One week had passed since Min-woo's relationship with Ji-eun had stabilized in Chapter 10. Min-woo was living peaceful days. Thanks to the Principal's special training, he had gained some control over the Infinite One's consciousness, and his relationships with his companions had grown even stronger than before.
On an ordinary Tuesday morning, while attending his Basic Internal Energy class, a system window suddenly appeared before Min-woo.
[Emergency Alert!]
Priority Level: Maximum
Sender: System Core
Min-woo looked around in surprise. Fortunately, other students were focused on the professor's lecture and no one seemed to notice.
[Critical Quest Activated: Time for Skill Verification]
Quest Description:
Pass the practical martial arts examination that will replace the upcoming midterm exams Current difficulty level is impossible for Min-woo's present skill level Time remaining until examination: 14 days
Success Conditions:
Achieve Grade B or higher in comprehensive martial arts evaluation Win at least 3 victories in practical combat Gain recognition from at least 3 judges in martial arts demonstration
Success Rewards:
Special Ability Unlock: [Martial Arts Creation Mode] New Analysis Function: [Real-time Combat Analysis] Significant increase in combination success rate: +35% Progression in Infinite One bloodline awakening Experience Points +500
Failure Penalties:
30% of system functions permanently sealed Infinite One consciousness destabilization 50% reduction in defective martial arts analysis ability
Min-woo broke into a cold sweat as he read the system window. 'A martial arts examination? Instead of midterms?'
The professor's voice didn't register in his ears. His mind was completely occupied with the quest content that had just appeared. The failure penalties were particularly terrifying. Having 30% of system functions sealed would be equivalent to losing his greatest advantage.
[Reference Information]
Min-woo's Current Predicted Grade: D+ (Failing)
Required Minimum Skill Level: Energy Accumulation 4th Stage or higher
Min-woo's Current Skill Level: Energy Accumulation 1st Stage
Recommended Emergency Response: Special training + New martial arts combination + Practical experience accumulation
'Reach Energy Accumulation 4th Stage within 14 days? That's nearly impossible...'
As soon as class ended, Min-woo approached Ji-eun.
"Ji-eun, have you ever heard about a martial arts examination?"
"Martial arts examination?" Ji-eun tilted her head. "Instead of midterms?"
"Yeah. Something about a practical-focused test..."
Just then, Chul-su Kim approached and joined their conversation.
"Oh? You guys heard about the martial arts exam too." Chul-su's expression was serious. "A department notice just went up saying they're replacing this midterm with a martial arts examination."
"Really?" Ji-eun asked in surprise.
"Yeah. But the problem is..." Chul-su sighed. "This exam is supposed to be historically difficult. Practical combat is the main component, plus there's a martial arts demonstration."
Min-woo's face turned pale. What the system had warned about was becoming reality.
"So we really have to actually fight other students?" Ji-eun asked worriedly.
"Seems like it. And external judges are coming too." Chul-su explained. "Probably from the government's Martial Arts Bureau or corporate martial arts development teams."
Min-woo's mind became complicated. This meant it wasn't just an internal school exam, but an official test evaluated by outside experts.
[Additional Information Update]
Exam Structure:
1st Phase: Theory Exam (30%) 2nd Phase: Martial Arts Demonstration (40%) 3rd Phase: Practical Combat (30%)
Judge Composition:
2 Government Martial Arts Bureau officials 1 Corporate martial arts development team member 2 Professors from other universities 1 Internal school professor
Passing Criteria:
70+ points total: Grade A (Excellent) 60+ points total: Grade B (Good) ← Target 50+ points total: Grade C (Average) 40+ points total: Grade D (Minimum Pass) Under 40 points: Grade F (Fail)
"Theory aside, getting 3 wins in practical combat..." Min-woo muttered.
"What did you say?" Chul-su asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just worried..."
Ji-eun took Min-woo's hand. "It's okay. We can prepare together. Min-woo always gets the highest scores in theory."
"Right." Chul-su agreed. "You can definitely get 30 points in theory, so you just need 30 more points from the rest. That's totally doable."
But Min-woo knew better. With his current skill level, getting even 10 points in martial arts demonstration and 5 points in practical combat would be difficult.
[Emergency Advice]
System Analysis Results:
Probability of passing with current state: 12% Probability with special training: 45% Probability with successful new martial arts combination: 67% Probability with Infinite One consciousness cooperation: 78%
Recommended Strategy:
Request Principal's special guidance Build cooperative relationship with Infinite One consciousness Experiment with new defective martial arts combinations Accumulate practical experience through mock battles
Min-woo steeled his resolve. He would have to use every method the system suggested to pass this exam.
That afternoon, all students from the Martial Arts Department gathered in the main lecture hall. Department head Professor Lee Seung-ho stepped onto the podium to begin the official announcement about the martial arts examination.
"Students, today I have an important announcement to make." Professor Lee's voice echoed throughout the lecture hall. "This midterm examination will be replaced with a practical martial arts examination instead of the traditional written test."
The lecture hall began to stir. Worried whispers spread among the students.
"The exam consists of three phases. Phase 1 theory exam, Phase 2 martial arts demonstration, Phase 3 practical combat."
Jae-sung Park raised his hand. "Professor, does practical combat really mean students will fight each other?"
"That's correct. Of course, sufficient safety measures are in place, and attacks that cause serious injury are prohibited. But yes, it will be actual combat using martial arts."
Another student asked, "Will we only fight against our own grade level?"
"No. All grade levels from freshman to senior will participate together. However, we will adjust the bracket considering skill differences."
Min-woo felt despair. As the lowest-ranked among freshmen, he would have to fight against upperclassmen.
[Opponent Prediction Analysis]
Freshman Top Tier:
Park Jae-sung: Blue Wind Sword Technique proficiency 92% Kim Min-ji: Butterfly Dance proficiency 89% Jung Su-hyun: Iron Armor Internal Energy proficiency 85%
Sophomore Powerhouses:
Kang Dong-wook: Thunder Sword Technique proficiency 95% Seo Yun-ah: Ice Flower Divine Art proficiency 93%
Juniors-Seniors:
Analysis impossible (too high level)
Min-woo's Current Level:
Iron Wall Phantom Step: proficiency 78% Other martial arts: average 35% Overall combat ability: bottom 3%
"The exam is scheduled for two weeks from now. You'll have sufficient preparation time, so please do your best."
As Professor Lee finished his announcement, the lecture hall became completely chaotic. Students began forming groups to discuss countermeasures.
Jae-sung Park looked toward Min-woo with his group and sneered.
"This should be really interesting. I'm curious to see how the practical skills dead-last performs."
"Honestly, wouldn't it be fortunate if Min-woo just does well on the theory exam?" one of Jae-sung's friends said.
"He probably won't last even 10 seconds in actual combat, right?" another friend added with a laugh.
Min-woo clenched his fists. He felt the Infinite One's consciousness stir momentarily, but managed to suppress it with the mental cultivation techniques the Principal had taught him.
Ji-eun gently grabbed Min-woo's arm. "Don't mind them. Let's just focus on what we need to do."
Chul-su also approached. "Let's go to the research club room first. We need to make a plan."
But just as Min-woo was about to get up, Professor Lee called him.
"Student Kang Min-woo, please stay for a moment."
After all the other students had left, the professor approached Min-woo.
"To be honest, with your current practical grades, this exam will be very difficult."
Min-woo bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Professor."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. But..." The professor placed his hand on Min-woo's shoulder. "Do you have any special preparation plans? Or if there's anything you need help with..."
Min-woo hesitated for a moment. He couldn't tell the professor about the Infinite One's consciousness or the system. But he desperately needed help.
"Professor, is there any way to improve martial arts skills in a short period?"
Professor Lee thought for a moment, then said.
"It would be difficult through conventional methods. But..." The professor looked around, then spoke in a low voice. "Try asking the Principal for help. You might be able to receive some special assistance."
"The Principal?"
"Yes. He's... not an ordinary person. And he's shown interest in your research."
Min-woo sensed some deeper meaning in the professor's words. Perhaps the professor knew something about his secret?
"Thank you, Professor. I'll definitely visit him."
Returning to the research club room, Min-woo began an emergency strategy meeting with Chul-su and Ji-eun.
"Honestly, dramatically improving skills in just two weeks is nearly impossible." Chul-su spoke realistically. "But it's not completely impossible either."
"What methods are there?" Ji-eun asked.
Chul-su began drawing something on the whiteboard.
"First, Min-woo can definitely get a perfect score on the theory exam. That secures 30 points."
"Second, in the martial arts demonstration, if Min-woo perfectly demonstrates his specialty Iron Wall Phantom Step, he should be able to get a decent score. Target: 25 points."
"Third, practical combat is the problem..." Chul-su said thoughtfully. "Even if 3 wins is difficult, maybe 1-2 wins might be possible."
Min-woo raised his hand. "Senior, what if I combine new martial arts?"
"New combination?" Chul-su's eyes sparkled. "That's a good idea. But completing and mastering new martial arts within two weeks..."
"It's risky but worth trying." Ji-eun said. "Min-woo's combination ability is definitely special."
Min-woo checked his system.
[Currently Possessed Defective Martial Arts]
Iron Wall Internal Energy (Earth-tier middle grade) - combination complete Phantom Step Method (Mortal-tier top grade) - combination complete Splitting Sword Technique fragment (Heaven-tier low grade) - uncombined Swift Step Method fragment (Earth-tier top grade) - uncombined 7 other small fragments
[Possible Combinations]
Splitting Sword + Swift Step = Continuous Slash Technique (success rate 42%) Iron Wall Phantom Step + Splitting Sword = Phantom Clone Slash (success rate 31%) Swift Step + other fragments = Instant Teleportation (success rate 28%)
"I have about 3 candidates." Min-woo said. "But the success rates aren't very high."
Chul-su showed interest. "What are they?"
Min-woo explained the combination possibilities he had analyzed. Of course, he didn't use the term "system" and instead called it "intuition."
"Continuous Slash Technique has the highest success rate." Ji-eun said. "Let's try that one."
"Wait." Chul-su said as if something occurred to him. "Have you sought advice from the Principal?"
"The professor also told me to visit the Principal."
"Then let's go to the Principal first. There might be even better methods."
The three headed to the Principal's office. Upon arriving, Min-woo felt slightly nervous. Like when he had met during the Infinite One consciousness issue, the Principal emanated an extraordinary aura.
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Entering the Principal's office, they found Principal Nameless Sword brewing tea. It was as if he had known they would come and was waiting.
"Please sit down. You're here about the martial arts examination."
"How did you know?" Chul-su asked in surprise.
"I heard from Professor Lee. And..." The Principal looked at Min-woo. "I was somewhat expecting Min-woo's situation."
Nameless Sword poured tea and said, "Honestly, with Min-woo's current skill level, this exam will be very difficult. But it's not impossible."
"What methods are there?" Min-woo asked earnestly.
The Principal thought for a moment, then said, "There are two methods. First is to further develop Min-woo's special abilities. Second is..."
The Principal looked directly into Min-woo's eyes.
"To build a true cooperative relationship with the Infinite One's consciousness."
Chul-su and Ji-eun were surprised by the mention of the Infinite One, but the Principal continued.
"Min-woo, you've only tried to suppress the Infinite One's consciousness until now, haven't you? But that's not a fundamental solution."
"Then what should I do?"
"Communicate. Try talking directly with the Infinite One to find ways to cooperate. He's a being with 300 years of experience and wisdom. If properly utilized, he could be of great help."
Min-woo was surprised. Until now, he had only feared the Infinite One's consciousness, never considering it as a potential partner.
[New Possibility Detected]
Cooperation Mode with Infinite One Consciousness:
Sharing of 300 years of combat technique experience Improved understanding of advanced martial arts Enhanced judgment in crisis situations Accelerated potential awakening
Conditions:
Building trust relationship with Infinite One Maintaining mutual respect Setting clear cooperation boundaries
Risk Factors:
Possibility of consciousness mixing (15%) Personality change concerns (8%) Risk of increased dependency (12%)
"But wouldn't that be dangerous?" Ji-eun asked worriedly.
"Of course there are risks. But Min-woo has already gained some control over the Infinite One's consciousness. Now it's time to take the next step."
The Principal stood up and looked out the window.
"And honestly, much greater trials await Min-woo in the future. Consider this exam as preparation for those."
"Greater trials?"
"The Martial Purification Alliance's movements are ominous. Now that they know of Min-woo's existence, they won't remain idle."
Min-woo felt a chill down his spine. But he also strengthened his resolve. If it was an unavoidable fight anyway, he needed to prepare properly from now.
"Understood. I'll try communicating with the Infinite One."
"Good. And conduct your training in the underground special training room. You'll be able to practice safely there."
The Principal handed Min-woo a special key.
"With this, you can enter the special training room on basement level 3. There, communicate with the Infinite One and practice new martial arts."
"Thank you!"
As the three were about to leave the Principal's office, the Principal said one last thing.
"Min-woo, remember this. The Infinite One is not an enemy. He's simply... a senior who has been lonely for 300 years."
That night, in a room at a luxury hotel far from campus, three people were gathered. All wore business suits, but their eyes held an unusual intensity.
"Has the target's daily pattern been identified?" a middle-aged man asked.
"Yes. Basic Internal Energy class at 8 AM daily, Defective Martial Arts Research Club activities at 2 PM, return to dormitory at 7 PM. Very regular." a young woman reported.
"What about martial arts skill level?"
"Currently estimated at Energy Accumulation 1st Stage. Lower tier even among freshmen. However..." The woman hesitated for a moment.
"However?"
"A few days ago, he was witnessed using a strange martial art. Completely different from any known martial arts."
The third person, an elderly man, showed interest. "What kind?"
"A martial art that simultaneously manifested illusions and defensive power. Generally an impossible combination."
The middle-aged man tapped the table. "That's exactly the evidence we've been looking for. The Infinite One's bloodline is beginning to awaken."
"What should we do?"
"We need to observe more closely first. This martial arts examination is a perfect opportunity. We'll be able to precisely measure how much the target has grown."
The old man looked out the window and said, "This is something we've waited 300 years for. Don't rush, approach carefully."
"But if we're too late, the target might grow to an uncontrollable level."
"That's true too. Then let's do this." The middle-aged man made a decision. "On the day of the martial arts examination, record every match. Then analyze the target's abilities precisely and report to headquarters."
"What if he's growing faster than expected?"
"Then... we'll have to step in directly."
The three's conversation ended there. But their eyes held some ominous intent.
Meanwhile, a few kilometers away from the hotel where they were staying, another figure was observing them through binoculars.
"The Purification Alliance reconnaissance team has begun to move."
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