The Chosen Fifty

The new week dawned with a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. For the majority of the students at NexaCorp Korea University, Monday morning brought a disheartening notification on their NCK app. The unfortunate students received a sad chime, accompanied by a message detailing that they did not need to attend classes this week. The week was to be dedicated to the chosen fifty students in each role, who would now battle each other for a coveted spot in the top ten.

Among the fortunate ones selected were our friends of eight: Joon-ho, Kang-dae, Kyu, Soo-jin, Hana, Sang-hee, Hyun-ae, and Jin-kyong. Their NCK apps remained eerily silent, signifying their selection. As the time came to proceed to their respective classes, a mixture of excitement and anxiety filled their hearts.

Joon-ho and Hyun-ae, heading to their Assassin class, couldn't help but notice the stark difference in the scenery. The bustling campus was now quieter, with significantly fewer students walking around. The once-crowded pathways felt almost deserted, and the usual lively chatter was replaced by a strange stillness. This was the first day they witnessed the peculiar change, and it felt unsettling.

As they entered the class hall, the difference became even more apparent. The large room, designed to accommodate hundreds, now hosted only fifty students. Each face was marked by determination and focus, aware that they were now competing against their peers to secure a place in the top ten.

Joon-ho and Hyun-ae exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring each other's unease and resolve. They took their seats, the tension palpable in the air. The instructors, including their main instructor, Dong-soo, stood at the front, ready to explain the day's agenda.

"Congratulations to each of you for making it this far," Instructor Dong-soo began, his voice carrying a mix of pride and seriousness. "This week will be unlike any you've experienced before. The competition will be fierce, and only the best will advance to the next stage."

The students listened intently, absorbing every word. The reality of the situation sank in. This was no longer about learning and improving; it was about proving their worth and securing their future.

"The testing will be rigorous," Dong-soo continued. "You will face a series of challenges designed to push your limits and assess your capabilities. Each task will be monitored and evaluated closely."

Joon-ho felt a surge of adrenaline. He glanced at Hyun-ae, who gave him a determined nod. They were ready for this. They had trained hard, and now it was time to show what they were made of.

"Today, we will conduct a time-limited challenge. Please adorn your Realm devices and follow me into NexaRealm," Instructor Dong-soo continued.

The students, including Joon-ho and Hyun-ae, pulled out their sleek, advanced Realm devices. These high-tech gadgets used eye detection to log the player in. Joon-ho felt the familiar rush as the system scanned his eyes and welcomed him back into the immersive world of NexaRealm.

As the initial load was completed, Joon-ho and the other students found themselves transported to the Citadel of Nexa, the central hub of the game. However, they didn't have time to explore or socialize; they were immediately redirected to a private room under the authorization of Instructor Dong-soo, facilitated by Director Hye-su, the CEO of NexaCorp Korea.

The system's voice explained the transition.

[You are now being transferred to a private room for a scheduled challenge]

The students were then transported to a lush, green plain hill, a stark contrast to the bustling citadel.

In this serene environment, Instructor Dong-soo stood before them, his attire transformed to reflect his Assassin role. His dark, sleek outfit and deadly aura commanded attention. Joon-ho, now in his dark purple cloak with his two daggers, Duskblade, by his side, felt a surge of excitement. The familiar weight of his weapons and the atmosphere of NexaRealm brought a sense of readiness.

"We will now conduct a time trial test. This is primarily for record-keeping, so there is no need to be overly alarmed. The list of names, of the chosen fifty, will be projected in the sky, along with your current rank in the NexaRealm leaderboard across Korea," Instructor Dong-soo addressed the group.

As he spoke, the sky above them lit up with a holographic display of names and ranks. Joon-ho's name appeared at rank 17.

"I never knew you were ranked so high, Joon-ho!" Hyun-ae, seeing this, exclaimed.

Joon-ho chuckled.

"I guess I forgot to mention it." He glanced at her rank, which was 78. "You've been doing great too, Hyun-ae."

Their conversation was interrupted by hushed whispers that drew their attention to Tae-young. He stood apart from the group, his presence commanding respect and fear. Tae-young, the current number one Assassin in Korea, had even surpassed Instructor Dong-soo, who now held the second rank. Joon-ho had almost forgotten about Tae-young's existence, given his reclusive nature.

Tae-young had been assigned as Joon-ho's roommate, along with Kang-dae and Kyu, but he had made it clear he wanted no connections with them, seldom spending nights in the dorm. He attended classes like everyone else, but his aloofness and superior skills kept him distant.

The sight of Tae-young reminded Joon-ho of the intense competition he faced. Despite their training and determination, they were up against the best of the best. This thought steeled his resolve even further.

"The time trial will be conducted one by one, with the others watching. This will test your ability to perform under pressure and tension. Remember, this challenge is about more than just speed; it's about precision, strategy, and adaptability," Instructor Dong-soo continued.

As the first name was called, the tension in the air thickened. One by one, students stepped up to face the trial, their performances scrutinized by both peers and instructors. Joon-ho watched closely, analyzing each competitor's strengths and weaknesses, mentally preparing for his turn.

When Joon-ho's name was finally called, he felt a mix of nerves and excitement. He stepped forward, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The lush greenery of the plain hill was now his battlefield, and every second counted.

He activated his abilities, moving swiftly and silently through the trial. His daggers glinted in the sunlight as he executed precise, calculated strikes. He navigated the challenges with agility and finesse, his training and experience guiding him. The pressure was immense, but Joon-ho thrived under it, his focus unwavering.

As he completed the trial, he glanced at Hyun-ae, who gave him a reassuring smile. They were in this together, and no matter the outcome, they had each other's support. The day continued, each student facing their trial, the competition fierce but respectful.

As the time trial progressed, the students could see how they fared among their peers. Tae-young, unsurprisingly, held the first spot. His speed and precision were immaculate, every strike and movement executed with inch-perfect accuracy. It was a masterclass in Assassin techniques, leaving even the instructors nodding in approval.

Following Tae-young, other names began to fill the ranks. Each student's performance was scrutinized, and their strengths and weaknesses were laid bare. Joon-ho secured eighth place among the fifty, a significant achievement given the level of competition. His strategic movements and well-timed strikes had paid off, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Being in the top ten was a strong position, and it gave him a boost of confidence.

Hyun-ae, on the other hand, found herself at the nineteenth spot. While not as high as Joon-ho, she was still in the upper half of the group. It was a respectable ranking, and she took comfort in knowing she had outperformed many of her peers. The tension and pressure of the trial had been intense, but she had held her own and proved her capabilities.

As they gathered to review the rankings, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of relief and tension. The obvious listing, with each student's rank plastered in the sky, served a purpose. It was a stark reminder of the competitiveness within their group. The promise that only ten would be chosen fueled the seriousness and intensity of their efforts.

Joon-ho and Hyun-ae exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They had both done well, but the real challenge lay ahead. The rankings were a motivator, a clear indicator of where they stood and how much more they needed to push. For Joon-ho, securing a top-ten spot was a relief, but he knew he couldn't rest on his laurels. The journey was far from over.

Hyun-ae, although not in the top ten, felt a similar determination. She knew she had the skills to climb higher, and the rankings only fueled her resolve to improve. The competitive spirit was palpable among the students, each one aware that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities to prove themselves.

Instructor Dong-soo's strategy was clear. By displaying the rankings and emphasizing the limited slots available, he had successfully ignited a fire within the students. They were not just competing against an external standard but also against each other. This added layer of competitiveness would drive them to push their limits, ensuring that only the best would advance.

As the day ended, the students dispersed, each lost in their thoughts. The initial relief of completing the time trial was now replaced by a steely determination to excel in the upcoming tests. They didn't know what Instructor Dong-soo had in store for them tomorrow, but they had a better understanding of the stakes.

The weekend would be spent preparing, reflecting, and strategizing. The promise of the World NexaRealm Championship loomed large, and with it, the dreams and aspirations of every student in the room. Joon-ho and Hyun-ae, along with their peers, knew that this was just the beginning. The real battle was yet to come, and they would need to be at their best to secure a spot among the elite.