1/8/2078

  "We have lost. The monsters have destroyed the world's core. Is this...the end?"

  I open my eyes. "Was that a dream? What a terrible nightmare...shit, I'm going to be late for the assessment test!"

  "My name is Cha Yu-Jun, and I'm one of this year's trainees. I'm 24 years old and the younger brother of Ji-a."

  "Phew, I've arrived just in time for the program's beginning."

  "Hello, everyone. My name is General Sung, and I will be responsible for your assessment test this year. Now, follow me to have your ranks revealed."

  We arrived at a huge magic ball that measured our mana and physical strength to assess our ranks.

  "Now, everyone, touch this ball and receive your ranks. You will be assigned to different headquarters depending on your rank."

  As others touched the ball, there were many strong people, with more than 20 receiving a D or C rank, which was higher than average.

  "Interesting surname... Cha Yu-Jun, you're up."

  As I touched the ball, it displayed a C rank.

  "Not bad, I guess," I said.

  "All C ranks are assigned to the class monitored directly by Master Cha Ji-a herself, so head over to sector-1 by noon today."

  There were five C ranks this year, which is considered a lot by Korean standards. We were three boys and two girls. Our names were Seung Jum, Bong So, Je Min-Jee, Yong Soo, and myself.

  "So, we're the only C ranks, huh? Cool, let's get along well then," said Seung Jum.

  "Sure, but don't get ahead of yourself. I've been told Master Cha Ji-a is a tough instructor," said Bong So.

  "I just hope she isn't that harsh. I've heard she is feared by everyone, even the scary general we saw earlier," said Je Min-Jee.

  "As long as she helps us advance ranks, I don't mind her being harsh," said Yong Soo.

  I stayed silent, knowing very well my sister would put us through hell.

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  Cha Ji-a: "Are you the new C ranks?"

  "Yes, ma'am," we said collectively.

  "Very well, follow me. We begin training this instant. Now, let's begin with hand-to-hand combat training first to assess your physical strength. Attack me when you see fit."

  Seung Jum launched at her, but she tackled him down. He resisted and stood up once more.

  "I see you have a high tolerance to physical damage. You must be a tank-type hunter." He panted as he sat down next to us.

  "Next."

  Bong So began his attack. She punched him, and he couldn't get up but saw a small stone and threw it very fast at her. She blocked it.

  "I see close range isn't your specialty. You are a ranger, so try using a bow in training." He nodded as he limped back to the bench.

  "Next."

  Je Min-Jee stepped onto the field.

  "Min-jee, I sense mana from you, so try using magic." As she did, a small aura enveloped her.

  "You are a healer! Good, go heal your friend as practice." She nodded and headed to Bong So, trying to heal him until she succeeded.

  "Next."

  Yong Soo stepped onto the field.

  "Yong Soo, I sense mana from you as well, so try using magic." She tried forming a spell and barely managed a small fireball that was easily dissipated by Ji-a.

  "To manage a fireball on the first day is astounding. You have the potential to be a strong mage."

  "Next."

  As I stepped onto the field, she sensed an aura surrounding me, but not the magic kind, rather the combat kind.

  "Attack me when you are ready."

  I lunged at her with a high-speed attack, but she dodged it, and we fought in hand-to-hand combat. She kept blocking my attacks, and I blocked most of hers. It was not a one-sided spar, as some thought. Ultimately, she was faster and defeated me.

  "You are stronger than I remember, and you have an assassin's build too."

  "Well, Ji-a, you made sure I was good at hand-to-hand combat by training me all these years."

  She nodded. "And I am glad I did, Yu-Jun. It seems you are not as weak as I thought you were."

  Everyone looked a bit shocked.

  "Wait, why did he call her by her name? Yu-Jun, have some respect for her. She is the head of the hunter department."

  "I am aware. However, she is also my big sister."

  "Oh, okay...WAIT WHAT???" everyone said sheepishly.

  Ji-a laughed. "Okay, everyone, go to your rooms and rest for today. The real practice begins tomorrow with your first gate attempt in an E-rank gate, and I will be joining you to assess you in real-life combat."

  We nodded and headed to our rooms. Seung Jum, Bong So, and I were roommates, while Je Min-Jee and Yong Soo were in the next room.

  "I am taking the bed on the right," I said.

  "Fine, and I am taking the bed on the left," Bong So said.

  "Very well, and I am taking the bed in the middle," Seung Jum said.

  "So, are you really her younger brother?"

  "Yeah, we are blood-related."

  "So cool! How is she like at home...is she maybe strict and harsh, or is she a softie?"

  "Well, I wouldn't say a softie, but she is not that harsh either. However, when it comes to training, we will suffer at her hands...just avoid slacking off, and you might be just fine."

  "Uhm, got it then. We definitely will not be slacking off, wouldn't want to piss off an S-rank."

  As we headed to sleep, I dreamt of the weird dream I dreamt of again. "Is this...the end?"

  I wake up and think to myself, "What the hell is this dream? Damn it...once was fine, but twice in a row is a bit fishy, and whose voice was it??? Ugh, who cares? I will just go to bed, or else my sister will kill me for staying up late before practice."