were thinking far ahead.

For them, the rankings weren't just about bragging rights. They were a call to action.

Seojun stood near the crowd's edge, his mind racing as his Scholar System processed the implications of their privileges. Clubs weren't just extracurriculars they were power bases. Influence hubs. Factions.

"Third place," Jiyeon said, breaking his concentration. She stood beside him, arms crossed and a faint smirk on her lips. "Not exactly what you were aiming for, huh?"

"It's enough for now," Seojun replied, though his tone lacked conviction. "We have the club rights, and that's what matters."

"Let me guess," Jiyeon said, tilting her head toward him. "You're already thinking about recruitment."

"Of course," he replied without hesitation. "The first step is building the foundation. We need people who can fill in the gaps specialists who complement our strengths and compensate for our weaknesses."

"And let me guess again," Jiyeon said, her smirk widening. "You've got someone in mind already."

Seojun didn't reply immediately, but his Scholar System pinged softly, highlighting a familiar name: Lee Hyunwoo.

"His Fabrication System is a perfect match for what we need," Seojun finally said. "With his ability to create tools and gadgets, he can help turn strategy into reality."

"And how do you plan to rope him in?" Jiyeon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The same way I brought you in," Seojun said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I'll offer him something he can't refuse."

Across the plaza, Eunha stood with her arms crossed, her expression calm but her mind whirring. The privilege of forming a club wasn't just an opportunity it was an advantage she couldn't waste.

Fifth place. It was enough to qualify, but it wasn't enough to satisfy her.

Minho broke her train of thought with a low whistle. "So, we're making a club, huh? Sounds fancy. What's the plan?"

"The plan," Eunha replied, "is to recruit the right people. A club is only as strong as its members."

Minho grinned. "And I'm guessing you've already got someone in mind?"

Her Scholar System flashed a name: Lee Hyuna.

"She's perfect," Eunha said. "Her Creation System is adaptable and dynamic. She's the kind of person who can turn a losing situation into a win with pure creativity."

"Sounds like a good fit," Minho said. "But people like that don't just sign up because you ask nicely. What's your angle?"

Eunha smirked faintly. "I'll appeal to her pride. Hyuna wants her creations to matter and I'll ensure they do."

Seojun and Lee Hyunwoo

The academy workshop was a sprawling space filled with tools, holographic displays, and half-finished projects. Seojun found Hyunwoo seated at a workbench, his hands deftly assembling a sleek gadget that looked like a miniature drone.

"Lee Hyunwoo," Seojun said, approaching calmly.

Hyunwoo glanced up briefly, his expression neutral. "Seo Seojun. Third place."

Seojun ignored the jab, his Scholar System analyzing the room and noting the precision of Hyunwoo's work. "I saw your performance during the trial. Your Fabrication System is impressive."

Hyunwoo set his tools down and leaned back slightly. "What do you want?"

"I'm forming a club," Seojun said plainly. "And I want you to be a part of it."

Hyunwoo raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"

"Because your skills are unique," Seojun replied. "You don't just build you innovate. You create tools that solve problems most people wouldn't even see. That's exactly the kind of talent we need."

"And what's in it for me?" Hyunwoo asked, folding his arms. "Let me guess, you want me to churn out gadgets for your plans while you take all the credit?

Seojun shook his head. "I'm not looking for a worker. I'm looking for a partner. Someone who can bring their expertise to the table and make this club stronger."

Hyunwoo studied him for a long moment before sighing. "You talk a good game. Fine. I'll join. But if I feel like you're wasting my time, I'm out."

"You won't regret it," Seojun said, offering a hand.

Hyunwoo shook it briefly. "We'll see."

Eunha and Lee Hyuna

The art and design wing of the academy was alive with vibrant colors and holographic projections. Eunha found Hyuna seated on a bench, her tablet in hand as she sketched an intricate structure.

"Lee Hyuna," Eunha said, approaching with a calm smile.

Hyuna glanced up, tilting her head curiously. "Seo Eunha, right? Fifth place. Not bad."

"I'm forming a club," Eunha said, cutting straight to the point. "I want you in it."

Hyuna leaned back, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Why me? Don't you have all your probabilities and calculations to rely on?"

Eunha didn't flinch. "Numbers and logic are useful, but they have limits. When things fall apart, you need someone who can think creatively, adapt on the fly. That's what you bring to the table."

Hyuna tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Flattering. But what's in it for me?"

"I'll give you the freedom to create," Eunha said. "And I'll make sure your creations have real impact. We'll work together to build something no one else can match."

Hyuna's eyes glimmered with interest. "Not bad. Fine, I'll join. But I get to design the club's emblem. If I'm in, it's going to look good."

Eunha smiled faintly. "Deal."

By the end of the day, both Seojun and Eunha had secured their first key recruits. Lee Hyunwoo's precision and practicality were a perfect match for Seojun's strategic approach, while Lee Hyuna's creativity and adaptability complemented Eunha's predictive style.

But as their factions began to form, so did those of their rivals.

Park Jinwoo, with his disciplined and powerful Titan Combat System, was already attracting students who valued strength and order. His faction was shaping up to be a disciplined force, one built on loyalty and elite combat skills.

Meanwhile, Lee Soyeon's quiet influence was spreading. Her subtle Spectral System had made an impression on the other top students, and she was carefully weaving a network of spies and informants to give her an edge in any scenario.

As the foundations of these factions solidified, the rivalries between them began to take shape. For Seojun and Eunha, the path forward was clear: their factions needed to grow stronger and quickly.