Inside the Dormitory
Sungshik sat cross-legged. Before him lay the remnants of a hundred-year-old Gensing root he had just devoured.
[Absorbing the essence of the hundred-year-old Gensing through ‘Heaven-Splitting Heart Technique.’]
…
…
[Congratulations. You have successfully absorbed the energy of the hundred-year-old Gensing! Stat up! Magic Power D+ → C-]
“Phew.”
Perhaps because his magic power stat had been close to leveling up, or maybe due to the exceptional effects of the hundred-year-old Gensing, Sungshik immediately achieved an increase in his magic stat upon consuming the root.
“Wow… So this is why they call these things elixirs.”
Seeing his most difficult-to-improve mana stat increase right before his eyes, Sungshik let out a brief exclamation. His magic stat had likely been near the threshold of an upgrade, but had he trained on his own, it would have taken weeks, if not months.
He decided to consume the remaining four hundred-year-old Gensing roots and the single thousand-year-old root at a later time.
‘I heard elixirs work best when taken periodically.’
As for the thousand-year-old root, he planned to consume it only after advancing further in the Heaven-Splitting Heart Technique to maximize its effectiveness.
After observing his internal state, he assessed his physical condition. He felt at his peak.
‘Besides…’
While the absorption of the hundred-year-old Gensing had the greatest impact on his magic stat, he could also sense slight improvements in his strength and endurance. An ordinary person might not have noticed the difference, but with his S-rank trait, ‘Hyper-Senses,’ Sungshik could perceive even the most minute changes.
Now, it was time for him to prepare for the promotion exam to his third year at the Superhuman Academy.
“Status window.”
- Name: Heo Sungshik
- Title: Hero of Adversity, One Who Has Touched the Threshold of Transcendence
- Rank: 4-star (★★★★)
- Combat Power: C+
- Stats: Strength C, Agility C+, Endurance C, Magic Power C- (↑)
- Traits:
- [EX-Rank] Consumption — LV 4
- [EX-Rank] One More Time (Unavailable)
- [EX-Rank] Heaven-Splitting Divine Art — LV 1
- [SS-Rank] Pocket Watch — LV 3
- [S-Rank] Hyper-Senses — LV 3
- [S-Rank] Sword Sovereign — LV 3
- Skills:
- [S-Rank] Insight (Restricted)
- [S-Rank] Explosive Strike
- [Non-Ranked] Translation
- [B-Rank] Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts (Growth Type)
- [B-Rank] Heaven-Splitting Eyes (Growth Type)
The average specifications for third-year students, the final year of the Superhuman Academy, were typically around 2-star rank with combat power ranging from E to E+. However, Sungshik was already at 4-star rank. With this, he could graduate immediately and receive his certification without issue.
Considering that even students graduating with honors usually had a 3-star rank and combat power between D- and D, his current growth made remaining at the academy unnecessary.
‘I should take the third-year promotion exam now and apply for early graduation next year.’
With his progress accelerating beyond expectations, there was no need to stay in the academy any longer. The fastest path to growth was to graduate quickly, claim the remaining special privileges, and start running dungeons.
“Ha… Guess I should open my books.”
The third-year promotion exam placed significant weight on the written test. If he wanted to score well again, he had to prepare thoroughly. Studying was as dull as ever, he muttered as he moved to his desk and opened his textbook.
How Did Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts Become the Greatest Martial Art of All Time?
It was likely due to the fundamental principles underlying Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts. The core principles of Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts are ‘Destruction’ and ‘Structure.’
‘Destruction’ involves breaking all things, while ‘Structure’ manipulates the composition of all things.
However, since ‘Structure’ precedes ‘Destruction,’ it serves as the foundation of Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts.
“Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts, Third Form: Pa-Seom.”
Slash—
With Sungshik’s sword strike, the Lycanthrope before him was instantly severed in two, cleaved cleanly from the waist.
[Mutated Lycanthrope has been eliminated. All designated monsters have been defeated, completing the augmented reality simulation.]
It was astonishing. Just a short while ago, facing this mutated Lycanthrope had been a near-death experience. Now, he had slain it in a single blow.
“I’ve improved.”
He could feel his advancement in martial prowess deep in his bones.
“Heaven-Splitting Martial Arts truly deserves its EX-rank.”
The martial art was remarkable. Since its foundation lay in manipulating structures, he could now sense weak points—vulnerable spots in his targets. Furthermore, by combining it with ‘Heaven-Splitting Eyes,’ he could even predict their movements and energy flow.
This was truly extraordinary. It meant that in a battle against an opponent of similar skill, he could completely dominate them.
“I’ve only mastered the first three techniques, but even without them, my fundamental strength has skyrocketed.”
It made sense. Not only had he gained control over structures, but the destructive force of ‘Destruction’ had seeped into his every attack, drastically increasing his damage output.
After reviewing his newfound power in the training room, Sungshik couldn’t help but marvel at his growth.
“Hmm, maybe I should sign up for the one-on-one tournament at this year’s Superhuman Academy Olympics.”
Smirking, he curved his lips into a wide grin.
“Wow, Sungshik, did you ace the third-year promotion written exam again?”
“Of course. This is nothing for me.”
“I worked hard this time too, but I still can’t compete with you.”
The third-year promotion exam proceeded swiftly. The results were announced less than an hour after submitting the written test.
Once again, Sungshik proudly scored a perfect 100, securing first place. Seeing this, Seong Jihwan and Kim Subin clicked their tongues in disbelief.
“So what? He’s still just a 1-star.”
“Yeah, he’s probably going to fail the rank assessment anyway.”
“Ugh, must be nice. Just got lucky with one good trait and coasting through.”
Yet, there were many around him who deliberately downplayed his achievements.
“Ugh, men being jealous. Sungshik, don’t mind them. Even if your rank assessment doesn’t go well, your perfect score means you can still be admitted into third year later. Keep going!”
“Thanks. I don’t let comments like that get to me, so don’t worry.”
Hearing Kim Subin’s words of concern, worried that his feelings might be hurt, Sungshik smiled lightly and reassured her.
“Yeah, yeah. Sungshik, besides, even if it was a lucky punch, you did beat that Kim-uh-uh before, and you also applied for the experiential class and cleared an F-rank gate. You’ll rank up to 2-star in no time. Or wait… could it be? You’re already 2-star, aren’t you?”
“Oh, that’s right! You look strangely relaxed. Are you 2-star now?”
Watching the two of them beating the drum and playing the gong by themselves, Sungshik simply curled his lips into a smirk.
“Wow, what’s with that smile? There’s something, isn’t there? Be honest, your rank went up, didn’t it?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
“Whoa, no way. It really did go up, didn’t it? When did that happen? You didn’t even tell us, that’s so mean, Sungshik!”
“I never said I was 2-star.”
“Then what was that smile just now? Are you still 1-star, or are you 2-star? Just say it already. Ugh, so frustrating!”
“Hahaha.”
As Sungshik laughed and chatted with Sung Jihwan and Kim Subin, they arrived at the rank assessment room.
“Alright, see you all later.”
Upon arriving, the three split up to find their assigned rooms.
After a brief wait in the waiting area, it was finally Sungshik’s turn.
“Group 5, Number 37, Heo Sungshik, please come in.”
Opening the door and stepping inside, he saw a young man with glasses sitting in front of a computer. Beside him was what appeared to be the rank assessment device.
“Hello, Sungshik. I saw you at the hearing last time. This is your first rank assessment, right?”
“Ah, yes. Hello. Yes, it is.”
Sungshik was briefly taken aback by the examiner recognizing him, but he couldn’t deny that it felt good.
‘Am I really an attention seeker? Well, I should at least pretend it’s my first time using the rank assessor.’
In his previous life, he had used it several times, but he acted as though it was unfamiliar to him.
“Please take a seat in front of the mana sphere and simply place one hand on it.”
Following the instruction, he sat in the chair before the mana sphere. It was about the size of a tennis ball and glowed with a deep blue color. Beneath its pedestal, the number “2-star” was written.
The principle behind rank assessments using mana spheres was simple. Each rank corresponded to a specific mana stone. For example, a 2-star mana stone would be obtained from 2-star monsters.
These mana stones underwent processing and were infused with certain magic formulas. If a person’s rank matched the mana stone’s level, the stone would emit light.
Whoosh.
When the examiner infused mana into the sphere, a blue light shone forth. Naturally, even if someone exceeded the mana stone’s level, it would still light up.
The examiner’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Oh, Sungshik, you’ve already ranked up to 2-star? Congratulations! Here’s your certificate.”
“Thank you.”
The 2-star mana sphere could only verify whether someone had reached 2-star. It couldn’t determine if they had surpassed it.
Holding the 2-star certificate in hand, Sungshik stepped out of the rank assessment room, where Sung Jihwan, Kim Subin, and even Choi Moonguk were waiting.
“Kyaaah! Sungshik! You passed!”
Kim Subin, spotting the certificate in his hand first, let out an excited cheer.
“Whoa, amazing. You really are 2-star now. Wow, congratulations.”
“Oh, you passed! I knew you would. Congrats.”
“Thanks, guys. You all passed too, huh? Congrats to you as well.”
“Damn, this is awesome. Tonight calls for a party! Party party, let’s go!”
“Okay, let’s go! Move, move!”
In truth, Sungshik had already known that Sung Jihwan had ranked up to 2-star. Not only had he figured it out with his Insight ability, but Jihwan himself had mentioned it before.
As for Kim Subin, there was no need to even guess—she had been 3-star for a while, so her passing was a given.
But then there was Choi Moonguk, whom he hadn’t seen in a while.
‘Insight.’
Name: Choi Moonguk
Rank: 3-star (★★★)
Traits: [B+ Rank] Iron Cannon Hand / [SSS Rank] Indestructible Vajra Body (Currently Sealed)
‘Well, well, look at this.’
When Sungshik had first met him, his stats had been:
Name: Choi Moonguk
Rank: 1-star (★)
At that time, Sungshik’s Insight ability had been more restricted, so he hadn’t been able to see Moonguk’s traits. However, he distinctly remembered that Moonguk had only been 1-star. Yet, in just a few months, he had skyrocketed two whole ranks to 3-star. It was an astonishing rate of growth.
‘And his trait, Iron Cannon Hand, is part of the Shaolin 72 Techniques. It’s currently B+ Rank, but it’s highly likely a growth-type trait. And then there’s [SSS Rank] Indestructible Vajra Body? That’s a trait no one possessed even in my past life.’
Although it was still sealed, if it ever awakened, his potential would be far beyond that of an ordinary Ranker.
‘Choi Moonguk… I never even heard of him in my past life. Why didn’t someone with this potential ever rise to prominence?’
Narrowing his eyes, Sungshik analyzed Moonguk.
‘Most likely, he was cut down before he could bloom. This time, I’ll make sure he grows.’
The future wasn’t far off, and soon, chaos would descend. Even setting aside the Trials of the Night, large-scale Gate Breaks would erupt worldwide in the near future. Many Superhumans and civilians would lose their lives.
If Moonguk had been caught up in that disaster, he might have perished before ever realizing his potential.
“Hey, Moonguk. You said you were really into martial arts, right?”
“Yeah, that’s right. Moonguk is a total martial arts nerd.”
“Yeah, my traits are martial arts-based, and I’m super into it. Why?”
Moonguk scratched his closely cropped head and asked with innocent curiosity.
Seeing that, Sungshik smirked and continued.
“I see. Want to train with me sometime?”
“Oh, you mean sparring? Sounds good, I’m totally down. But you better be ready. I don’t hold back.”
His tone made it clear he didn’t even consider the possibility of losing.
And that made sense. As far as he knew, Sungshik was weak.
“Alright, let’s do it tomorrow.”
“Sounds good, deal.”
“Ooh, I want to watch too.”
“I’m bringing popcorn!”
“Hey, hey, you guys know you have to pay an entrance fee, right?”
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. In the midst of it all, Sungshik’s eyes gleamed like those of a hawk as he looked at Moonguk.
‘Heh, if I train him well, I can mold him into one hell of a tank.’
That’s right. Before leaving the academy, Sungshik planned to push Moonguk’s potential to its absolute limit.
‘Let’s get along well, Moonguk. I’ll make you the ultimate tank!’
At that moment, as Moonguk was laughing and chatting with Jihwan and Subin, he suddenly felt a chill. Turning to look at Sungshik—
“Hiiik!”
—he flinched at the sight of Sungshik grinning ominously.