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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: bchen3
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“For the entrance exam students who have just completed the strength test, I will explain once again how to measure your agility stat, so listen carefully!”
I moved to get my agility measured, and just then, the instructor in charge began his explanation.
“As you all know, agility is a stat related to reaction speed and dynamic vision. The measurement also focuses on these two elements. First, pay attention to this area.”
In the place the instructor pointed to, there was a kind of set prepared.
It resembled something like an “indoor screen baseball field.”
“The method is simple. Wear the prepared gloves and catch the balls shot by the machine over there in front.”
You could call it catch ball, I suppose?
The way it worked was similar too.
The ball-shooting machine fired balls at speeds calibrated according to agility stat levels.
Three attempts per level.
You had to catch all three balls to advance to the next speed level, and the agility stat result would increase accordingly.
The moment you missed even once, the measurement ended, and your stat was determined by the level you had successfully completed.
‘At least the method doesn’t seem difficult.’
But the measurement results of the preceding applicants suggested otherwise.
“Applicant number 11, initial 1, final agility stat 1.”
“Applicant number 36, initial 2, final stat 2.”
“Applicant number 79, initial 1, final stat 1.”
Just like during the strength measurement, disastrous results were the norm.
The difference between initial stats and final results was actually worse than during the strength test.
There was hardly any difference at all.
The cause was clear.
‘So it’s the agility stat after all.’
Agility stat related to reaction speed and dynamic vision.
Due to the special nature of the abilities involved, it was difficult to train as a civilian.
The dedicated set prepared solely for measuring agility right before my eyes was proof of that.
‘It wasn’t just a rumor that it’s difficult, tsk.’
Of course, those born with talent for initial stats or growth rate were a bit different.
For example.
“Number 98, Lim Gangcheol, initial agility 3 stat, final 5 stat!”
Initial 3 stat, final 5 stat.
Unlike those before him, he had increased by 2 stats.
Nevertheless, Lim Gangcheol left the set with a regretful expression after removing his gloves.
Then he glanced at me slightly.
Thumb up.
This time, his eyes held a meaning like, ‘Good match, looking forward to it!’
Just as I was deliberately looking away.
“Number 99! To position!”
The instructor called me.
“Yes. An Ilhan here.”
“An Ilhan, huh. Initial agility is 1 stat.”
The reaction was slightly different from the strength measurement.
It seemed like there were several applicants with rock-bottom initial stats like me in agility.
“Then we’ll start from level 1.”
“Yes. I’m ready.”
I decided to put my worries aside for a moment.
‘Anyway, I never expected anything from agility and magic power from the beginning.’
Since I hadn’t even prepared, expecting results would be greedy.
Plus, my strength results had already shattered expectations.
I focused on the measurement, trying to steady my mind.
“Then begin!”
Whoosh – Bang!
I cleared level 1 naturally.
Even though it was at the bottom, I still had 1 stat in agility.
Level 2 was where it really began.
“If you’re ready, we’ll begin level 2.”
“Yes.”
I felt nervous, thinking I might feel miserable if the results were terrible.
But what was this?
Whoosh – Bang! Whoosh – Bang! Whoosh – Bang!
This was surprisingly doable?
I easily cleared level 2.
‘…Huh?’
While I was bewildered by my unexpected performance.
“Next, level 3!”
Level 3 began.
I might accept level 2, but level 3 was really questionable.
Whoosh-! Bang! Bang! Baaaang!
…That’s what I thought, but I caught them all again.
What was going on with me?
“Next is level 4.”
“Yes.”
I took my stance with a dazed expression.
A creeping sense of anticipation was rising, but.
Wheeeng-!
The level 4 ball passed by my right shoulder with tremendous momentum.
I had failed on the first throw.
“Number 99, An Ilhan. Agility initial stat 1, final result is 3 stat.”
“…Thank you.”
Initial agility 1 stat, final result 3 stat.
Once again, an unexpected result had emerged.
However, its meaning was fundamentally different from strength.
While I had put my heart and soul into preparing strength along with stamina.
‘I didn’t even prepare for agility at all…?’
Agility was a stat I had given up on from the start.
What kind of miracle was this?
Perhaps because of the questions filling my head.
“You increased by 2 stats too? As expected, you’re my rival…”
Lim Gangcheol’s words didn’t properly register in my ears.
Half-listening to him, I immediately moved on to the stamina test.
“I’ll explain about the stamina test. Although it’s called stamina, to be precise, it’s a test that measures magic resistance and endurance.”
Along with the explanation, the instructor pointed to a table prepared nearby.
“You need to do the 25m shuttle run until exhaustion while wearing the specially made vest over there.”
The second place the instructor pointed to had a running area marked at intervals of about 25m.
“We’ll count 1 stamina stat per minute, and seconds won’t be included in the record.”
Whether it was 1 minute 30 seconds or 1 minute 45 seconds.
Second units were omitted, and stats were recorded in minute units.
Since it wasn’t a particularly difficult concept, I understood immediately.
Then I waited for my turn with an excited heart.
‘Agility, which I didn’t even prepare for, increased, and strength, which I would have been content with just a 2 stat increase, rose by 6 stats.’
Then how would stamina, which I had gone all-in on training along with strength, turn out?
‘Well, let’s see.’
How would the stamina stat results turn out?
I waited with half expectation, half nervousness.
“Next, applicant number 99!”
My turn approached.
“Yes, An Ilhan here.”
“Yes, initial stamina is 2 stat. Then begin.”
I put on the vest the instructor handed me and immediately started running.
Since my initial stamina stat was 2, I easily passed the first 2 minutes.
As I passed 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, my breathing became quite rough.
“Huff, huff, huff!”
Eventually, when I felt I couldn’t move anymore, my legs naturally stopped.
At that moment, the instructor shouted.
“Number 99 An Ilhan, 6 minutes 49 seconds, final stamina 6 stat.”
Initial stamina 2 stat, final result 6 stat.
The moment I heard this, I clenched both fists.
Though not as much as strength, stamina also showed results far exceeding expectations.
By this point, thoughts I couldn’t even dare to imagine until recently naturally came to mind.
‘Could I possibly be naturally talented?’
Maybe I was born with talent for stat growth.
My heart pounded at this new possibility.
At the same time, I turned my head to look at the edge of the platform.
There stood the “magic power meter” for the last item of stat measurement.
‘The remaining stat is magic power.’
Originally, magic power was a stat I expected even less from than agility.
This was due to magic power’s own special quality different from agility – “mana.”
[Mana]
A new element discovered with the advent of the superhuman era.
[Magic Power] based on mana was the source of superhumans’ transcendental strength and ability manifestation.
There were two conditions for magic power growth.
‘The first method is innate talent.’
It was said, with slight exaggeration, that those born with talent would increase their magic power stat just by breathing.
But those born with that level of talent were extremely rare.
‘The second is skill.’
[Skill]
Training using ‘mana breathing methods’ derived from skills like [Mana Principles] or [Mana Training Methods].
This was the most common method, but it was something a civilian could never access.
You needed to have a background like a guild, family, magic tower, or receive support from an academy.
You needed at least one of the two to be eligible.
‘But neither applies to me.’
Or rather, I thought neither applied.
But now it’s different.
Because a new possibility of ‘innate talent’ has emerged.
Just then, the instructor in charge of the magic power test began his explanation.
“The magic power measurement is simple! Place your hand on this sphere, and your stat will appear on the gauge next to it. Any questions?”
The measurement method was as simple as it looked.
Perhaps that’s why the measurement was also faster than the previous stats.
As a result.
“Next, number 99!”
Before I knew it, my turn had approached.
“Applicant number 99? Name?”
“An Ilhan.”
“Yes, initial magic power is 1 stat. Proceed with measurement.”
“Yes.”
I carefully placed my right hand and grasped the sphere.
‘I wonder how it will turn out.’
After waiting for a few seconds with a pounding heart.
Beep-!
Soon a machine sound signaled the end of the measurement.
“Measurement result is 1 stat, final magic power 1 stat.”
“…Yes.”
Initial magic power 1 stat, final magic power 1 stat.
There was no surprise.
In a way, it was an expected result.
‘No solid background, and no separate training, so.’
Come to think of it, the growth of the previous stats was the strange part.
However.
‘Although it’s an expected result…’
Questions still remained.
At least I now knew I had no talent for magic power.
Then what about the results of the previous stats?
‘Was I just born with talent for three stats?’
It was truly strange.
While I was deeply pondering this question.
“It was a good match! The next time we meet will be at the entrance ceremony! Let’s have a great competition at the academy too!”
Lim Gangcheol suddenly extended his hand.
‘Match? With me?’
I had no such memory, but I shook his hand anyway while mentally organizing my measurement results.
‘This should be enough to pass, right?’
Strength 7 stat, agility 3 stat, stamina 6 stat, and magic power 1 stat.
Total 17 stats.
Considering last year’s cutoff, passing was already as good as guaranteed.
Perhaps that’s why.
“Oh, right.”
I gladly shook his hand.
Afterward, I left the main hall with a light step.
…
…
…
The crowd had diminished considerably compared to before the exam started.
Thanks to that, I could quickly find my father.
“Father.”
“Did it go well?”
At my father’s question, I was momentarily at a loss for words.
‘Of course, the results were good, but.’
I wasn’t sure if I achieved it through my own power.
So I answered with a peculiar expression.
“…Yes, for now.”
“Think you’ll get in?”
“Yes, now only the written test and interview remain.”
“Good, prepare well for the rest too. I’m hungry. Let’s go.”
My father’s reaction remained dry despite the good news.
Not minding it either, I headed to the Chinese restaurant with him.
*
A week after the entrance exam.
As expected, I received a practical test pass email.
Then I did decently well on the written test and passed the interview smoothly.
As a result.
Sender [National Superhuman Academy]
-Congratulations, you have…
By the end of January, I received the final acceptance email.
“As expected.”
Although I had somewhat anticipated it, I was inwardly delighted.
The academy life I had dreamed of for so long was just around the corner.
Moreover, at the academy, I could solve the question that had lingered since the entrance exam.
‘Whether I truly have talent or not.’
The academy’s professional facilities and systems would surely be able to determine this.
That’s why my heart was racing.
“The entrance ceremony is at the end of February.”
About a month from now.
I circled the entrance ceremony date on the calendar.
‘It’s about to begin now.’
Then I went to bed in a good mood.
The moment I fell completely asleep.
-Confirming the subject’s unconscious state.
-The subject’s initiative has been transferred to [????’s Shadow]!
-Confirming synchronization rate with the subject.
-Current synchronization rate…… [1%]
-Synchronization rate is significantly low!
-[????’s Shadow] will act with a very faint discerning consciousness!
-[Skill] imprinted on consciousness has been activated!
…
…
…
An Ilhan’s eyes suddenly opened.
He then lowered his head to look at his body.
Examining his entire body with flickering shadow-like eyes, touching various parts.
“……”
He frowned as if displeased.
Then he turned his head to the desk.
He stared at the circle marked on the calendar for a while.
As if counting, he checked the date and naturally began exercising.
Swish- Swish-
After 4 hours of training his body with all kinds of exercises.
An Ilhan suddenly stopped exercising and straightened his posture.
Without even thinking of wiping away the sweat pouring like rain, he.
Thud-
Suddenly sat cross-legged.
Then he began to concentrate on “breathing.”
Inhale and exhale. At the same time, he vividly awakened all five senses.
Amid the deep and calm breathing sounds that regularly leaked out.
Time flowed endlessly.
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Who is ????
His autopilot mode broo