Awakened Academy Island - South Korea
Hours later, the yacht's hum faded as it docked at a pristine island, its shores framed by turquoise waves and lush greenery.
Jiwon and the others stepped onto the pier, Neko's carrier in hand, Enhanced Senses buzzing with the island's energy.
A futuristic facility loomed ahead—sleek glass buildings, glowing panels, and training fields humming with Awakened auras.
'This place screams high-tech.'
A tall man in a sharp black uniform approached, his aura heavy with authority—likely a high-ranking Academy official. "Welcome to the Awakened Academy," he said, voice crisp.
Jiwon noted the facility's power. Dozens of strong Awakened inside.
'Top-tiers, maybe.'
Seongha nodded to the group, while Inhyuk waved, his calm aura fading as they left to meet with someone inside. 'Probably the principal of this Academy, Mr.Han'
The burly officer gestured to staff. "Affiliated students—Union, Shinhwa—follow Officer Lee for privileged dorms. Unaffiliated, with Officer Kim."
Jiwon, Jiwoo, and Wooin joined Officer Kim, a stern man with a faint earth aura. 'Subin and Jisuk get VIP treatment. Figures.'
The unaffiliated dorms were simpler—clean, modern, single rooms with desks and beds.
Jiwon entered his dorm, unpacked, setting Neko's carrier on the floor. She meowed, stretching. "Home for two months, girl," he murmured.
After a while, A staff member knocked, sliding a black fit wear set—sleek, flexible, logo-free—through the door. "Orientation in one hour. Wear this."
Jiwon changed, the fabric snug but light, perfect for combat.
As he adjusted his sleeves, Enhanced Senses pinged—a cluster of auras in the hallway, sharp and hostile.
Memories flashed to the manhwa. Unaffiliated punks messing with Jiwoo. 'It's them.'
He grabbed his keycard, Aura Suppression tight, and stepped out.
In the hallway, Jiwoo stood, sparks humming nervously, with Wooin beside him, his aura tense.
Two unaffiliated students loomed—a big guy with long hair tied back, his aura bulky and fiery, and a scrawny guy.
The big guy growled, "Just spill it, kid. What's your power? Didn't I say we unaffiliated should stick together?"
Jiwoo's voice calm but firm. "I understand you're curious, but I was taught not to share information about my powers mindlessly. Sorry."
Wooin stepped forward, his aura flaring. "Back off. He said no."
The burly guy sneered. "Tch, acting tough?"
Jiwon analysed the scene—'They're testing Jiwoo, like in the manhwa.'
The big guy raised his fist. "You think you're special, huh? Let's see—" Jiwon moved, Super Speed a controlled blur.
His sidekick slammed the big guy's side, sending him crashing to the floor with a thud, cracks spiderwebbing the tiles.
The scrawny guy froze. Jiwoo's sparks flared, wide-eyed. "Hiro?!"
Jiwon's Hiro act faltering, looking at the burly man on the ground, Jiwon said coldly. "Touch him, and you're dead"
Jiwon can't help but feel angry.
Jiwon's cold words hung heavy, his Enhanced Senses registering the chill in Jiwoo and Wooin's gazes. 'Damn it. I let my anger slip.'
His Aura Suppression stayed tight, but his Hiro act faltered, the protective fury he'd buried resurfacing.
'They've never seen me like this.' He forced a breath, Protected Mind shielding his turmoil, and tried to salvage his Hiro act.
"Uh, whoops, got carried away—" he started, a sheepish grin forming, but a familiar wind aura cut him off.
"Yo, what's this? Big guy eating floor already?" Jisuk Yoo strutted into the hallway, arms crossed with a cocky smirk.
His eyes flicked to the burly man, shivering and clutching his side, then to Jiwon. "Hiro, you did this?"
Jiwoo's sparks brightened, relief flooding his voice. "Jisuk!" He waved, stepping closer, his trust in his Shinhwa friend clear.
The burly man's fiery aura flickered as he overheard "Jisuk," his pain-dazed eyes widening.
The man grunted, sitting upright, his aura weak but defiant. "Tch, Shinhwa's backing this kid?" he muttered, deducing Jiwoo's connection.
Jiwoo's sparks softened, concern creasing his brow. "Hey, are you okay? Let me help—" He stepped forward, offering a hand, but the burly man swatted it away. "Don't need your pity, brat!"
He limped to his feet, leaning on the scrawny guy, who shot Jiwon a venomous glare before they retreated down the hallway.
Jiwon's Enhanced Senses tracked their fading auras. 'They're scared, but they'll hold a grudge.'
He turned to Jiwoo, Hiro act back in place, a playful chuckle. "Sorry for the drama, Jiwoo. Just didn't like their vibe."
Jiwoo's sparks calmed, his smile hesitant but warm. "Thanks, Hiro. You… really saved us."
Wooin nodded. "Nice move." His rare approval sent a flicker of pride through Jiwon.
But his senses warned—'Jiwoo's spooked by my edge. Gotta be careful.'
Before he could deflect, a familiar ice aura stormed closer, sharp and grumbling.
"Tch, why's the unaffiliated dorm so freaking far?" Subin Lee stomped into view, her black fit wear slightly rumpled.
Her eyes narrowed, catching the group's tense vibe—"What's with the weird mood? Did wind idiot start something?" She jabbed a frosty finger at Jisuk, who snorted. "Not me, ice brat! Ask Hiro—he floored some jerk."
Subin's aura spiked, curious. "Spill it, cat boy. What happened?"
Jiwoo, with a voice gentle but clear. "Um, some guys were asking about my powers… I said no, and they got mad. Hiro stopped them." He glanced at Jiwon, a mix of gratitude and unease in his eyes.
Wooin nodded. "One tried to hit Jiwoo. Hiro kicked him down."
Subin's face made a feral grin. "Ha! Nice one, spark plug! Who's the punk? I'll freeze his sorry butt!"
Jisuk laughed. "Too late, ice brat. He's limping already."
Jiwon chuckled, Hiro act firm. "Just a reflex, Subin. No biggie."
Jiwoo's sparks brightened, his kindness cutting through the tension. "Hey, why don't we hang out in my dorm? Orientation's soon, but we've got time." He gestured down the hall, smile warm.
Subin shrugged. "Fine, cat boy, but your dorm better not stink of cats."
Jisuk smirked. "Says the one who smells like a freezer." Wooin followed them inside Jiwoo's room silently.
Jiwoo's dorm was cozy—neat despite his stray cat habits, with a small desk, a bed, and Kayden's carrier in the corner.
The obese white-and-orange tabby glared at Jiwon, Animal Synergy catching his suspicion.
'Ugh, that glare's gonna drill a hole in my head'
Jiwoo set out bottled tea and leftover rice cakes from Seoul, sparks humming happily. "Help yourselves!"
Subin plopped on the floor, her aura mellowing as she grabbed a drink. "Not bad, Thanks Jiwoo."
Jisuk sprawled on the bed lazily. "This beats the VIP dorm's stiff vibe." Wooin leaned against the wall, nibbling a rice cake.
The room filled with banter—Subin and Jisuk traded jabs, their ice and wind auras clashing playfully.
"Your wind's weaker than a fan, loser!" Subin taunted, frosting her tea bottle.
Jisuk's wind aura flicked her hair. "Says the popsicle who lost to Wooin!"
Jiwoo giggled as he tried to mediate. "Guys, don't break anything!"
Wooin tossed a rice cake at Subin's head, earning a mock-glare, making him amused.
Jiwon joined in, joking about Jisuk's "wind tantrums."
Jisuk sprawled further on the bed, tossing a rice cake up. "Ugh, some Affiliated kids are throwing a party tonight. Me and Subin got invites—Shinhwa and Union perks, ya know." He rolled his eyes.
"Total pain in the ass. Buncha snobs flexing their powers." Subin snorted, icing her tea bottle solid.
"Hanging out here is much more fun, I get to eat Subin's share of rice cake" Jisuk teased.
"Hey fuck you!" Subin threw a small icicle towards Jisuk which he shredded with his wind. "Hey! That could've killed me!"
The clock ticked toward orientation, cutting the banter short. "Ugh, let's go already," Subin groaned, standing.
Jisuk hopped up, ruffling his hair. "Time to scope out the competition."
Jiwoo grabbed his keycard, sparks humming faintly. Wooin followed, his presence steady.
Jiwon trailed, Enhanced Senses checking the hallway for those bullies. 'All clear for now.'
======================
Orientation Hall
The orientation hall was a sleek expanse—metal walls, glowing screens, packed with black-clad students.
Principal Han stood at the podium, his commanding presence hushing the crowd.
Jiwon's eyes scanned the Affiliated students, zeroing in on Sucheon Kang—Baekdu's heir, his gyrokinesis radiating sharp precision, eyes cold and aloof.
'He bullied Jiwoo for being unaffiliated. Gotta watch him.'
'Sucheon's trouble, but I'll handle it.'
Principal Han's speech was short—training schedules, rules, two months to prove yourself. Jiwon half-listened, his focus on potential threats.
As students filed out, he slipped away, craving space to think.
The Academy grounds were breathtaking—training arenas, glass buildings, and a sea breeze rustling the trees.
This place is built for power. He wandered, his Protective Mind easing his tension, until a calm voice startled him. "Taking it all in?"
Jiwon turned, Enhanced Senses registering nothing until now—Principal Han, tall and composed in a black suit, stood beside him, his presence heavy yet undetectable.
'How'd he get so close?!' Jiwon's mind raced, Aura Suppression locking tighter.
"Yeah, Principal Han, sir," he said, Hiro act kicking in with a grin. "This place is wild."
Principal Han, with a curious gaze. "What's your name young man?"
"Hiro Yamamoto sir!" Jiwon answered.
Han's gaze was piercing, a faint smile forming. "oh, Japanese? Hiro, Unaffiliated right?... I sense strength in you... I'll be watching your progress."
Jiwon's Protected Mind shielded his surprise. 'He's got a read on me, but not the whole truth? I hope so, I can't make mistakes'
"Just here to train, sir," he said, chuckling.
Han nodded, his eyes lingering. "Good. Show us what you've got." He strode off, leaving Jiwon with a racing pulse.
'He's no ordinary principal. Gotta stay sharp.' Jiwoo's safety loomed in his mind.
He glanced at the glowing towers, Neko's meow echoing in his thoughts.
"Sigh, What a stressful day..."
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Next Day
Jiwon woke to Neko's soft meow, sunlight glinting off the glass walls of his dorm. Enhanced Senses buzzed with the Academy's energy—hums of distant training, the sea's salty tang.
'Day one of training. Time to play smart.'
He slipped into his black fit wear, Aura Suppression cloaking his strength, and headed to the training hall, Jiwoo and Wooin already waiting outside.
Jiwoo's sparks flickered nervously, his smile kind. "Morning, Hiro!" Wooin nodded, his presence steady. Jiwon's act flashed, a grin masking his focus. "Ready to crush it, guys?"
The training hall was vast—polished floors, reinforced walls, and high-tech screens tracking vitals. A dozen 4 other unaffiliated students milled about, their vibes ranging from cocky to anxious.
Mr. Giwook Jang, their instructor, stood at the center, a lean man with a no-nonsense gaze and a faint oppressive energy humming around him. "Line up!" he barked.
Jiwon sized him up. 'Strict, but fair. Like in the manhwa.'
The group complied, Jiwoo's sparks subtle beside Jiwon, Wooin's posture calm.
Jang's eyes swept the line. "State your powers. We need to know what we're working with."
Most students complied—Strength enhancement, High durability, Psychokinesis, and Accelerated Thought Analysis. 'The last ones good'
When Jiwoo's turn came, he hesitated, sparks dim. "I'd… rather not say yet, sir."
"What?" Mr.Jang raised an eyebrow.
Wooin followed, voice flat. "Same." Jiwon's act stayed easy. "Gotta keep some mystery, right, sir?"
Jang's gaze hardened. "Fine. You three, 20 laps around the hall. Now." Subtle amusement flickered in his eyes, as if testing their resolve.
Jiwon stifled a chuckle, Super Speed itching to blur through, but he paced himself, jogging alongside Jiwoo and Wooin.
The laps dragged, sweat beading, but Jiwon's physique kept his form perfect. His eyes caught Jeongsu—the burly guy from the hallway—glaring from the sidelines, his fiery vibe simmering with resentment.
'He's still sore about yesterday.'
Back in line, Jang crossed his arms. "Since today is your first day, you guys will spar with one another. Let's see how good you are. Volunteers?"
Jeongsu's hand shot up, his long hair tied back, eyes locked on Jiwon. "I'll go. Against Hiro." His smirk dripped with intent.
Jiwon reading his thoughts—'He thinks I got lucky 'cause of Jisuk's Shinhwa clout.'
Jiwon's act held, a playful shrug. "Sure, big guy. Let's dance."
Jiwoo's sparks flickered with concern, while Wooin's gaze sharpened. Jang nodded, gesturing to a marked arena. "No killing. Begin when ready."
The crowd went to the side, whispers buzzing. Jeongsu cracked his knuckles, his fiery energy flaring faintly, fists glowing with heat.
Jiwon's Aura Suppression stayed tight, Electric Control dormant to avoid attention.
'Speed and tactics only. Can't show off.'
The match started, Jeongsu charging with a roar, his aura coated fist swinging. Jiwon's Super Speed kicked in, a controlled blur, sidestepping effortlessly. 'Too slow, Jeongsu.'
Jeongsu's punches grew wilder, energy trailing, but Jiwon weaved through, his mind predicting each move.
A quick jab to Jeongsu's ribs, then a duck under a fiery hook—Jiwon's strikes were precise, his DEX guiding his footwork.
Jeongsu stumbled, gasping, unable to land a hit. Jiwon feinted left, then spun, slamming a heel into Jeongsu's shoulder, sending him skidding across the floor.
The crowd gasped, Jiwoo's sparks flaring in awe. Wooin's nod was subtle but approving.
Jeongsu scrambled up, face red, but his fiery energy was spent. "You… Shinhwa's lapdog!" he spat, lunging again.
Jiwon sighed, Super Speed blurring to trip him mid-step, pinning him with a light knee. "Stay down, man. It's over."
Jang clapped once, voice sharp. "Enough! Hiro wins."
Jeongsu glared, humiliated, as Jiwon stepped back, his act returning with a grin. "Nice fight, big guy."
Jiwoo rushed over, sparks bright. "Hiro, that was amazing!" Wooin's voice was low. "Clean fight."
Jiwon chuckled, Protected Mind hiding his caution. 'Kept my lightning hidden, but Jeongsu's grudge just grew.'
Jang's gaze lingered on Jiwon, assessing.
'He's curious, but I'm still under the radar.'
The hall buzzed with chatter, unaffiliated students eyeing Jiwon warily.