I sat on the wooden chair near the platform, watching the official whisper to his staff. The ceremony was over. Decisions had been made.
Fifteen children: Jim accepted, two awaiting additional tests, the rest rejected.
As for me… no announcement had been made yet.
After a few minutes, the official returned. His face was rigid, but I read the fatigue behind his eyes.
— "We've discussed your results. No mana, but… we see potential. You'll shine in the Magical Research Department in the capital."
I smiled inwardly, a bitter laugh. Research Department… another name for an experimental lab.
But I showed nothing.
I lifted my head and said calmly:
— "I don't want it. I demand the World Academy test. And if I fail, I'll go to your research anyway."
His eyebrows shot up. Surprise, barely concealed.
— "How did you know about the World Academy? Impossible. That test is dangerous, and we won't sacrifice you."
I opened my mouth to reply, but my body froze. The crushing pressure radiated from him, knocking the air from my lungs.
— "You'll be valuable in research. You might become famous. I'm sure your mother will be proud."
My mother…
I swallowed the bitterness and nodded.
— "Yes, sir. I won't disappoint you."
He smiled faintly, then turned to leave:
— "Say goodbye to your family. We return in five hours."
He left with his entourage, but not before speaking to the village chief, leaving a smoldering ember in my chest.
It didn't take long before I heard him:
— "You little brat… what did the official say to you?"
I turned. Jim. Smug smile, eyes burning with suspicion.
I didn't let him continue.
I jumped. My fist struck his face.
Boom.
Crack.
A scream.
Blood erupted from his nose. People froze. But I didn't stop. Every suppressed rage, every inner restraint, exploded.
— "I'll tear you apart!" I shouted, hitting him again and again.
"Arin! Stop!"
Her voice, trembling, yet cutting through the haze.
I halted. Breaths ragged, fists trembling.
I lifted my eyes and saw the villagers' faces… dripping with fear. To them, I was no longer the mature boy. I was a monster.
Then the village chief arrived.
He saw his son sprawled in blood. His voice thundered:
— "How dare you, you little brat?!"
I braced to flee. But the entire village surrounded me.
Instead of execution, came his shocking command:
— "Bind him. He'll be imprisoned with the rats."
The villagers were stunned—they had expected me dead. Even I couldn't process it at first. But I understood. The official had recommended me.
I was taken, while she wept and tried to follow, restrained by the neighbors.
I saw the village chief turn away from me with sharp disgust, then bend toward his son to summon Martha.
---
Four hours.
I sat in an old cabin, a prison by name. The walls were rough-hewn timber, darkened by age and smoke, with gaps that let in cold drafts. The floorboards creaked under every movement, and a single, grimy window barely let in daylight. The air smelled of damp wood and something long decayed, a reminder that no one had cared for this place in years. Rusted nails protruded here and there, and a solitary, broken chair sat in the corner, as if mocking its occupant.
I laughed suddenly.
Ha ha ha…
Despite my reckless outburst, things had gone better than expected. Anger faded, replaced by euphoria. Min-Su's memories devoured my mind faster and faster. I felt… stronger.
The next step? Clear. I had enough knowledge, thanks to Min-Su's memories, to get what I wanted and survive this mess… but the cost would be high and uncertain.
— "I feel amazing," I muttered.
— "You feel amazing… while imprisoned? No one told me you were insane."
My smile stiffened.
I turned.
Two figures stood inside the closed cabin… as if appearing from nowhere.
— "Who are you?"
---
Who is the visitor?