[One full month after Jin's arrival in this world...]
Inside one of the Association offices – Side conversation between two employees:
* Employee 1: "Did you see that kid at the gate?"
* Employee 2: "Of course. He's incredible. He mastered the language and adapted to this world in just one month! Hahaha."
* Employee 1: "Weren't you the one saying before that he's a monster disguised as a human? Hahaha!"
* Employee 2: "Shut up, you idiot!"
Inside Detective Park's Office:
The detective raised his head from behind his desk and looked at the boy sitting before him.
* Detective Park: "Are you ready to go out into the world, Jin?"
* Jin: "Yes, Detective... but honestly, I don't know what I should do next."
* The Detective smiled calmly: "It's alright. With your potential, you'll make an excellent Hunter."
* Jin (with a light laugh): "That's good. The Association can't support me forever, right?"
* The Detective: "Your Hunter license and new identity will be issued this evening. You can leave immediately after that."
The Same Evening:
Jin stood examining the plastic card in his hands.
* Jin: "Rank (B) Hunter... Name: Kim Soo-ho."
His face soured slightly.
* Jin: "It looks good, but... where did my real name go?"
The Detective burst out laughing.
* The Detective: "A special ID with your real name will be issued later. The most important thing now is to have a Korean identity so you can live a normal life. Soo-ho... what do you think about joining the Academy?"
* Soo-ho (surprised): "Huh? Is there still a Magic Academy in this era too?!"
* The Detective: "Hahaha, yes. It operates almost the same way as the one in your world. You'll meet people your age. I know you don't need it for growth, but social integration is important."
Soo-ho thought for a few seconds before smiling.
* Soo-ho: "Alright, it might be fun. Also... my apologies, Detective, but I don't think I'll work with the Association for now. I prefer to be on my own at the moment."
* The Detective: "The most important thing is to do what makes you comfortable, kid."
He handed him a key and a card.
* The Detective: "This is the key to your apartment, and a bank card issued to you by the government. It's given to all Gate survivors. Contact me whenever you need help."
* Soo-ho: "Thank you very much... you've helped me a lot."
Later – In front of the Association President's Office:
Inside the office, a man sat behind a luxurious desk, his back to the door, staring out the window. His powerful build and dignity radiated a silent awe.
This was the Association President – Baek Joo-hyun.
* Detective Park: "You treated that boy kindly, Mr. President. It seems he's caught your interest."
* President Joo-hyun: "I saw his potential myself... This boy must not lose his way."
* Detective Park: "Well, I can't argue with your insight. I hope he'll be of use to our country."
Soo-ho's Apartment – Night:
Soo-ho opened the apartment door and looked around in admiration.
* Soo-ho: "Nice place... and the bathroom is amazing. Bathing in my world was an arduous task." (A sarcastic smile).
He looked at his phone, then at the date.
* Soo-ho: "One month left until the start of school... I'll leave the entrance exam for the end of the week. Shall I head to the Tower now?"
In front of the Tower – Central Seoul:
Soo-ho stood before the towering structure. He wore a black shirt, black pants, and a long coat of the same color. In his left hand, he gripped a new sword with a familiar design... a Murim sword.
He raised his head and looked up.
* Soo-ho: "Well... shall we begin?" (An excited smile).
He entered the Tower, and his body vanished with the light.
The First Floor – The City of Beginnings:
He opened his eyes to find himself inside a massive, integrated city. Buildings, roads, and even natural landscapes.
* Soo-ho: "What is this...? An entire city?! This is amazing!"
Suddenly, a transparent window appeared before him.
* Soo-ho: "What's this? Is this the 'System' they told me about?"
> [SYSTEM]
> Status Window
> Initializing... Activated.
> * Name: Kim Soo-ho (Age: 17)
> * Race: Human
> * Class: Magic Swordsman
> * Titles: None
> * Level: Lv.1
> * Mana / Internal Energy: 35
> Stats:
> * Strength: 23
> * Stamina: 40
> * Agility: 30
> * Intelligence: 25
> Traits:
> * Dark Element (Innate Magical Trait)
> * Super Mind
> * Overwhelming Swordsmanship Talent
> * Rational
> * Kind-hearted
> Skills:
> * Sixth Sense (Lv. 1)
> * Styleless Sword Mastery (Advanced)
> * Aura Control (Low)
> * Horizontal Slash, Vertical Slash, Thrust, Mana Bolt
>
Soo-ho looked at the window thoughtfully.
* Soo-ho: "Hmm... stats are good, but I don't think I'll be convinced by this evaluation easily."
He stopped at the traits.
* Soo-ho: "Dark Element... this is different from Black Magic. It doesn't need dark mana or demonic energy... so that explains how I was using it."
Then he smiled.
* Soo-ho: "Sixth Sense... it seems to be the sensory perception I gained from spreading energy around me. Everything makes sense, but... I'll need to learn a real sword style in the future."
He paused at one of the phrases.
* Soo-ho: "'Super Mind' and 'Overwhelming Swordsmanship'... is the System praising me?" (An embarrassed, yet proud smile).
[SYSTEM]: Would you like to enter the Player's First Ordeal?
Soo-ho slowly raised his sword.
* Soo-ho: "Let's start."