Chapter Zero
In my world, there's nothing but evil, rivalry and money—or so I thought, until I met her, the most popular girl in school, the one I want to win over. But if anyone found out about my problems, they'd make fun of me.
I enrolled at the Zenraku Academy of Magic and Swords. But what will happen next? Will I be able to survive? Although I have talent, I'm not sure I'll be able to achieve anything.
Chapter Zero: Characters
Main Heroine: 'The Light Explorer'
Name: Baek So-ah
• Appearance: A charming girl with snow-white hair and ruby eyes. She wears a blue-grey traveller's outfit, carrying alchemical elixirs and a glowing compass in her hands. She often blushes.
• Personality: Incredibly kind, sincere and popular. She is the 'sunshine' of any group.
• Attitude towards the Protagonist: Shows him exceptional warmth, care and devotion.
• Magic: Support, Research and Fire
• Very popular and beautiful, she loves travelling, but after meeting the protagonist and enrolling in the academy, she wants to help him and then falls in love with him
• Main Character: 'The Smiling Outcast', named Kim Ha-jin
• Appearance: A black-haired, athletic young man with heterochromia (one brown eye and one blue eye). He always wears a mask with a broad smile painted on it.
• Personality: In public, he appears cheerful and friendly, but deep down he hides deep wounds and is highly sensitive.
• Distinctive Feature: The mask is his defence and a way to hide his wounded heart from the outside world.
• He is very talented but does not believe it; he falls in love with the heroine and wants to win her love, even though he does not know that she has already fallen for him.
• He has no magic, but a talent for the magic of all four elements.
• A talent for the sword
Chapter 1
My parents were killed by a monster.
Even now, the memory still shakes me. Sometimes, I lose control of my emotions because of it. But somehow… by a miracle I still don't fully understand, I managed to enroll in the Zenraku Academy of Magic and Swords.
And today… was the day it all began.
The entrance ceremony.
The headmaster stood on the stage.
He had a thick beard, a long mustache, and snow-white hair—but strangely, he didn't look old at all.
He feels… young, Kang Ha-jin thought.
"As the headmaster of Zenraku Academy, I wish all of you success in your journey," he said calmly, his voice echoing across the hall. "Now then… the student with the highest entrance score, please come forward."
A girl stepped onto the stage.
"Thank you for this opportunity," she said with confidence. "My name is Baek So-ah. I achieved the highest score in the entrance exams, and I promise to give it my all."
The entire hall erupted into cheers.
Everyone… except me.
At first, I didn't care.
But the moment I saw her clearly—
Something changed.
…I fell for her.
And in that instant, I made a decision.
No matter what it takes…
I will become stronger.
START OF LESSON 1
The first lesson was fencing.
This is my chance.
"Hey, teacher, could you come here for a moment?" I called out.
The fencing instructor walked over, arms crossed.
"Yes? What is it? A sparring match?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied without hesitation.
He smiled slightly.
"Alright. Show me what you've got."
We took our stances.
And then—
The fight began.
His attacks were… strange.
Chaotic. Unpredictable.
But I could see them.
Every strike. Every movement.
Is this… talent?
I parried everything.
Step by step, I adapted.
And then—
I struck.
The match ended.
I stood there, breathing heavily, trying to hide my exhaustion.
"Phew… I'm exhausted," I muttered. "Master, you're strong… but why were your attacks so erratic?"
The instructor chuckled.
"I was testing you," he said. "You did well. You've got talent."
Before I could respond, a familiar voice cut in.
"Master, I've already defeated almost everyone… except Ha-jin," Baek So-ah said confidently.
The instructor nodded.
"Impressive. You truly are talented."
Then she turned to me.
"Hey, Ha-jin… you're strong too," she said with a small smile. "Want to go for a walk? We could talk… as friends."
My face heated up instantly.
Thankfully, my mask hid it.
I hesitated… then spoke.
"Well… if you want… we can. But don't you have other things to do? Or… other friends?"
She looked away slightly.
"Ah… no. I don't have any friends yet," she admitted softly. "But… I want to be friends with you."
Before I could respond—
Something appeared in front of me.
A translucent screen.
ETERNIA SYSTEM ACTIVATED]
Description:
The Eternia System allows the user to discover hidden dungeons filled with rare loot.
Warning:
The system does not assist with leveling, combat, or survival.
Disclaimer:
Whether you live… or die… is entirely your responsibility.
I stared at the message.
"…You've got to be kidding me."