Chapter 29: Mark

As if being dragged into the principal's office, Kang Sihyun walked in, gave a brief explanation about his Copy ability, shared his thoughts as the world's first Quadruple-Class, vaguely answered a question about whether he had plans for further ability engraving, and then left, chuckling at the empty room.


It seemed he had whisked away Haru in a rush, thinking he was a bit late.


Heaving a sigh and wearing his school uniform, he couldn't recall the path leading to Class A of the first year. Well, to be precise, it was more accurate to say he didn't remember. When the teacher explained the class's location, he must have been in the middle of an interview.


Feeling like nothing was going right, he wandered aimlessly, trying to guess the right direction, only to get lost at the central entrance. That's when a familiar voice rescued Sihyun.


"What are you doing here?"


It was Daun.


"Did you lose your way?"


Despite being adept at finding paths, he felt embarrassed. Nodding in response to her question, Sihyun followed behind Daun and Jihye silently, expressing his gratitude to Jihye. Daun, with her translucent eyes, stared at Sihyun after tucking her hair behind her ears. Feeling a sense of guilt in her gaze, Sihyun awkwardly lowered his eyes. Daun and Jihye's footsteps came into view.


"It's okay not to know your way at first. Since we're in the same class, let's go together."


Jihye kindly invited him to join them. Sihyun, thanking them silently, followed behind Daun and Jihye. Daun's voice echoed in his ears.


Finding paths was originally Kang Sihyun's forte, not someone else's.


Swallowing the discomfort others wouldn't feel, he felt a lump in his throat as if something substantial were stuck there.


Between bouts of contemplation, when they arrived at the classroom, familiar faces greeted them.


"Oh, Sihyun's here!"


Throwing a glance at Haeun, who was the best at teasing and glancing back at him, Sihyun looked around the rather unsurprising classroom. He expected the classrooms to be as fancy as the dorms and cafeteria, but they were lacking.


Then his gaze fell on the timetable attached conspicuously next to the blackboard.


1st Period: Korean History


2nd Period: Mathematics 1


3rd Period: Korean Language


4th Period: English


Lunch Break


5th Period: Theory


6th Period: Elective


7th Period: Training


8th Period: Self-Directed Training


After dinner, free time


The timetable from Monday to Friday was identical. Apart from a sprinkle of individuality, it seemed like a copy-paste timetable. Looking again didn't change a thing.


Just a few minutes ago, he'd claimed there was nothing surprising... This insane school seemed to have no interest in anything besides Korean History, Korean Language, Mathematics, and English.


While he was still in awe, the teacher entered and settled into an awkward stance. In the chilly classroom with only eight desks, the short-haired teacher energetically began the self-introduction. Sihyun, who was half-listening to her, snapped to attention upon hearing a particular statement.


"So let's keep the seating arrangement as it is now!"


"Yes."


"Yes?"


Amidst the ambiguous responses, one question lingered. Sihyun, who unintentionally took a seat, looked around with eyes wide open. He wasn't even aware he'd taken this spot. With Haewoon in front and Seowoo behind, there wasn't much to be surprised about, yet the cheerful teacher smoothly shifted the discussion back to orientation.


"The timetable will proceed as you see in front of you. During free periods, you're free to rest or train. However, dormitory check-in starts at 11, so make sure to return by at least 10. We're about to decide on elective subjects listed on the timetable. Ah, should we start by electing the class president?"


"...."


Sure, here's a clear and smooth English translation of the passage you provided:


---


"What kind of school is this? It's so primitive." I glanced around, wondering if this was how class presidents were usually chosen, but it seemed I was the only one with doubts. At this level, it felt like the world was trying to outsmart itself. No, it was me outsmarting the world.


We're definitely in South Korea, so why is it like this?


Apart from the Inso world, I thought it wouldn't be much different, but experiencing it was entirely different. No, perhaps the world had changed.


Suddenly, Seowoo raised her hand and volunteered as class president. Naturally, there was no opposition. The unanimous election proceeded as smoothly as water flowing.


As the new class president, Seowoo distributed handouts. Sihyun checked the gray printout on his desk and let out a breath seeing the 'Theory' and 'Training - choose one' written there. With only eight students in the class and just two options, he didn't understand why handouts were necessary.


"During Theory class, we'll cover basic and advanced theories, including the appearance of Awakened Individuals and detailed explanations of Irregular types and their ranks. In Training, we plan to conduct various ability adaptation exercises and partner training to help you acclimate to your abilities while also maintaining your physical fitness. Please check the area you think needs more attention after reviewing!"


Listening attentively, Sihyun immediately circled 'Theory' without hesitation. For someone who had suddenly landed in an unfamiliar place, this was exactly the subject he needed.


After handing in the printout, there was a session about school rules and regulations. It felt like time dragged on as the tedious orientation continued. Just as he thought it was break time, orientations by teachers for periods 1 to 4 began.


Listening to the same explanations over and over, Sihyun propped up his chin and drowsily waited for lunchtime. However, unlucky for him, the orientations by teachers persisted from the 1st to the 4th period.


When lunchtime finally arrived after 1 hour and 20 minutes, Sihyun sluggishly got up. He felt more tired after dozing off. He had thought the Mirgun Military Academy would be different, but the orientation seemed monotonously similar wherever he went.


Though he was tempted to skip lunch, Daun and Haeun both grabbed Sihyun's arms simultaneously. Inadvertently, there were eight of them seated together for lunch. Suddenly, Haeun asked a question.


"By the way, how did the interview go?"


"Interview?"


"Because of the New Class."


"Oh... well, they probably said I'm fragile."


At Daun's matter-of-fact response, Sihyun coughed. Covering his mouth and turning his head away, he coughed while Haeun gave him a meaningful look.


"Why are you looking at me like that?"


"Just thought it might get interesting."


Feeling uncomfortable with Haeun's teasing, Sihyun wiped his arm and took another sip of soup. Until that moment, he hadn't been particularly concerned about the interview I had done. After spending a day listening to uninteresting and banal orientations by the teachers, during evening free time, before checking the community post shown by Haeun, that was.


"...."


When evening came, the cafeteria seemed unusually bustling, making Sihyun frown. Even upperclassmen were here for dinner, and the place was abuzz. He felt awkward with so many eyes on him, glancing nervously around. Haeun, who had been earnestly looking at his phone, suddenly burst into laughter.


"Are you crazy?"


Ignoring Hamin's sarcasm, Haeun wiped his tears, catching his breath while laughing with all his might. Breathing heavily, he laughed so much that tears streamed down his face.


"Why is everyone looking at me like that?"


"What do you mean?"


Looking at him as if he knew something, Haeun's laughter rose as he reached out toward Sihyun. His sly smile seemed mischievous.


"Look at this, Sihyun! You're currently trending at number one!"


"Oh..."


Seeing his name on top of real-time searches, Sihyun, who had been looking at Haeun's screen, swallowed his resignation. It was no wonder it felt more chaotic than usual. Apparently, an interview article had been released.


It was something I had already anticipated.


Even though I had only imprinted two abilities, I was still a Quadruple-Class. Despite this, with my eyes settling on the trending search despite being at the top, Sihyun suddenly widened his eyes. The top trending search was Kang Sihyun, followed by Quadruple and Copy, with Supreme King ranking at zero and New Class. There were articles related to me from the top 1 to 3, so there was no way the 4th wasn't related. With a growing sense of unease, I clicked on the zero-ranking search. Haeun's smirk grew as if he already knew about this situation.


[Trending at Number One: Supreme King Ranking Zero, Kang Sihyun Information Compilation]


Among the lines of text that unfolded, the familiar consonants of my initials caught my eye.


'ㄱㅅㅎ'


There were words that seemed to be my name, yet I couldn't fathom how it could possibly be mine.


[Trending at Number One: Supreme King Ranking Zero, Kang Sihyun Information Compilation]


Author: LebubA


Due to the chaos from the appearance of the New Class Quadruple, I decided to bring some actual info amidst the rumors and speculations. If you're busy


, just read the three-line summary below.


First, let's roughly summarize the incidents.


Around 4 o'clock, FBS released an article about the New Class and Quadruple Awakened Individual. (link)


The said Quadruple is Kang Sihyun, the Supreme King from the 1st year.


Once the name was revealed, all sorts of rumors emerged. From discussions about his personality to claims of being the son of someone from H Corporation or the sibling of a Black Velvet member, there's a lot of speculation, but nothing's been verified.


You can see what he looks like from his middle school days in sports newspapers because he was in the track team.


They say his New Class ability is Copy, and even though he's a Quadruple, he has imprinted only Healer and Copy abilities. (You can read more about Copy in the link above)


Articles with various exaggerations were being spread by those hyped with Korean pride.


Then, a student suspected to be from the Supreme Class claimed that among the speculated students, Kang Sihyun is ranked 7th among the Supreme Class. (Search for Supreme Class System if you're unfamiliar)


People who disagreed with that claim argued that a Quadruple couldn't be ranked 7th.


When the post author claimed to be authentic, it turned out it was a joke, but it had already turned into a meme.


With the waves, there was a rumor that Kang Sihyun, being in the Supreme Class, holds rank zero, treated as a public fact.


As the situation escalated, the post author deleted the post.


People who didn't know anything started believing that Kang Sihyun was genuinely ranked zero in the Supreme Class.


The story kept spreading without being rectified.


That's the current situation.


Three-line Summary:


Kang Sihyun is in the New Class and a Quadruple. He has imprinted only Healer and Copy abilities.


However, a student from the Supreme Class claims that Kang Sihyun is ranked 7th.


People arguing against it say Kang Sihyun can't be ranked 7th as a Quadruple.


Amidst the commotion of insufficient information, it seems like it's just brain-dead gossip. But for now, the fact is that Korea has its first Quadruple. Quadruple>>>>>>>>>>>Triple.


---


As Yoo Sihyun scrolled down the post, his fingers moved to allow the scrollbar to glide effortlessly. Hundreds of comments were nestled beneath the article, each one revealing a spectrum of reactions. He anticipated the post to trend at the top, but...


"...."


His finger froze as he saw it.


"Why is nobody mentioning the Copy Class? Just looking at it seems like a scam, right? Seriously, just the fact that it's Copy should be amazing, but it's Quadruple-Class? Please, a balance patch, anyone?"


Reply 1: "God: No, it's not happening. Go back."


Reply 2: "Ok..."


"But even if he's ranked 7th now, he'll probably hit the real 1st place soon. A New Class Quadruple? Seriously?"


Reply 1: "This post will soon become a holy site."


Reply 2: "I'm going on a pilgrimage in advance. Please make me an Awakened."


Reply 3: "? How old are you?"


Reply 4: "32, damn."


Reply 5: "Haha, asking for a wish from an old man."


"New Class with Quadruple... Is this the level of Korean Awakened individuals? Kang Sihyun is a legend beyond belief. My heart swells."


"Damn, is it really important that Kang Sihyun is Quadruple now? Go check a sports article and see Kang Sihyun's face right now. That's the national treasure."


Reply: "Agreed, I wanted to say that, but no one mentioned it, so I thought I'd have to talk alone."


Reply 2: "Hahyeok's little brother got Dual, so at this point, the standard for Korean Awakened is their face."


Reply 3: "Yeah, true. If someone could create a fan cafe for Sihyun with a gun, it would be great."


Reply 4: "Seriously, this is a face that could make it happen..."


Reply 5: "In school, Sihyun is called one of the Four Kings with Haeun, Seowoo, and Daun. If he joins, wouldn't it be the Five Kings?"


Reply 6: "Oh, then is it the Five Kings?"


Reply 7: "F5, how about that?"


Reply 8: "Hahaha, insane!"


Reply 9: "Wait, so who's making the fan cafe? It seems like this is really happening..."


Reply 10: "Okay, I'll quit my job and make one. I believe this will work."


Reply 11: "What the heck?"


"...."


Yoo Sihyun's blue eyes twitched as he read the words that consistently appeared in the comments section: 'Rank 0.' This was an unexpected turn of events.


Next Chapter >>>


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