―Status Window

• Name: Heo Sungshik
• Title: None
• Rank: 1 Star (★)
• Combat Power: F
• Stats: Strength F, Agility F, Endurance F, Magic F
• Traits:
  1. [EX Rank] Consumption ― LV 1
  2. [EX Rank] One More Time (Activated, Unavailable)―LV 7 (MAX)
  3. [S Rank] Hyper-Senses ― LV 1
• Skills:
  1. [S Rank] Insight (Restricted)

The traits possessed by Sungshik were astonishingly three in total! This was all thanks to his core trait, Consumption. Literally, as long as the conditions were met, he could consume the traits of his target and gain additional traits—an overpowered trait, no doubt!

However, possessing many traits didn’t automatically make one stronger. The true power of a trait could only be realized by increasing proficiency and understanding of it. A mastered low-rank trait could sometimes be better than holding multiple high-rank traits with low proficiency.

Besides, fulfilling the conditions to consume a trait wasn’t as simple as it sounded. One of the reasons Sungshik initially struggled to grow was because he didn’t know the consumption conditions, and even after figuring them out, it was hard to encounter situations where he could use them effectively.

‘If I use my trait wisely, it’s a trait that can ensure the king’s return in the later stages. But there are downsides as well.’

It was hard for Sungshik to acquire the traits he needed, and even if he did, the level of the additional traits gained through consumption could only rise as high as the level of his Consumption trait. In other words, the growth of other traits was limited to the level of Consumption.

‘But if I can get that trait, the story will be different.’

That’s right. There was always a way out of any situation! Having returned from the future, Sungshik knew which traits could complement his weaknesses.

"Tch, but to do that, I need to be selected as an exchange student at the Japanese Academy this time."

The key element in Sungshik’s carefully crafted scenario lay in Japan.

"Why? Are you trying to go to Japan?"

Sungshik, who was waiting for Sung Jihwan after finishing his individual training to have dinner together, muttered to himself, and Jihwan asked back.

"You’re here. Oh, it’s nothing special; I just have some business in Japan."

"But do you really have to go as an exchange student? It’s just the next country over; you could just go on a day off."

That would be true if it were just a simple trip to Japan.

"No, I have business at the shrine inside Tenri Academy. You can’t enter there with a regular status."

"Huh? Tenri Academy… You mean the Isonokami Shrine? What are you going there for?"

As Sung Jihwan kept asking, Sungshik deflected.

"Hmm, let’s just say it’s grown-up business you don’t need to know about, little one."

"Huh? What are you talking about? I’m taller than you, you know? Oh, you punk! Just because you did well on this test, you’re getting all cocky?"

"Ah… Yes, yes. I misspoke. Please forgive me, my lord."

When Sungshik joked to change the subject, Jihwan played along and let it drop.

"But seriously, if you want to be selected as an exchange student to Japan, you’ll need to ace the theory test since you’re not strong enough for the practicals yet."

"That’s right. I’m aiming for the exchange student selection through this theory exam."

"But didn’t you do only so-so on the exams in the first half of the year? If I remember correctly, you were around the middle of the rankings."

"Oh, you remember. That’s true."

"So, Sungshik, how exactly are you planning to get selected as an exchange student? Even if you get first place this time, it doesn’t seem like it’ll be enough."

"It wouldn’t be enough for a regular top score."

After pausing for a moment, Sungshik smirked as he continued.

"But there’s a rule in the internal regulations: any perfect scorer is given priority consideration for exchange student selection."

"I think I’ve heard about that rule… Wait, you’re not seriously claiming you’ll get a perfect score, are you?"

Sung Jihwan stared at Sungshik incredulously at his bold statement.

It was understandable. Perfect scores were exceedingly rare in the academy’s notoriously difficult theory exams. There were so few that the academy’s forums even had a dedicated page to commemorate past perfect scorers.

Which is why Jihwan looked even more dumbfounded at Sungshik’s declaration.

"Sigh, you’ll only come to your senses when you see the report card. Let’s just go eat."

Shaking his head, Jihwan headed toward the cafeteria, and Sungshik chuckled to himself.

‘It’ll be fun when the report cards come out.’

The day report cards were released, everyone’s attention was focused on the results. Particularly for the second exam of the year, people were especially interested in how their scores compared to the previous test.

While most experienced some degree of change in their scores, dramatic shifts were rare. Incremental improvement was common, but for a mid-to-low scorer to suddenly achieve a perfect score was unheard of.

Which is why, when Sungshik’s score was revealed, the first reaction was doubt.

"Hey, does this even make sense? Even Park Ji-sang, who was last time’s top scorer, got a lower score this time, but someone who was barely mid-tier suddenly got a perfect score?"

"This is definitely sus. A hundred percent cheating. No doubt about it."

"But he was the only one who got a perfect score. Who could he have copied from to get it?"

"Wait, you’re right… Then what? Still, it has to be foul play."

It was natural for people to be suspicious. Not only was it unprecedented, but there had never been a perfect scorer in an exam as objectively difficult as this one.

[Requesting verification of Heo Sungshik’s scores.] [To the faculty office: We request a review of Heo Sungshik’s test papers. Please make them public.]

There was an uproar of requests for the release of Sungshik’s test papers.

"Therefore, we intend to release Sungshik’s test papers. Are you okay with this?"

"Of course. Go ahead."

"Haha, thank you for understanding, Sungshik. Honestly, even I was skeptical before calling you."

In truth, the principal had summoned Sungshik the moment his answers were graded to verify them. His responses were not only flawless but also offered insights that broadened the perspectives of even the professors. The principal and faculty couldn’t help but acknowledge their validity.

"Heo Sungshik, This Guy's a Genius. A New Breeze Will Blow Through Academia."

“Amazing. How can someone approach it from this perspective?”

“He was clearly below average in the previous test, so how? Regardless, it’s an impressive insight.”

While there were still some lingering doubts, most professors acknowledged Sungshik's abilities.

That day, two new announcements were posted on the Superhuman Academy's bulletin board. The first was the publication of Sungshik's original test answers. The second was a notice to hold a public hearing to allow questions and answers with student Heo Sungshik.

Publishing the answers of a perfect scorer wasn’t unheard of. It served as a foundation to enhance knowledge among all students, and past top scorers willingly agreed to such practices. However, holding a hearing due to suspicious circumstances was unprecedented in the history of the Superhuman Academy. A single misstep in the hearing could tarnish Sungshik’s reputation, leaving him as the only perfect scorer in history with a blemished name.

Nonetheless, this was something Sungshik himself had requested. It was an agreement reached on the very day the principal first summoned him.

“Why not? Let’s not only publish the answers but also hold a public hearing.”

“Are you sure about this? I’m worried this might escalate too far.”

From the principal’s perspective, expanding the issue was burdensome.

“I want to prove myself cleanly.”

“If that’s what you want, it could indeed work out for both sides, but...”

“In return, I’d like to ask for something. I want to be nominated for the Japanese exchange group next month.”

“The exchange group? Hmm. Although you did get a perfect score this time, there might be backlash due to your previous grades. It could be like adding fuel to the fire.”

“That’s why I want the hearing. I’ll prove my abilities. Besides, the internal regulations state that perfect scorers are given priority for consideration. It doesn’t violate any rules.”

“That rule does exist. Alright. If the hearing resolves this matter cleanly, I’ll try to push for it. Just don’t get your hopes up too much.”

At the principal’s answer, Sungshik gave a sly smile and replied.

“Good. I trust you’ll look into it properly. And from the Academy’s perspective, having a perfect scorer caught up in such controversies isn’t ideal. Trust me, I’ll clear this up neatly.”

“Alright. I’ll trust you this time, Sungshik.”

Thus, their “discreet” agreement was sealed.

The hearings at the Superhuman Academy were typically held to assess whether the subject met the qualifications for their position. Never in the Academy’s short history had a hearing been held to uncover the truth behind suspicious allegations. This unique nature of the hearing drew significant interest.

“Hey, do you think Heo Sungshik really cheated?”

“Probably. Think about it. If I suddenly got first place in the next test, would you trust my grades?”

“Ah, I get what you mean now.”

“Still, you never know. What if he suddenly awakened a related trait or something?”

“At his age? Winning the lottery seems more likely.”

Rationally speaking, it was a situation where anyone would have doubts. That’s why everyone was curious about what Heo Sungshik would say, having accepted the hearing without hesitation.

“What if he’s just trying to get ahead of things and apologize like a college student scandal?”

“If that were the case, he’d just come out alone and apologize. Why hold a hearing?”

“Oh, true. Anyway, it seems to be starting now. Let’s see what happens.”

Amid the heightened interest, the hearing began. The internal broadcast channel of the Academy displayed the start of the hearing. The screen showed Sungshik walking to the designated seat and taking his place.

“Wow, his expression is totally relaxed. Does he really have something up his sleeve?”

“Seriously, he’s brimming with confidence.”

“But look at him, he’s genuinely handsome. That’s probably why most of his defenders are women. Ugh, this shallow obsession with looks!”

The expectation that he’d appear tense was off the mark. Instead, Sungshik exuded complete composure.

“Good afternoon. I’m Kim Man-cheol, a third-year student and today’s chairman of the hearing. This hearing is to verify the grades of student Heo Sungshik. First, I’d like to thank the review panel and attendees for joining us. Given the public interest in this matter, we’ll skip formalities and get straight to the point. Now, the issue at hand involves the suspicions surrounding Sungshik’s perfect score in the recent test. Sungshik, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

As soon as the chair finished speaking, the spotlight shifted to Sungshik. Despite the intense focus, he maintained a calm demeanor as he opened his mouth to speak.