Chapter 6: The Magic Proficiency Test

The next day arrived with heavy anticipation as the students gathered in the Academy’s Magic Hall. The hall, a large, echoing chamber filled with towering mana-crystal pillars, thrummed with energy. Students shifted nervously, and whispers filled the air.

Jinyoung stood at the back of the room, feeling the weight of the previous day’s sparring match on his shoulders. His performance had drawn too much attention, and now, eyes followed him wherever he went. He could feel the curious and suspicious glances from his peers, especially from Seo Yuna, whose gaze had grown more intense since yesterday.

The instructor, a stern man with short-cropped hair, stood before the students, his voice booming across the room.

"Today’s test is simple. Step forward, place your hand on the mana-crystal, and pour your energy into it. The crystal will measure your mana proficiency and elemental affinity."

Jinyoung watched as the first students approached the crystal. Their results flickered to life on the floating screens above the pillars—modest readings, some reaching the 4th Circle or 5th Circle Mage.

Then it was Yuna’s turn.

She moved forward with an air of calm authority, her steps precise. When her hand touched the crystal, the temperature in the room dropped immediately. A rush of frost spread from her fingertips, encasing the base of the mana-crystal in ice. The crystal glowed a brilliant blue as it absorbed her energy.

CRACK!

The crystal radiated with icy light, and her results appeared above—10th Circle Mage. The room erupted in murmurs of approval. Yuna stepped back, her expression unchanged, but her eyes flicked briefly to Jinyoung.

Jinyoung’s turn arrived, and the room fell silent as he approached. His heart pounded in his chest as he touched the crystal, but he hesitated for a moment. If I pour too much into this…

Taking a breath, he allowed a small fraction of his mana to flow into the crystal.

BOOM!

The crystal pulsed with intense energy, its glow shifting from bright white to deep gold. It began to tremble, cracks spider-webbing across its surface. The air around him grew hot, then cold, as his control slipped.

CRACK!

The crystal shattered. Shards flew in every direction as a gust of power blasted through the room, shaking the walls. Students stumbled backward, some gasping, others staring in stunned disbelief.

The instructor’s mouth hung open. "What… just happened?"

Jinyoung stood still, his heart racing. He hadn’t even unleashed half of his true mana, yet the crystal had broken. He stepped back from the destruction, trying to compose himself, but he could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on him.

From the corner of his vision, he caught Yuna staring at him, her expression more curious than shocked.

Chapter 7: The Dungeon Raid Announcement

Later that afternoon, the students were gathered in the academy’s assembly hall. The buzz from Jinyoung’s performance at the magic test had yet to die down. Many still whispered about the crystal’s destruction, while others speculated about Jinyoung’s true abilities. But there was little time to dwell on it. The next challenge loomed before them.

The instructor stood at the front, addressing the group.

“You’ve all completed the magic proficiency test. Some of you showed impressive results,” he said, his eyes lingering on Jinyoung. “But the true test of a hunter’s abilities is not in a controlled environment—it’s in the field.”

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. “Tomorrow, you will all be sent on your first dungeon raid.”

Murmurs erupted in the crowd. Dungeon raids were dangerous, even for seasoned hunters, and most of the students had never faced real combat outside of the academy’s walls.

“You’ll be placed into groups of four,” the instructor continued. “Your task is simple: survive, clear the dungeon, and return safely.”

Jinyoung’s mind raced. This was the dungeon he remembered—the one where his abilities had first been tested in his previous life. But this time, he was stronger. Still, something about this dungeon unsettled him. The system had already warned him of anomalies in certain dungeons. He couldn’t afford to underestimate anything.

The groups were announced, and to Jinyoung’s surprise, he was placed with Seo Yuna, Kim Haejin, and Lee Minho—each strong in their own right, but none who could see what lay ahead.

Chapter 8: An Uneasy Alliance

As the students dispersed, Yuna approached Jinyoung, her usual cold demeanor softened with curiosity. She walked with purpose, her combat gear simple but elegant—a sleeveless black leather tunic adorned with faint silver runes, black leggings that hugged her form, and light combat boots designed for agility.

"You didn’t show your full hand in that magic test," Yuna said without preamble, her tone inquisitive rather than accusatory.

Jinyoung shrugged, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I didn’t need to."

"Yet you shattered the crystal," she pointed out. "That wasn’t a small display of power."

There was a moment of silence between them as Jinyoung considered her words. He could see the same determination in her eyes that had driven her to become one of the most formidable hunters in his past life. But he couldn’t afford to let her in on his secret just yet.

"It’s more than just strength," Jinyoung said quietly. "Control is the key."

Yuna nodded slightly, seeming to accept his answer, though she was still clearly intrigued. "Just make sure you show control in the dungeon tomorrow. I don’t want my group putting their lives in danger because of reckless power."

Jinyoung gave her a small smile, knowing the irony of her statement. "Don’t worry. I know how to survive."