4:15 PM, 3rd floor reading room of the Central Library. Min-woo was sitting in his usual corner seat, but today the situation was completely different. Spread across his desk were analysis notes on the Iron Wall Internal Force and Phantom Step Method, and with the system's help, the deep principles of martial arts that he had never seen before were being organized in his mind like puzzle pieces fitting together.
'Now I completely understand why these two martial arts are so perfectly compatible.'
Min-woo was completely absorbed in drawing precise qi circulation diagrams in his B4-size notebook. His theoretical organization based on the system's 85.7% compatibility analysis was already far beyond undergraduate level. How the lightening circuits of the Phantom Step Method offset the weight increase effects of the Iron Wall Internal Force, how the qi circulation patterns of the two martial arts merged at certain points to create new synergy—everything was as clear as mathematical formulas.
Other students around him were busy flipping through books preparing for upcoming midterm exams, but Min-woo alone was immersed in a completely different world. From his pen tip flowed analysis so elaborate and systematic that it couldn't be found even in general martial arts theory texts, pouring out like inspiration.
'If this combination succeeds... a truly invincible martial art will be born.'
That's when it happened.
"Huh?"
A small exclamation from behind made Min-woo stop his pencil. He felt like someone was looking over his shoulder at his notebook. When he slowly turned his head, Choi Ji-eun from the same department's first year was staring at his notebook with wide eyes.
Ji-eun was a student in the same Martial Arts Department as Min-woo, but she was an exemplary mid-upper level student with practical skills at A-level and theory at B+. She was particularly interested in martial arts theory and was a face often seen in the library, but today her expression was unusual. It was the face of someone who had discovered something incredible.
"Oh, Ji-eun?" Min-woo said in confusion, quickly trying to cover his notebook. But Ji-eun's hand was lightning-fast.
"Wait, wait!" Ji-eun said in an excited voice while grabbing Min-woo's wrist. "This analysis method... where on earth did you learn it?"
Ji-eun's voice contained pure curiosity and some amazement, and... a little suspicion.
[⚠️ Ability Exposure Risk Detected!]
Current Risk Level: Medium-High
Analysis Target: Choi Ji-eun (Martial Arts Department, 1st Year)
Knowledge Level: Considerable (3 years of theoretical research experience)
Expected Reaction: Academic curiosity 87%, suspicion 13%
Recommended Action: Immediate topic change or partial information disclosure
Warning: Her knowledge level makes it possible to accurately assess the extraordinariness of the notebook content
The system's red warning appeared, but Ji-eun's curious gaze was already completely fixed on Min-woo's notebook. As a student who had studied martial arts theory for 3 years, she seemed to immediately recognize just how different a dimension Min-woo's analysis was.
"Oh, I just... applied some materials I saw on the internet." Min-woo awkwardly laughed and deflected.
"On the internet?" Ji-eun frowned with a suspicious expression. "I've been studying martial arts theory for 3 years, but I've never seen this kind of approach. Especially this qi circulation pattern analysis method... it's a completely new theoretical framework?"
Ji-eun looked more closely at Min-woo's notebook and took a big breath. Her eyes were getting bigger and bigger.
"Wait... could this possibly be analyzing the combination possibilities of Iron Wall Internal Force and Phantom Step Method?" Ji-eun's voice went up an octave. "These two martial arts are completely opposite categories, so how did you find this kind of connection point? And these calculation formulas..."
[Risk Level Rising!]
Current Risk Level: High
Surrounding Attention: +18% (Other students starting to look over)
Immediate Response Required!
Recommended Action: Physical distance + change conversation location
Min-woo felt cold sweat running down his spine. Ji-eun's knowledge level was much deeper than he had thought. Moreover, as her voice got louder, students around them began looking over one by one.
"Ahaha, it's nothing special. I was just randomly scribbling..." Min-woo tried to snatch his notebook back, but Ji-eun didn't let go easily.
"Randomly scribbling?" Ji-eun lowered her voice but couldn't hide her excitement. "Look at this diagram. You've analyzed the qi conflict phenomenon at meridian point 15 so precisely. This is professor-level work. No, in some ways it's even beyond what professors..."
Min-woo mentally cursed the system. 'Being too perfect with analysis is also a problem!'
"Ji-eun, keep your voice down..." Min-woo said while looking around. Fortunately, the other students had returned to focusing on their own studies.
Ji-eun finally realized she had gotten excited and lowered her voice to a whisper level. But her curiosity seemed to have grown even stronger.
"Min-woo, honestly tell me. Did you really analyze this by yourself?" Ji-eun looked directly into Min-woo's eyes and asked.
Min-woo met her clear, serious gaze and felt conflicted for a moment. In Ji-eun's eyes, there was pure academic curiosity and... a bit of respect rather than criticism or suspicion.
'Could I really tell this person...?'
A brief silence flowed. In the quiet atmosphere of the library, the subtle tension between the two filled the air. Min-woo looked at Ji-eun's expression and thought once more about what kind of person she was.
Choi Ji-eun. She was known as a sincere and honest student. Her practical skills were excellent, but more than anything, she had pure passion for theoretical research. Min-woo had seen her researching ancient texts late into the night in the library several times.
"I just..." Min-woo was about to carefully open his mouth when Ji-eun spoke first.
"Sorry, I guess I was being too pushy." Ji-eun smiled gently. "I was just really amazed. I've wanted to analyze martial arts like this too. But there are limits to doing it alone."
Her honest and humble appearance gradually softened Min-woo's guard.
Ji-eun hesitated for a moment, then spoke even more carefully.
"If... I mean, just if..." Her voice was almost a whisper. "Would you consider researching together? I'm also very interested in defective martial arts. And..."
Ji-eun glanced at Min-woo's reaction and continued.
"Actually, I have some too. Defective martial arts, I mean. I've been secretly collecting them without anyone knowing."
[Important Information Detected!]
Choi Ji-eun is also collecting defective martial arts
Estimated Holdings: 2-3 pieces
Collection Purpose: Academic curiosity + personal research
Secret-keeping Ability: High (collecting without anyone knowing)
Cooperation Possibility: Very High
Min-woo was shocked. Ji-eun was also collecting defective martial arts! This was a completely unexpected situation.
[New Options Generated]
A) Partial Secret Sharing (Risk: Medium, Growth acceleration: High, Economic burden sharing possible)
B) Reject and continue solo research (Risk: Low, Growth acceleration: Low, opportunity loss)
C) Take time to judge carefully (Risk: Low, maintain relationship development opportunity)
D) Check her defective martial arts first (Information gathering priority)
Min-woo felt his heart beating fast. Ji-eun's proposal was both scary and exciting. More than anything, he was starting to feel burdened handling everything alone.
"How... how did you get those?" Min-woo asked carefully.
Ji-eun smiled. "In a similar way to you. Finding useful things among discarded items. But there are limits to doing it alone. Especially dangerous combinations..."
Her words shocked Min-woo even more. Had she even tried combinations?
"Have you... tried combinations too?" Min-woo asked, lowering his voice even more.
Ji-eun nodded. "I tried once, but failed. Fortunately, there were no major injuries, but my qi was unstable for a week. That's when I realized. That it's too much to do alone."
[Cooperation Assessment Update]
Choi Ji-eun Trust Level: 78% → 87%
Practical Experience: Present (includes failure experience - actually an advantage)
Safety Awareness: High (became cautious after failure)
Success Rate Increase with Cooperation: +23% → +35%
Cost Sharing Possibility: High
Overall Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Min-woo quickly calculated in his head. If he had to collect 5,000 nyang alone, it would take 2-3 weeks, but if they split it, 2,500 nyang each... then about a week would be enough.
"But..." Min-woo said carefully, "if we really research together... we'd split costs like that too, right?"
Ji-eun's face brightened. "Of course! I was worried about that too. It's hard to get good materials or tools alone."
"But could I... see what kind of defective martial arts you have now?" Min-woo asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
Ji-eun hesitated for a moment, then said in a small voice, "Actually... I've hidden them in my dorm. If we really decide to work together, I could show you tonight."
A strange sense of camaraderie began forming between the two. It felt like meeting a companion walking the same path. And more than anything... relief washed over him that he wasn't alone.
Min-woo made his decision. Even if he didn't tell her everything, it seemed worth at least sharing information with each other.
"Alright." Min-woo said carefully. "How about we start by showing each other what we have? But can you really keep it secret?"
Ji-eun nodded seriously. "Of course. I know how sensitive this kind of research is. And..."
She looked around briefly, then spoke in an even smaller voice.
"Actually, I was hoping I could discuss this with someone. There really are limits to doing it alone."
[Companion Relationship Established!]
Cooperation with Choi Ji-eun begins
New System Function Unlocked: Party Play Mode
Effects: Research efficiency +30%, risk distribution, cost sharing
Caution: Need to manage system exposure risk
Min-woo felt his heart beating. It seemed like he had finally found a companion to share this mysterious journey with.
Scene 4: Dormitory - Concerns and Determination
11:30 PM, dormitory room. After all his roommates had fallen asleep, Min-woo was looking at two martial arts texts placed on his desk under the small desk lamp light. In the dark room, only the martial arts texts were faintly glowing, receiving the system's subtle blue light.
The Phantom Step Method and Iron Wall Internal Force. One was already completely analyzed, and the other was a precious treasure he had obtained today. Both martial arts texts were 'useless trash' to others, but to Min-woo, they were symbols of new possibilities.
[Current Situation Comprehensive Analysis]
▶ Assets Owned
Defective Martial Arts: 2 pieces (Phantom Step Method, Iron Wall Internal Force) Analysis Level: 1 (Experience: 70/100) Combinable Pairs: 1 (Success rate 34.2%) Current Funds: 347 nyang Remaining Living Expenses This Month: 12,000 nyang
▶ Required Costs
Qi Stabilization Talisman: 5,000 nyang (recommended option) Partial Safety Devices: 2,000-3,000 nyang (risk tolerance) Direct Material Crafting: 500 nyang + time and effort
'5,000 nyang... my monthly living expenses are 50,000 nyang, so that's almost 10%.'
Min-woo sighed deeply while doing realistic calculations. With his current disposal facility cleaning part-time job, he could earn about 20,000 nyang per month. If he added one more part-time job, he could manage up to about 40,000 nyang per month. But then his studies would inevitably suffer.
'Or what if I try to get the materials directly?'
He checked the material list provided by the system once more.
[Material Collection Quest Detailed Information]
▶ White Lotus Root x3
Location: Near Crescent Moon University back garden pond Harvestable Time: 5-7 AM (effectiveness maintained only when dew is present) Risk Level: Low (but penalty points if caught trespassing) Market Value: 800 nyang each (total 2,400 nyang savings possible)
▶ Stability Stone Powder
Location A: Geology Department lab (requires nighttime intrusion, high risk) Location B: Downtown alchemy shop (purchasable for 800 nyang) Location C: Suburban mine (harvestable but dangerous monsters inhabit) Recommended: Location B (safe purchase)
▶ Clear Water x1 bottle
Location: Campus Pharmacy Department Price: 500 nyang Risk Level: None (regular purchase)
'If I harvest just the White Lotus Root directly... I could reduce the total cost to about 1,300 nyang.'
But the problem was harvesting the White Lotus Root. The back garden was an area where student trespassing was prohibited, and if caught, he could receive penalty points. Accumulated penalty points could also affect scholarship application eligibility.
'But if I work with Ji-eun...'
He recalled today's meeting at the library. Ji-eun was also collecting defective martial arts and even had experience with combination failures. Most importantly, being able to split costs was the most practical advantage.
[Expected Scenarios with Cooperation]
Scenario 1: Cost Sharing
Qi Stabilization Talisman: 2,500 nyang each Time Required: 1 week (each increasing part-time work) Advantages: Quick resolution, safe combination Disadvantages: System exposure risk
Scenario 2: Joint Material Collection
Role Division: Min-woo (White Lotus Root) + Ji-eun (Stability Stone) Time Required: 3-4 days Advantages: Cost savings, adventure experience Disadvantages: Increased detection risk
Scenario 3: Exchange with Her Martial Arts
Ji-eun's defective martial arts + Min-woo's martial arts Explore new combination possibilities Advantages: Various options Disadvantages: Unpredictable
Min-woo lay in bed looking at the ceiling, lost in thought. Ji-eun certainly seemed trustworthy. She had the perseverance to research defective martial arts alone for 3 years, and had learned caution through failure experience. More than anything, she felt like a companion with the same concerns.
'But the system... absolutely cannot be discovered.'
Min-woo realized once again how important the system was to him. This wasn't just a tool, but an incredible power that could completely change his life. If this became known...
[System Security Check]
Current Exposure Risk: 23% (manageable range)
Main Risk Factors:
Excessive analysis accuracy (87%) Extraordinary combination theory (92%) Rapid skill improvement (78%)
Recommended Security Measures:
Share analysis results diluted to general level Absolutely prohibit system UI exposure Disguise as gradual ability improvement
'If I approach carefully... it seems possible.'
Min-woo began making concrete plans. He would only tell Ji-eun that he knew a 'special analysis method,' and thoroughly hide the system's existence. Instead, he would analyze the defective martial arts she had, share combination theories, and gradually build trust.
'We agreed to meet tomorrow evening...'
Min-woo organized tomorrow's plans.
[Tomorrow's Plans]
Morning: Attend regular classes (act naturally)
Afternoon: Scout downtown alchemy shop (price check)
Evening: Meet with Ji-eun (reveal each other's martial arts)
Night: Analyze her martial arts + decide cooperation method
[One Week Goals]
Days 1-2: Build cooperation with Ji-eun
Days 3-4: Secure safety devices (purchase or craft)
Days 5-6: Final combination preparation
Day 7: First combination attempt
Just then, an important message appeared from the system.
[⚠️ Growth Speed Warning]
Current Surrounding Attention: +27% (danger level)
Main Attention Sources:
Park Jae-sung: Suspicion level rising (+15%) Professor Kim Se-jin: Curiosity (+8%) Other classmates: General interest (+4%)
Recommended Actions:
Refrain from noticeable development for the next week Limit practical grade improvement to slight increases Prohibit excessive standout behavior in theoretical fields as well
'Right. I shouldn't change too rapidly.'
Min-woo recalled Professor Kim's surprised expression and Jae-sung's puzzled look from today's class. The sudden improvement in skills thanks to the system's help had been too obvious.
'I need to be more careful from now on. Instead of following 100% of the system's advice, I'll apply only 70-80% to make it look natural.'
Min-woo carefully revised his future strategy. He would attempt the combination after a week, but during that time, he would focus on deepening his understanding of existing martial arts and establishing a stable cooperative relationship with Ji-eun.
[Revised Goals]
Week 1: Cooperation with Ji-eun + secure materials + theoretical research
Week 2: Safe first combination attempt + result analysis
Week 3: Search for new defective martial arts + system level up
Min-woo felt much lighter as he wrote down his plans in his notebook. The burden of having to handle everything alone had been greatly reduced. He had gained a companion named Ji-eun, and had made systematic plans. Now it was truly the beginning.
The crescent moon visible outside the window seemed to shine brighter than before. As if blessing the adventure that was about to unfold.
Min-woo carefully hid both martial arts texts deep in his drawer while making a resolution.
'Starting tomorrow, it's the real beginning. With Ji-eun... we can definitely pull it off.'
Experience Settlement: +18 EXP (daily quest + bonuses + cooperation relationship establishment)
Current Level: 1 (88/100)
Next Chapter Preview: 5 AM, secret harvesting operation in the forbidden back garden...