Orion High School — Combat Evaluation DayThe training field was filled with tension.
Students stood in rows, waiting for their turn.
This was not a normal class.
It was the second phase of the Ranking Test.
Direct combat evaluation.
Unlike magic output tests, this test revealed something more dangerous.
Real ability.
"Pair up according to your groups," the instructor announced.
Elite students moved toward the center.
Advanced students followed.
General students remained at the edges.
Jin stood among the general group.
Quiet.
Unremarkable.
But not nervous.
That alone made him stand out.
The Elite GroupAt the center of the field stood Kang Minjae.
A-rank swordsman.
The strongest male student.
His aura was sharp.
Confident.
Predatory.
Beside him stood other high-ranked students.
But everyone knew—
Minjae was different.
He didn't just dominate.
He crushed.
His eyes moved slowly across the field.
Then—
they stopped.
On Jin.
For a brief moment.
Minjae frowned slightly.
He really doesn't look like an E-rank.
Aira's GazeAira stood slightly apart from everyone.
Her silver-black hair swayed lightly in the wind.
Her expression was calm.
But her attention was not on the battle.
It was on Jin.
He stood still.
Hands in his pockets.
Watching the field like a spectator.
Not a participant.
Why does he look so composed?
Aira wondered.
Am I really just curious…?
She shook her head slightly.
No.
She didn't have time for meaningless thoughts.
⚔️ Unexpected Match"Next pair!"
The instructor called out names.
Then—
"Jin vs. Lee Hyunwoo."
A faint murmur spread.
Lee Hyunwoo.
C-rank warrior.
Known for his aggressive fighting style.
Students looked at Jin with pity.
"Poor guy."
"He's going to get crushed."
Hyunwoo walked into the field confidently.
He cracked his neck and looked at Jin with a grin.
"Try not to cry," he said lightly.
Jin stepped forward calmly.
No anger.
No fear.
Just silence.
⚔️ The Fight Begins"Begin!"
Hyunwoo moved instantly.
He rushed forward, swinging his fist.
His movements were fast.
For a C-rank.
To normal students, it looked impressive.
But to Jin—
It looked slow.
Too slow.
Jin stepped aside.
Barely.
Hyunwoo's punch missed by a hair.
Students blinked.
"Did he dodge?"
"Lucky."
Hyunwoo frowned.
He attacked again.
Punch.
Kick.
Elbow.
Jin kept dodging.
Not dramatically.
Not skillfully.
Just enough.
As if he was barely surviving.
But Minjae's eyes narrowed.
That's not luck.
Jin's ControlJin could end it instantly.
One strike was enough.
But he didn't.
He measured.
He calculated.
He adjusted his strength.
If I hit him with full force… he'll die.
So he reduced his power.
Again.
And again.
Finally—
Hyunwoo overextended.
His balance broke.
Jin stepped forward.
He struck lightly.
A simple punch.
Not fast.
Not strong.
But perfectly timed.
Hyunwoo flew backward.
He crashed onto the ground.
Silence.
For a moment—
no one understood what happened.
Reactions"What…?"
"He won?"
"Against a C-rank?"
Teachers frowned.
Students stared.
Hyunwoo stood up slowly, stunned.
He didn't feel humiliated.
He felt confused.
He hadn't even seen the punch.
Minjae's InterestMinjae stared at Jin.
His lips curved slightly.
Interesting.
That wasn't E-rank fighting.
That wasn't even C-rank fighting.
That was something else.
Something dangerous.
🌸 Aira's SilenceAira watched quietly.
Her expression didn't change.
But her eyes did.
For the first time—
she felt a faint tremor.
Not fear.
Not shock.
But doubt.
Was he really just F-rank?
Jin stepped out of the field calmly.
No pride.
No smile.
No excitement.
He returned to his place.
As if nothing happened.
But the line had already been crossed.
And everyone felt it.
Even if they didn't understand why.
Jin's ThoughtStanding among the students, Jin looked at the ground.
He had revealed too much.
Not power.
But skill.
In this world—
skill was sometimes more suspicious than power.
He clenched his fist slightly.
I need to be more careful.
Because from this moment on—
eyes would start following him.
And once people start watching…
It would be troublesome and annoying.
I need to be careful until I am S rank then I will show whole world.