—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: bchen3
—————————————————————–
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
That evening.
After finishing dinner, I returned straight to the dormitory.
As soon as I entered, I sat at my desk and opened my notebook.
Then I quickly wrote down what I had been thinking about.
[Summary of the Supernatural Phenomenon]
-When I fall asleep, another me awakens.
-For some reason, he trains stats. (Strength, Agility, Stamina)
-Also, it seems that stats increase better when the other me trains rather than when I do.
This was none other than the workings of the supernatural phenomenon I had discovered so far.
To be precise, it was a summary of what I presumed to be its effects.
This was the “first thing” I could do right now.
‘I need to understand how it works to utilize it properly.’
Thanks to the simple nature of the supernatural phenomenon, the utilization plan was also relatively straightforward.
‘Distributing roles between me and the other me.’
I would leave stat training to the other me.
This was because the other me’s growth rate was faster than when I trained.
Then what about me?
‘I’ll focus on parts other than stat training, concentrating on other practical classes.’
Stats are the foundation of superhumans, beyond just the academy.
But they’re not everything.
Beyond the three basic stats, there’s the magic stat, weapon techniques, combat against humans, monster raids, and more.
There was a mountain of subjects to learn and master ahead of me.
I intended to focus solely on those areas.
‘When I’m asleep, stat training; when I’m awake, focus on class progress and review.’
This was my “two-track strategy.”
With a bit of exaggeration, this was almost like fully utilizing all 24 hours of the day.
If I kept growing at this rate, even harsh evaluations wouldn’t be a problem.
I would also be able to compete sufficiently with those who had backgrounds and talents.
“This plan is sufficient.”
I happily put down my pen and lay on the bed.
No, before lying down, I fiddled with my smartwatch.
This was for the “second thing” I could do immediately regarding how to utilize the supernatural phenomenon.
‘There should be a black box function, right?’
I planned to record the situation after falling asleep using the smartwatch, to directly verify the supernatural phenomenon.
This was for the same reason as summarizing the workings of the supernatural phenomenon.
“If I do this…, done.”
After finishing the black box function settings, I lay on the bed.
Then I organized my thoughts for a moment.
‘All that’s left is to confirm it tomorrow.’
With an excited heart, I closed my eyes.
‘Which stat will increase? Strength? Agility? Stamina?’
At that time, I didn’t know.
The strange growth surrounding me.
That it wasn’t just limited to those three stats.
*
The next day.
The morning routine was the same as yesterday.
The only difference started from the morning’s liberal arts class time.
‘Let’s see.’
Instead of focusing on class, I operated my smartwatch.
This was to check the video I had recorded last night.
‘I wonder how the other me moved.’
I played the nearly 10-hour video with the sound muted.
The first scene started with the ceiling of the dormitory room.
‘I can’t check the entire video.’
I quickly skipped through the video in 30-second intervals.
When I reached the 10-minute mark.
“…!”
The screen changed.
From the ceiling to the wall opposite the bed.
The other me had started to move.
‘…Wow, it’s hard to believe even after seeing it.’
The wall, desk, floor, and even the dormitory corridor.
The movements of the other me were clearly felt through the changing screens in the video.
It felt like watching a sleepwalker.
The destination reached after moving like that was a familiar place.
‘The stat training room. It gets more fascinating the more I watch.’
He really did go to train stats.
Moreover, it seemed the other me even moved together with Lim Kangcheol.
After training with Lim Kangcheol for 4 hours.
Then moving somewhere else and training for another 4 hours.
He stayed in the stat training room for a total of 8 hours.
For the next 2 hours, the video only showed the dormitory ceiling.
‘So he really slept for 2 hours. It’s amazing that I don’t feel tired at all despite that.’
Putting small doubts aside, I operated the smartwatch.
This time it was to check the stats.
-Strength Stat 8 (UP!)
-Agility Stat 8
-Stamina Stat 8
-Magic Stat 1
There was an ‘UP!’ mark next to the Strength Stat.
This confirmed that the other me had trained the Strength Stat last night.
But a few questions remained.
‘Only one increased? Didn’t he train at two different places?’
Moreover, looking at the fact that it wasn’t updated, it seemed that the other me couldn’t operate the equipment.
Despite accumulating minor questions, I didn’t think much of them.
‘I might not know about the latter, but I can check the former. Besides, the supernatural phenomenon did occur, and my stats did grow.’
The most important thing was that I had achieved the desired result.
So I planned to only concern myself with the remaining questions as far as I could find out.
‘I can just ask Lim Kangcheol later.’
I thought while glancing at Lim Kangcheol, who was consistently sleeping in the seat next to me.
…
…
…
Lunchtime.
After finishing the meal, I immediately asked Lim Kangcheol.
Then.
“What? You’re asking what stat you trained last night?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you already forgotten? Besides, weren’t you the one who suggested it?”
Lim Kangcheol asked quite sharply.
Explaining everything seemed foolish, so I made up a story he would likely appreciate.
“I’m just reminiscing about training with you.”
“…Ilhan!”
Then Lim Kangcheol, seemingly touched, gave a passionate speech.
“You were amazing last night too! You were at the training room…”
From that, I picked out only the necessary information and inputted it into my brain.
‘Strength and stamina. Indeed, he trained two stats.’
As expected, he had trained a total of two stats including stamina, and only strength had grown.
I surprisingly had no questions about the growth difference between the two stats.
The reason was simple.
‘My stats don’t increase just by breathing; the other me directly trains to grow them.’
My growth wasn’t mere luck.
It was the fruit of the other me’s efforts.
‘So as long as the supernatural phenomenon occurs, I shouldn’t worry about growth.’
Just as I was roughly organizing my necessary questions.
Lunch time was slowly coming to an end.
Perhaps that’s why.
“Oh right, Ilhan! Are you prepared for today’s practical class?”
Naturally, the topic of the afternoon class flowed from Lim Kangcheol.
“Today’s practical?”
“Stat circuit training! From today, we’re starting practical classes that are officially part of the exam curriculum!”
“Stat circuit training?”
My memory was vague.
‘Did the instructor mention that?’
It seemed I hadn’t heard due to being deeply immersed in my own thoughts.
All I remembered was that today’s class was related to the importance of aptitude and stat growth.
“I think I missed it because I was thinking about something.”
“You missed such an important explanation?!”
“Well, I guess we’ll figure it out when we get there.”
I had no particular worries.
At least not when it came to stat-related issues.
‘I must have invested several times more time than others.’
There was no reason to lack confidence anymore.
“You’re so confident! Do you really believe in those dawn training sessions?!”
“Well, you know.”
All that remained was to tackle the class skillfully.
I happily looked forward to the afternoon class.
*
Time flew by, and it was 3:10 PM.
After the theory class ended, it was time for the practical class.
Today’s class location was the gymnasium on the basement floor of the auditorium where we had taken the entrance exam.
It was set up for ‘Stat Circuit Training’.
“Is everyone here?”
After checking the number of students, Class A’s instructor, Jin Taejin, immediately started explaining about the class.
“Today’s class is ‘Stat Circuit Training.’ The difference from regular circuit training, to explain it simply, is that it’s been modified for superhumans, to fit superhumans.”
Training for superhumans, and customized training.
It piqued my interest quite a bit.
“The purpose is as follows: to train stats and use them in combination, and to adapt and operate the body under conditions similar to those inside the gate.”
The explanation was quite complex.
Fortunately, the instructor explained it in simpler terms.
“To put it simply, think of it as the first training to function as a superhuman. How to move and use your body, etc. It can be considered the most basic of basics.”
The basics of all superhuman activities.
That seemed to summarize the class.
“There are a total of 7 courses, with the first 3 courses focusing on single stats, the next 3 courses on complex stats, and the final course is a test course that looks at all stats and various elements.”
The instructor continued.
“We will proceed with the first 3 courses in the 7th period, the next 3 courses in the 8th period, and the 9th period is for independent training. The main class for the final course will be conducted next week.”
Additionally, the instructor explained that the difficulty level of the stat circuit training was based on the grade of the stats.
That is, the ‘sum of stats’;
That the evaluation criteria varied for each course, etc.
After finishing all the explanations, he moved on to the next topic.
“Then it’s better to show you directly. First, students with experience in stat circuit training, raise your hands.”
At the instructor’s words, I quietly looked around at the other students.
My eyes widened at the number of hands raised.
‘Wow, there are this many experienced people? Did they all receive early education?’
There seemed to be more than 100 students who raised their hands.
Surprisingly, the number of inexperienced students was smaller.
The instructor, while classifying the experienced students to one side, opened his mouth.
“While I explain to the inexperienced ones, the experienced ones should watch for a moment. Inexperienced ones, gather over here.”
Just as I was about to move at the instructor’s words.
“Oh, Ilhan! You’re with the inexperienced group too!”
Lim Kangcheol stuck close to me.
“Yeah. You too?”
“Of course, I trained in the wild!”
I looked around at the other inexperienced students as I took my place.
Students who had been disadvantaged yesterday were mainly noticeable.
Among them, there was also an unexpected person.
‘Yoon Seolha is also inexperienced?’
The top student among all freshmen, Yoon Seolha.
Surprisingly, she was also part of the inexperienced group.
While I was in admiration, the instructor’s explanation started again.
“Everyone, pay attention. Let’s start with the first course, the ‘Strength Course.’ The class will proceed at F level. For reference, the practical exam will be held at F+ level, so remember that.”
The first course, the ‘Strength Course’.
Just by looking, I could roughly tell what kind of course it was.
‘It seems like you have to push a device that looks like a power sled to reach a designated point.’
It didn’t look particularly difficult.
“Well then.”
The instructor suddenly paused and turned his head.
Even just his gestures made his intention clear.
‘Is he looking for a volunteer?’
I felt confident this time.
Just as I was thinking that, the instructor’s gaze turned to one student.
“Student Cha Eunwol, come forward.”
At the instructor’s call, a female student jumped in surprise and raised her head.
It was a face I had never seen before.
That’s why I couldn’t help but observe her.
‘There are a lot of pretty kids here.’
First of all, her considerable appearance caught my eye.
However, her atmosphere was somewhat dark.
Not only that, judging by her hesitant appearance, she seemed to have an introverted personality.
While I was quietly observing.
“Then let’s begin.”
“…Yes.”
Cha Eunwol’s stat circuit training began.
She moved forward with difficulty, groaning.
Through her appearance, I could understand.
Why the instructor had said we would physically experience the importance of growth.
‘She’s really struggling.’
Just as having strength allows you to lift more weight and endure better.
The strength course before my eyes also required sufficient strength stat to proceed smoothly.
While I was understanding this, her result came out.
“…40 points. If this had been an exam, it would have been a failing grade. What’s your current strength?”
“…4 stat, sir.”
“Hmm, student, focus more on strength training from now on.”
40 points. It seemed to be a failing grade.
As she hung her head at the miserable score.
A commotion arose from the group of experienced students.
“Wow, what’s with the 40 points.”
“This is why those without backgrounds, keukeuk!”
“How did they even get admitted? Puhah!”
The experienced group was directing mockery at her.
No, at the inexperienced group including me.
It felt exactly like they were laughing at me.
Since I, too, had started with just 1 strength stat.
That’s why.
“The next course is agility. Volunteer…”
“I’ll do it.”
“Hooh, good. Student An Ilhan, come forward.”
The reason I had voluntarily stepped forward was precisely that.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
