After waking up at 6 AM from dreams about the Phantom Step Method, Min-woo found himself experiencing something completely different during his 8 AM Basic Internal Force practical class. The practice room filled with 30 students looked exactly the same as always, but to Min-woo's eyes, everything appeared different.
It was as if the world had been fitted with a new filter.
"Alright, today we'll practice the basic principles of qi circulation," Professor Kim Se-jin announced from the podium in his familiar voice.
He was a veteran who had taught Basic Internal Force at Crescent Moon Martial University for 15 years. "First, gather qi in your dantian, then slowly raise it along the governing vessel..."
Min-woo was about to take out his notebook as usual when he stopped.
A translucent blue window was slowly materializing in his peripheral vision, like a bubble rising from underwater.
**[Real-time Analysis Mode Auto-Activated]**
**[Multiple Martial Arts Activities Detected...]**
**[Scanning Analysis Targets: 29 Detected and Confirmed]**
"Huh?" Min-woo muttered quietly.
The system had been quiet since he analyzed the Phantom Step Method last night, but now it was automatically beginning to analyze everyone around him?
Park Jae-sung, sitting directly in front of him, began practicing the basic movements of the Blue Wind Sword Method following the professor's instructions.
Jae-sung, ever the perfectionist, was executing each movement with precise accuracy as always. But this time, information Min-woo had never seen before began cascading through his vision like a waterfall.
**[Priority Target Analysis in Progress...]**
**Analysis Target:** Park Jae-sung (Martial Arts Department, 1st Year)
**Current Martial Art:** Blue Wind Sword Method, 3rd Form
**Completion Rate:** 89.3% (Advanced Level)
**Current Movement Stage:** [Stage 1] Basic Sword Stance →
[Stage 2] Spinning Slash Preparation →
[Stage 3] Finishing Thrust**Predicted Movement Pattern:
** Left-side feint (0.8 sec) → Right ascending rotation (1.2 sec)
→ Forward thrust (0.6 sec)
**Critical Weakness Detected:** 0.23-second delay in Stage 2-3 transition (right shoulder completely exposed)
**Recommended Counter:** Phantom Step Method 2nd Stage Evasion →
Side Entry → Counterattack timing 92% success rate
Min-woo's jaw dropped. Every one of Jae-sung's movements appeared to be playing in 3x slow motion.
He could see each movement's starting and ending points, and even the subtle gaps and flow of power in between—everything was crystal clear.
'Is this... really possible?'
It felt like becoming a pro gamer who had memorized every combo pattern and frame data in a top-tier fighting game.
When Jae-sung executed his spinning slash exactly as the system predicted, his right shoulder area was indeed completely defenseless for precisely 0.23 seconds.
It was a split-second moment that Min-woo would never have noticed even if he watched a hundred times before.
'I can see everything... really everything!'
Curiosity piqued, Min-woo casually looked around at other students. The system responded even more actively.
**[Multi-Target Simultaneous Analysis Mode Executing]**
**▶ Lee Su-hyun (Row 2, Seat 3):** Basic Internal Force Method Level 2 - Qi circulation stability 64.2% (Below average)
**▶ Choi Min-seok (Row 3, Seat 1):** Basic Palm Force practice - 3.2-degree wrist angle deviation (Correction recommended)
**▶ Han Ji-hye (Left end):** Basic Lightness Skill - Landing point calculation accuracy 71% (Room for improvement)
**▶ Kim Do-hoon (Right side, 2nd seat):** Breathing method inconsistency - Mixed chest/abdominal breathing reducing efficiency by 23%
**▶ Overall Class Average:** 68.7% (Standard deviation ±12.3%)
'My God... everyone's martial arts are being completely dissected like this?'
Min-woo felt his heart racing.
It was like wearing specially crafted X-ray glasses that made everyone's martial arts status transparent. Who was making what mistakes, which parts were lacking, and even how to fix them—the system was kindly guiding him through everything.
'This is... completely cheating, isn't it?'
Min-woo tried not to show his excitement outwardly, but internally he was thrilling at this amazing ability. He was vividly realizing how powerless he had been until now, and how incredible the power he now possessed was.
"Min-woo, you come up and try it too."
Professor Kim's voice suddenly echoed throughout the classroom.
Min-woo looked up with a start. The professor's sharp gaze was aimed directly at him.
"Yes, yes!" Min-woo answered in confusion.
As he stood up and walked to the front of the classroom, the system window switched to a new mode.
**[Self-Diagnosis Mode Emergency Activated]**
**Analysis Target:** Kang Min-woo (Self)
**Current Martial State:** Critical Level
**Qi Circulation Efficiency:** 23.1% (Significantly below average)
**[Major Issues Identified]**- Breathing Pattern: Irregular (shallow, rapid breathing due to tension)- Shoulder Tension: 87% (Excessive tension blocking qi flow)- Concentration Dispersed: Over-focusing on system interface- Dantian Qi Power: Weak (Absolute lack of basic training)
**[Immediately Applicable Emergency Correction Methods]**
1. Breathing Rhythm Adjustment: 4-second inhale → 2-second hold → 6-second exhale pattern
2. Muscle Relaxation: Neck and shoulder tension relief (highest priority)
3. Consciousness Focus: Concentrate all attention on dantian area
4. Psychological Stability: Maintain composure and build confidence
**[Expected Results with Correction Applied]**- Current State: 34% (Risk of failure)
- Post-correction Estimate: 52% (Below average but noticeable improvement)
- Success Probability: 78%
Min-woo began following the system's detailed guidelines one by one.
First, he breathed deeply and slowly. He inhaled air for 4 seconds, held his breath for 2 seconds, then exhaled very slowly over 6 seconds.
Simultaneously, he consciously released the tension that had built up in his neck and shoulders, and naturally focused his gaze on his lower dantian area.
Amazingly, change occurred immediately. Much more naturally and stably than usual, qi began to circulate.
The warm energy that started from his dantian smoothly ascended along the governing vessel and spread throughout his entire body in a way he could vividly feel.
"Oh? Min-woo, there's something different about you today?" Professor Kim said with a surprised expression.
"Until last week, your qi circulation was barely working, but suddenly it's flowing this stably. Did you find some special training method?"
From the back row, Jae-sung tilted his head and whispered to his friend,
"Hey, why is Min-woo suddenly acting like that? Until yesterday, he couldn't even do the basics properly..."
"Really weird. I think this is the first time I've seen Min-woo get praised by a professor in practical training?"
Min-woo felt an exhilarating thrill internally, but outwardly bowed his head as humbly as possible. 'I can't be too obvious. I need to make it look like I'm developing gradually and naturally.'
**[Practical Application Success!]**
**Experience Gained:** +5 EXP
**New Data Accumulated:** Self-diagnosis mode accuracy +3% increase
**Current Progress:** 50/100 (50 EXP needed until next level)
**Special Bonus:** First public demonstration success (+2 EXP)
As he returned to his seat, Min-woo was barely containing the excitement that felt like his chest might burst. Now he was truly certain.
This system was real, and it was an incredible power that could completely change his life.
2:30 PM. With the thrilling afterglow of his Basic Internal Force class still lingering, Min-woo hurried toward the disposal facility.
Even while walking down the corridor, he still couldn't believe it. That he could actually analyze other people's martial arts in real-time, and even improve his own skills on the spot.
A daily quest that appeared in the system was spurring his steps forward.
**[Daily Quest - Collector's Instinct]**
**Objective:** Discover 1 additional defective martial art
**Current Progress:** 0/1
**Time Limit:** 19 hours 47 minutes 23 seconds
**Basic Reward:** Analysis Experience +10
**Bonus Condition:** Additional reward for discovering rarity Earth-tier
or above (+5 EXP)
**Consecutive Achievement:** Special reward for 2 days consecutive
'Yesterday I was really lucky. I happened to find something like the Phantom Step Method by chance. But will there be something today too?'
Going down the stairs leading to the basement, Min-woo attempted a completely different, systematic approach than yesterday.
Rather than just rummaging through anything, he decided to make maximum use of the system's advanced features.
**[Advanced Detection Mode Activated]**
**Search Range:** 15-meter radius (expanded due to level-up)
**Detection Targets:** Martial arts texts, training tools, other martial arts-related items
**Sensitivity:** High (detects even subtle martial arts auras)
**Filter Settings:** Priority detection of defective martial arts
A blue 3D grid began precisely scanning the entire basement.
If yesterday was an accidental discovery, today was a completely scientific and systematic treasure hunt. It felt like becoming an explorer with high-performance radar.
After searching through various boxes and piles for quite a while with no particular response, he was starting to feel disappointed when a weak but definite signal was detected from a pile of old wooden crates in a secluded corner deep in the basement.
**[Martial Arts Aura Detected!]**
**Direction:** Southeast corner, stacked wooden crate pile
**Signal Strength:** 34% (Medium level)
**Estimated Grade:** Mortal-tier High Grade ~ Earth-tier Low Grade
**Aura Characteristics:** Defensive-type martial art estimated
**Preservation State:** Good
'Here! This time it seems like there's something proper!'
Min-woo couldn't hide his excitement as he began opening the wooden crates one by one. The first crate was full of broken wooden swords and torn training clothes. The second crate contained piles of martial arts texts that had gotten wet in the rain and had their writing completely smeared.
But when he opened the third crate, Min-woo's eyes lit up.
Among the other discarded items, there was something that particularly caught the eye. A martial arts text carefully bound in thick black leather was placed in clean condition like a jewel in a treasure chest.
The cover had"Iron Wall Internal Force (鐵壁內功)"written in gold-leaf calligraphy, and below it was stamped with a red seal reading "Multiple Training Adaptation Failures - Final Disposal Decision - Dangerous."
'Iron Wall Internal Force... even the name sounds incredibly powerful?'
When Min-woo carefully picked up the martial arts text, the system immediately responded powerfully. An even more intense and splendid blue light than when he found the Phantom Step Method yesterday enveloped the martial arts text.
**[High-Grade Defective Martial Art Detected!]**
**⚠️ Important Discovery! Beginning immediate precision analysis**
**Estimated Duration:** 8 minutes 14 seconds
**Providing preliminary information during analysis**
While the analysis was in progress, Min-woo slowly flipped through the martial arts text. Each page contained exquisite meridian diagrams and complex qi circulation patterns drawn as beautifully as works of art. However, intermittently throughout were ominous notes written in red pen like "Dangerous," "Training Prohibited," "Serious Side Effects," "3 Consecutive Failures."
'What exactly is so dangerous about it? This is such an elaborate and systematic martial art...'
Finally, when the long analysis was completed, the most detailed and splendid results window he had ever seen appeared.
**[Analysis Complete: Iron Wall Internal Force (鐵壁內功)]**
**▶ Basic Information**
- Classification: Internal Force Method (Defense-specialized) - Original Grade: Earth-tier
Mid Grade (Considerable high-level martial art) - Creator: Iron Wall Sage (鐵壁仙人)
- Absolute master of defensive arts from about 300 years ago - Peak Era Evaluation:
"The impenetrable shield" - Current Completion: 67% (Core connection section damaged)
**▶ Main Effects (Complete version standard)** - Absolute Defense: +250% (Nullifies most physical/qi attacks) - Internal Injury Resistance: +180% (Strong immunity to poison, burns, mental attacks, etc.) - Endurance: +90% (Can sustain long-term combat) - Recovery: +120% (Automatic wound healing during training)
**▶ Fatal Defects** - Mobility: -80% (Nearly unable to move, risk of petrification) - Attack Power: -60% (Significantly reduced power when attacking) - Qi Circulation Speed: -70% (Slow reaction time, unable to handle emergencies) - Side Effects: Prolonged use causes muscle rigidity, joint fixation
**▶ Compatibility Analysis (Important!)** - Matching with Phantom Step Method: 85.7% ★★★★☆ - Compatibility Rating: "Perfect mutual complementary relationship" - Expected Synergy: Mobile Fortress - Combination Effect: Each one's weaknesses compensated by the other's strengths
Min-woo's jaw dropped and his heart began beating like crazy. '85.7% matching? Isn't this like winning the lottery?'
Too intrigued, he immediately ran a combination simulation.
**[Combination Simulation Executing...]**
**Analysis Time:** 3 minutes 12 seconds **Combination Targets:** Phantom Step Method (幻影步法) + Iron Wall Internal Force (鐵壁內功) **Temporary Name:** Iron Wall Phantom Step Method (鐵壁幻影步法)
**▶ Expected Final Effects** - Movement Speed: +150% (Maintains Phantom Step Method effect) - Defense: +200% (Iron Wall Internal Force effect, partially reduced due to mobility) - Special Ability: Independent defensive barriers generated for each afterimage - Continuous Casting: Possible (Perfect balance of mobility and defense) - Ultimate Effect: Maintains absolute defense even while moving - Combat Sustainability: +300% (Combination of defense + evasion)
**▶ Expected Side Effects and Constraints** - Qi Consumption: +150% (Simultaneous operation of two advanced martial arts) - Duration: -30% (Limited due to high energy consumption) - Mental Fatigue: +80% (Complex qi control system) - Learning Difficulty: Extreme (Perfect synchronization of two martial arts required)
**▶ Combination Success Rate and Risk** - Basic Success Rate: 34.2% - Risk on Failure: 65.8%
Min-woo felt excitement and frustration simultaneously. An unimaginably powerful martial art could be born, but the 34% success rate was too low. It meant the probability of failure was almost twice as high.
The detailed risk analysis was truly serious.
**[Detailed Risk Analysis on Failure]**
**▶ Qi Backflow Risk: 34%** - Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, dizziness, complete inability to use martial arts for one week - Aftereffects: Permanent 10% reduction in qi circulation efficiency - Recovery Time: 2-3 weeks
**▶ Meridian Damage Risk: 28%** - Symptoms: Permanent functional decline of major meridians - Impact: Lifelong inability to use corresponding martial art categories - Recovery Possibility: 50% (Requires professional healer, minimum cost 50,000 nyang)
**▶ Complete Martial Art Destruction: 4%** - Symptoms: Both martial arts become unusable - Recovery Possibility: 0% (Permanent loss, irreversible)
**▶ Other Serious Side Effects: 34%** - Temporary memory confusion (1-2 weeks) - Sensory dulling and reduced reaction speed - Persistent nightmares and hallucinations - Development of phobia toward martial arts
'This is... really like gambling with my life. If I fail, I might have to give up martial arts entirely.'
When Min-woo was feeling despair, the system displayed a hopeful message as if reading his mind.
**[⚠️ Serious Safety Deficiency Detected]** **Urgent Recommendation: Safety device items absolutely required** **Risk Reduction Solutions Provided**
**▶ Top Recommended Item** **Qi Stabilization Talisman (氣安定化符) - Premium Grade** - Effect: 50% reduction in all damage on combination failure - Additional Effect: +10% success rate bonus - Creator: University's top alchemist - Purchase Location: Campus shopping district 'Celestial Mechanism Pavilion' martial arts supply store - Price: 5,000 nyang
**▶ Alternative Safety Devices (Partial Protection)** **White Lotus Pills (白蓮丸) x3** - Effect: Complete prevention of qi backflow - Price: 2,100 nyang (700 nyang each)
**Guardian Talisman (護身符) - Intermediate** - Effect: 50% chance to completely block meridian damage - Price: 3,000 nyang
**Clear Heart Pills (淸心丹) - Advanced** - Effect: Complete blockage of mental side effects - Price: 1,500 nyang
**▶ Complete Safety Package (Recommended)** - Qi Stabilization Talisman + White Lotus Pills x3 + Clear Heart Pills - Total Cost: 8,600 nyang - Effect: Removes almost all risk factors, +15% success rateEven more amazing was the new quest that appeared next.
**[New Quest Chain Generated!]** **🏆 Main Quest: [For a Safe First Combination]** **Quest Grade:** Important **Urgency:** High **Objective:** Secure combination safety devices
**▶ Route A: The Rich Path 💰** - Method: Raise funds through part-time work - Required Time: 2-3 weeks (Based on 5,000 nyang) - Risk Level: None - Disadvantages: Time consumption, interference with studies - Advantages: 100% reliable method
**▶ Route B: The Adventurer's Path 🗺️** - Method: Direct material collection followed by personal crafting - Required Materials: White Lotus Root x3 + Stability Stone Powder + Clear Water x1 bottle - Estimated Time: 3-7 days - Risk Level: Medium (Possibility of being caught during material collection) - Advantages: Crafting experience gained, cost savings (approximately 3,500 nyang saved) - Additional Reward: Basic Alchemy Skills unlocked
**▶ Route C: The Cooperation Path 🤝** - Method: Cost and risk sharing with trustworthy companion - Condition: Partial secret sharing unavoidable - Risk Level: High (Risk of system identity exposure) - Advantages: Quick problem resolution, greatly increased research efficiency - Additional Effect: Possibility of companion system activation
**Completion Rewards (Regardless of Route):** - First combination success rate +15% bonus - 'Cautious Collector' achievement unlocked - Safe combination mastery experience - Crafting skill tree unlocked (When Route B selected)
Min-woo sighed deeply. '5,000 nyang... my monthly living expenses are 50,000 nyang, so that's almost 10%. And that's the minimum.'
But at the same time, his heart was racing. The Phantom Step Method alone was an amazing ability, but if he succeeded in combining it with the Iron Wall Internal Force? A mobile fortress... just imagining it made him feel like guys like Jae-sung wouldn't be able to lay a finger on him.
'A fantastic movement technique with defense too... with this, I could really become invincible.'
Min-woo carefully put the Iron Wall Internal Force into his backpack like handling a precious treasure, while quickly calculating the pros and cons of each option in his head. Waiting 2-3 weeks with part-time work was too frustrating. But direct material collection... it said medium risk, but he couldn't know exactly what kind of risk it was.
'The cooperation path... Ji-eun comes to mind. I'm supposed to meet her at the library today, but could I really confess such an incredible secret to her?'
**[Daily Quest Complete!]**
**Basic Reward:** Analysis Experience +10
**Bonus Achieved:** Earth-tier Mid Grade martial art discovered (+5 EXP)
**Consecutive Achievement:** 2 days consecutive quest completion (+3 EXP)
**New Achievement Unlocked:** [True Treasure Hunter] - High-grade defective martial art discovered **Achievement Reward:** Detection range +3 meters, compatibility analysis accuracy +8%
**[Level Up Imminent!]**
**Current Experience:** 70/100
**Until Next Level:** 30 EXP needed
**Expected Unlock Features:** Simultaneous analysis count increase (1 → 2),
analysis speed 20% improvement
Min-woo smiled with satisfaction. At least he had achieved today's big goal. And he had found a treasure much bigger than expected. Now all that remained was deciding how to safely utilize this amazing discovery, and who to do it with.