Who Are They?
Qi is the life energy that anyone can awaken through constant practice of martial arts. Even basic techniques or footwork can help unlock it.
But it's not as easy as it sounds. Some people train for years without sensing even a trace of Qi.
However, there are exceptions.
Extreme pain, overwhelming mental pressure, or life-threatening situations can forcefully awaken one's Qi.
In moments of desperation, the human body surpasses its limits… and something unexpected happens.
In my case, it was the second option.
After being arrested by the SIF (Special Investigation Faction), I lived through the worst days of my life.
The physical and mental torment they put me through was unimaginable.
The SIF is a covert organization tasked with eliminating threats to national security. Their primary mission? Hunting down and eradicating every last member of the Demonic Faction.
To ordinary citizens, the SIF doesn't exist. It operates from the shadows—no leaks, no evidence, no witnesses.
And if you're caught in the wrong place at the wrong time?
A fate worse than death awaits you.
They don't just interrogate you. They break you—physically, mentally, emotionally. They'll use any method necessary to make you talk.
You won't even be able to sleep properly, because every time you close your eyes… their faces will appear in your mind like grim reapers.
Those were the worst days of my life.
Days when I cursed my own existence.
Looking back now, it feels like a dream—an endless nightmare.
How did I even survive all of that?
In the novel, the SIF's interrogation methods were briefly mentioned, but I never imagined they would be this extreme.
And yet, despite everything—I survived.
Because of them, I awakened my Qi far earlier than expected.
Was it a blessing? Or a curse? I don't know.
There's no point debating it now. What's done is done. Instead of dwelling on the past, I need to focus on using this outcome to my advantage.
Because in this world…
There are far worse things than the SIF.
---
Several Days Later…
In a small apartment, a young man stood in front of a mirror, inspecting his freshly shaved face.
"If someone saw me, they wouldn't think I was older than nineteen, right?"
Even though I'm twenty-two, my body doesn't look like it.
I look like some weak kid from a poor background—probably didn't get enough nutrition growing up.
And with an innocent face that makes it seem like I might cry at any moment, people always give me weird looks whenever I shave.
That's why I usually avoid shaving completely.
But this time, I need my innocent face to hide my real age.
Most martial academies have strict age restrictions. The ideal range for new students is seventeen to nineteen.
If you miss that window, you only have two choices:
1. Join the military – You can study martial arts for free, but in return, you're bound to government service for five years.
2. Buy your way in – Rich families can pay an absurd amount to enroll their children in martial sects instead.
Neither of these options suits me.
I need to enroll in Divine Dragon Academy.
Not just because it's where the other main characters are, but because it's the best place for my martial growth.
And I need to confirm something.
When I requested admission to the academy, instead of accepting the money the SIF offered me...
I made a deal.
A gamble.
I never thought it would work.
But somehow, it did.
And today is my first day as a student.
Since the academy year started a month ago, I'm joining late.
New students are expected to at least know a basic technique before enrolling.
So, the SIF threw me a bone before I left.
An F-rank martial skill.
[Fast Punch]
As the name suggests, it's just a basic punch that uses Qi infusion to slightly increase speed and strength.
Nothing special.
But infusing Qi into something for the first time was much harder than I expected.
It took me two weeks just to get it right.
Before leaving my apartment, I handed the key back to the old landlady.
She wished me good luck.
I nodded in thanks, but deep inside, I couldn't shake this strange feeling.
Studying again…?
A weird, nostalgic unease wrapped around me.
At least this time, there will only be martial arts classes.
No boring theory lectures... right?
---
Divine Dragon Academy is a prestigious martial arts institution, backed by both sects and the government.
Thanks to its powerful supporters, the academy has amassed an enormous collection of martial techniques. Some sects even donated their secret arts for the sake of future generations.
Yet, despite its reputation, fewer than a thousand students enroll each year.
Because the entry requirements are brutal—only those who reach Qi Stage 3 can join.
For most, this is an insurmountable hurdle.
Only two types of students make it in:
1. The Wealthy – Born into powerful families, they have endless resources, personal trainers, and rare techniques.
2. The Talented – Individuals who reach Qi Stage 3 purely through natural talent and relentless effort.
This is not a place for weaklings.
That said, the academy isn't entirely heartless.
Students who have only reached Qi Stage 1 or 2 can still join under a special category called "Students in Practice."
They receive training and resources, and if they reach Qi Stage 3 within a set period, they become official students.
But it's rare.
Most people would rather enroll in easier academies than gamble a year on something uncertain.
Upon enrollment, students are divided into three ranks:
Silver – Newly advanced Qi Stage 3 students. Because of their large numbers, they're split into different classes: Silver A, B, C…
Gold – Mid-stage Qi Stage 3 students. Like Silver, they are divided into sections based on skill level.
Elite – The best of the best. These students have either shown extraordinary talent or already advanced to Qi Stage 4. Unlike the others, Elite has only one class.
If a student shows remarkable progress, they can climb from Silver to Elite in no time.
Anyone who works hard has a chance to rise to the top.
---
Inside the Elite Classroom…
A man with glasses rushed into the room, sweating from head to toe.
In his left hand, he held two massive books—thick enough to rival a holy scripture.
Without looking at the students, he pulled out a handkerchief, wiped his sweaty face, and tossed it behind him.
After fumbling with the AC and using his book as a makeshift fan, he finally calmed down.
"Huff… huff… alright."
He turned to the class, who stared at him in disbelief.
"How can he always be late?"
"Why is he like this every time?"
Ignoring their stares, the man smiled.
"Good morning, wonderful people! I'm your wonderful teacher, Nicolas Box, welcoming you all to a wonderful morning with a wonderful class."
The students sighed.
"Why does he keep saying 'wonderful'?!"
Nicolas didn't seem to care.
"And today, I'm introducing a wonderful new member to the Elite Class!"
A murmur spread through the students.
"A new member?"
"Is it a girl?"
But when an average-looking boy stepped inside, those expecting a beauty looked disappointed.
"Alright! Let's welcome… uh…"
Nicolas frowned.
"Wait, what's your name again? I can't believe I already forgot—"
"You never even asked my name."
Taking a deep breath, I introduced myself.
"My name is Ansh. Ansh V ."
Then, as I looked around the room, a sudden realization struck me.
"Wait… who the hell are these people?!"