An Unseen Challenger

The long-awaited day had finally arrived—the commencement of the combat exercise for the Hunter Academy examination. The arena was packed with hopeful applicants, seasoned academy students, and spectators, all waiting in eager anticipation. The air buzzed with tension, excitement, and a quiet sense of dread.

For many, this was a make-or-break moment. The stakes were high, and no one wanted to be sent home without proving their worth at the examination .

In the midst of the crowd, Min-Soo stood beside his closest friend, offering a reassuring pat on the back. He leaned in, speaking just loud enough for Rin to hear over the murmurs of the waiting fighters.

"Make sure you win this match. I believe in you. But don't fight recklessly—stay focused on your opponent."

Rin nodded, his expression unreadable. He appreciated Min-Soo's words, but he knew that once he stepped into the ring, he'd be alone. It would be his strength against theirs. His resolve against their skill.

With a deep breath, Rin walked toward the waiting room, where the other applicants sat, preparing for their matches. The moment he entered, the whispers began.

"Isn't that the No Skill kid?"

"How did he even make it this far? Must be pure luck."

"He won't make it past the first round. No way they let someone like him into the academy."

Rin ignored the comments. He had expected them. Instead, he sat down quietly, keeping his demeanor calm as he waited for his name to be called.

His mind wandered to the fight ahead. Would it be Seung-ho? Or someone else from his group?

The combat schedule hadn't been announced, leaving everyone in suspense. No one knew who they would be facing next, adding an extra layer of tension to the already nerve-wracking event.

Then, the intercom crackled to life. A smooth, almost soothing voice echoed through the hall.

"Rin Hammock, you may now proceed to the entrance of the arena. You are next in line. Please select a weapon from the provided selection box before entering."

Rin exhaled slowly, standing up. The time had come.

Gripping a wooden sword from the selection box, he stepped toward the arena entrance. The weight of it felt natural in his hands—familiar. He rolled his shoulders, adjusting his grip.

Still, he couldn't shake the lingering unease. How strong will my opponent be?

Just as he was about to enter the arena, the commentator's voice rang out, loud and clear, carried effortlessly by the high-quality sound system. His tone was animated, tinged with amusement.

"Next up, we have an interesting match! On one side, we have Jae-Hyun of the Hwan Clan—known for their unmatched agility and illusionary techniques! His Mirage Step skill has left countless opponents confused and defenseless. Let's see if his next opponent can keep up!"

A brief pause. Then, the commentator's voice took on a more teasing tone.

"And facing him, we have Rin Hammock—widely known as the 'No Skill Kid.' A wildcard in this competition! No recorded skills, no mana signature, yet he's standing here among elite fighters. Will his luck finally run out? Or are we in for a surprise? We're about to find out!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Rin stepped into the ring. And he felt it.

The weight of their stares.

A hundred pairs of eyes pressing down on him, filled with doubt, curiosity, and quiet disdain.

"What's he even doing here?"

"No mana, no skills—this won't last long."

"He should just forfeit now. He doesn't stand a chance against a Hwan family member."

" He just got here by just pure luck and very soon his luck will run out."

Rin clenched his jaw. He had been underestimated before. It was nothing new. But that didn't make it any less frustrating.

His fingers tightened around the hilt of his wooden sword, his palms damp with sweat. Not fear. Anticipation. The kind that coiled deep in his gut, the kind that came before a fight.

His heartbeat pounded in his ears, but his face remained unreadable. He forced himself to breathe. In. Out. Control.

Across from him, Jae-Hyun smirked, casual and confident. He twirled his wooden sword with ease, completely unfazed. Unlike Rin, he thrived under the attention.

The referee stepped forward, raising a hand to silence the murmuring crowd. Their voice was firm, carrying across the arena with practiced authority.

"Attention, combatants!"

Their sharp gaze swept over Rin and Jae-Hyun, ensuring both were focused.

"This match will be fought under standard combat examination rules. Listen carefully!"

They took a measured breath before continuing.

"Victory is determined by one of the following: a decisive strike to a vital area, the opponent's surrender, or an inability to continue. If the fight exceeds fifteen minutes, the judges will decide the winner based on combat performance."

The referee's eyes flicked between the two fighters.

"Weapons are to be used with control—no lethal force. Deliberate attempts to cripple or maim will result in immediate disqualification."

A pause. The tension in the air thickened.

"You may use your abilities, but outside interference is strictly forbidden. Any fighter who leaves the designated ring will be considered defeated. Understood?"

Both Rin and Jae-Hyun gave a nod, their grips tightening on their weapons.

The referee raised their arm high.

"Then prepare yourselves..."

A heartbeat of silence.

An abrupt pause in the crowd

Then—

"Begin!"

The moment the word left the referee's lips, Jae-Hyun vanished.

Rin's breath hitched.

Then amongst the crowd the eyes of Park Ji-Hyun could be seen focusing on Rin and as her lips pressed together in anticipation with her fist pressed together her words barely above a whisper," Show me what you got, don't disappoint me "No Skill kid." . As the fight between Rin and Jae-Hyun started.

His body reacted before his mind could catch up, muscles tensing as his senses sharpened aware of his surroundings .The weight of the crowd, the suffocating stares—all of it faded away.

In this moment, it was just him and Jae-Hyun.

And the fight had begun.