Choosing Weapon

"What are we supposed to do?"

"Do any of you know what's expected?" These were the questions lingering among us. Despite being a group of 80+ students, we were the only craftsmen who passed the entrance exam, all of us were only a first year.

I know how to create the wall; it was the standard, but not to scale like this. Most craftsmen were in the same boat.

"Boss!"

"What's the plan?" Their enthusiasm was evident. Nearly half of the craftsmen present were from the last entrance exam batch, and they seemed to expect me to lead them. It was like imprinting, and I seized the opportunity. Gradually, all craftsmen started following my lead.

"I'm not entirely sure, but let's start by clearing this area!" 

It appeared neglected, more like a dumping ground. Some began bringing thew tools from the storage house, a space strictly controlled by seniors and instructors, accessible only to craftsmen. Hence, our frequent role as porters.

Once the area was cleaned, it transformed into something beautiful. I suggested we reconvene the next day.

"Do we have academic lessons tomorrow?"

"Yeah!" They confirmed almost reflexively.

Others looked at me, anticipating an answer about the schedule. "I haven't checked the schedule yet," I admitted.

"It's posted on the board in the plaza," someone informed me. I made a mental note to check it out later.

"Alright, let's head back to the dorms; we've got classes tomorrow," I announced, noticing their excitement. Maybe I should establish a schedule for the wall. After all, the deadline was five years. But could we really do it?

"Yes, boss!"

The next day, I went to the learning building, the largest structure in the area. The classroom was immense, stadium-like, with rows of seats ascending higher and farther away, tables interconnected. Quite a contrast from the individual tables and chairs I was used to. The board was a whiteboard, adding to the unfamiliarity.

"I'm glad I wore the uniform they provided," I mused, noticing that all students were in uniform.

Then I expect the name on the wall per classroom. The craftsman department was split, mix with the other four classes. Unexpected, but the setup seemed quite similar. However, we enjoyed more freedom to come and go from class.

"Oh, I'm in the same room as those three! But where's Mel?"

Maybe she got into another section. I shifted my seat to face forward; I preferred not to show my back to others.

Suddenly someone goes in front of the class and starts to talk like a drill sergeant!

"Everyone has to work for the morning training as their daily habit! Now, let me introduce myself. I'm Kim Li Yeol, your instructor for this year."

He looked more like a military officer in his standard uniform, complete with camouflage, hood, and badges on his chest and shoulders.

"Ranking Point 5093 and World Ranking 2039"—I overheard some whispers.

"It's the first time I've seen a world ranker!"

"You don't know him? He was an actor too!"

"Ranked among the top 20 million?"

"Really? Are you sure?"

"According to the Defense Government's classification, he's a swordsman with a high intermediate grade of rank 5."

"Enough!" Instructor Kim's booming voice silenced the murmurs and whispers.

"That's my introduction. Let me be clear: Avalon isn't your typical school. The absolute indicator here is your grade. Fail to make the cut, and you're out. This is reality. As you progress, it gets tougher. Half of you will be termed cadets, earning badges in the coming years. But if you can't, I'm sorry, you don't meet the school's standards. We're shaping heroes here; that's the benchmark. Now, everyone, stand up and follow me."

We followed Instructor Kim to a room that wasn't typical at all—it was stocked with weapons beyond what you'd find in a craftsman's storage.

"Whoa!"

"Wow!"

This was it—the moment to choose our main class-specific weapon, like a mage, witch, or wizard, and for swordsmen, like a barbarian,knight, temporal, samurai,

"This isn't an awe-inducing moment! Quickly choose your weapon! Remember, you can't change your class-specific weapon for a year. This room won't open again for your section. Choose wisely!"

I observed as Steve picked the "Caliburn Sword," Elina opted for the "Witch Wand," and Sonia selected the "Enchanter Staff."

As I expected, the characters chose their weapon without any problem, but where is Mel? Should I search for her? But before that.

Choosing my weapon was come first. " One year is not a playtime for me; it was a serious matter.

"What should I go for?" I scanned the highest cabinets, seeking something that truly resonated with me. There was one item that stood out among the rest, something unmistakably a weapon. I reached out for it.

"Is he out of his mind?"

"Why would he choose something like that?"

Despite the murmurs and disapproving looks, I noticed there was nothing else like it in the room, which mean its must be a rare item. Beneath it lay a piece of paper, a letter that confirmed my choice.

As I read the note, I became certain. This was the one. However, the students around me seemed repulsed and bewildered by my selection. Perhaps their class had a different perspective, and the other craftsman students appeared deeply disappointed in my decision too.

"Are you sure? You can change your weapon if you want to."

Instructor Kim seemed concerned and offered the chance to change my weapon, But I'm very positive about this.

"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you, Instructor."

Though it seemed worn-out and more vintage than modern, it still qualified as a weapon. A weapon of a merchant, it was a magic space bag—something similar to what I used in the entrance exam.

"In Avalon, every decision is solely the student's responsibility," Instructor Kim concluded.

That's right, ["the strongest is the highest.". i also forgot this was the motto for this school, but there are things that are exempt, like intelligence, luck, family background, and more. That's why there are really different student personalities here.