8 AM, Central Arena of Crescent Moon Martial University.
Minwoo stood at the entrance of the examination hall with Jieun. The usually quiet arena had a completely different atmosphere today. It was packed with hundreds of students, external judges, and even parents who had come to observe.
"Don't be nervous. You've prepared enough." Jieun squeezed Minwoo's hand tightly in encouragement.
But Minwoo's heart was beating frantically. Looking around, all the other examinees seemed confident. Particularly Jaesong Park was casually chatting with his friends with a relaxed expression.
[System Activation]
Exam Mode: On
Real-time Analysis: Active
Mugeukja Consciousness Monitoring: Enhanced
Current Status: High tension level
[Surrounding Participant Analysis]
Freshmen:
Jaesong Park: Blue Wind Sword 95% mastery, confidence index 92% Minji Kim: Single Touch Flowing Dance 91% mastery, high concentration Soohyun Jung: Iron Armor Internal Arts 88% mastery, slightly nervous
Sophomores:
Dongwook Kang: Thunder Sword 97% mastery, relaxed Yoona Seo: Ice Flower Divine Art 94% mastery, calm
Expected Difficulty: Extreme (based on Minwoo's standards)
'Everyone looks really strong...'
Then a loudspeaker sound echoed from the central stage.
"All examinees, please move to your assigned areas. We will begin the first theory examination."
Minwoo said goodbye to Jieun and headed to his seat. Area A, seat 15, arranged by academic standing among freshmen. As expected, it was in the back row.
However, Jaesong Park, sitting in the front row, turned around and said mockingly.
"Hey, Kang Minwoo. I hope you at least avoid last place in the theory exam."
Minwoo didn't respond. Instead, he checked the system window.
[System Message]
Extreme situation detected
Condition met: Potential manifestation critical point reached
Special mode preparing...
'Potential manifestation?'
Minwoo felt something strange. It was as if something was stirring inside his body.
'Finally, the time has come...' Mugeukja's voice was heard.
'Be quiet. I need to focus on the exam.'
'Don't worry. This level of exam is child's play for us.'
Minwoo was anxious, but decided to focus on the theory exam first.
"We will begin the theory examination. The exam time is 90 minutes, with a total of 50 questions."
When the test papers were distributed, Minwoo checked the first question.
[Question 1]
Among the following, list the correct order of the 12 meridians during qi circulation.
(A) Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian → Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian → Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian...
(B) Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian → Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian → Hand Shaoyang Triple Heater Meridian...
'This is a basic question.'
Minwoo confidently began writing answers. But from question 5 onward, the difficulty suddenly increased.
[Question 5]
Among the characteristics of Mugeukja-style internal arts, which corresponds to the following description?
"An internal art created by Mugeukja, a supreme master from 300 years ago, requiring a special constitution capable of simultaneously operating opposing qi properties. Those who completely master this internal art..."
Minwoo was shocked. He hadn't expected questions about Mugeukja to appear.
[System Assistance]
Searching for Mugeukja-related information...
Related data found in database
Suddenly, detailed information about Mugeukja flooded Minwoo's mind. It was as vivid as if he had experienced it firsthand.
'This is my story.' Mugeukja's voice was heard. 'Write it accurately.'
Minwoo wrote the answers with surprising accuracy. Questions 8, 12, 17... Mugeukja-related questions kept appearing, but he could answer them all perfectly.
[Question 23]
Among the risk factors that can occur when combining defective martial arts, which is the most fatal?
(A) Meridian damage due to qi backflow
(B) Internal art destruction due to opposing properties
(C) Memory confusion due to mental shock
(D) Qi deviation due to external qi invasion
'This is also my specialty.'
Minwoo wrote the correct answer based on his experience.
When 90 minutes passed and the exam ended, Minwoo was confident. He felt he could get a perfect score on the theory exam.
Looking at the reactions of surrounding students, they seemed to have found it quite difficult.
"Hey, what was question 23? I don't even know what defective martial arts combination means." one student grumbled.
"The Mugeukja questions were too difficult too. Who would memorize such detailed information." another student sighed.
Even Jaesong Park's face didn't look good. Even he, who was usually in the top ranks in theory, seemed to have found this exam difficult.
However, the expressions of the Purification Alliance spies watching from the audience were serious.
"That kid got all the Mugeukja-related questions right?" Eagle said in a low voice.
"Yes. I observed the answer-writing process, and he wrote accurately without hesitation." Hawk reported.
"Having this level of theoretical knowledge means... awakening is progressing faster than we thought."
Eagle immediately sent a message to headquarters.
[Emergency Report]
Theory Exam Observation Results:
All Mugeukja-related questions presumed correct Defective martial arts combination questions also perfectly solved Awakening level requires reassessment
Recommended Action: Close observation of 2nd demonstration and 3rd practical combat
1 PM, after lunch break ended, the second martial arts demonstration began.
The demonstration hall consisted of one central stage and several auxiliary stages. Students were called by number to demonstrate their most confident martial arts.
"Number 15, student Kang Minwoo, please come to the central stage."
It was Minwoo's turn. Being called to the central stage meant the judges were taking special interest in watching him.
'Why am I on the central stage?'
Six judges sat in the front row. Two from the government Martial Arts Department, one from a corporate martial arts development team, two professors from other universities, and one professor from the school.
"Student Kang Minwoo, please choose the martial art you will demonstrate." the chief judge said.
Minwoo hesitated for a moment. Should he do Iron Wall Phantom Step, or the newly developed Ghost Sword Technique?
[System Advice]
Recommended Choice: Ghost Sword Technique
Reasons: Originality + Completion + Impact
Expected Score: 38-42 points (out of 40)
However, risk level is also high:
67% chance of Mugeukja bloodline exposure Risk of excessive attention concentration
'It's risky, but... I need high scores to pass.'
"I will demonstrate Ghost Sword Technique." Minwoo answered.
The judges exchanged glances. They seemed to be hearing the name Ghost Sword Technique for the first time.
"Ghost Sword Technique... This is the first time I've heard of this martial art. Which school's technique is it?" asked a Martial Arts Department judge.
"I... developed it myself."
"You developed it yourself?" The judges looked surprised. "Are you saying a freshman developed a new martial art?"
"Yes, that's correct."
The audience began to stir. A freshman developing a new martial art was quite unprecedented.
Jaesong Park also looked at Minwoo with a surprised expression. "What? He developed a martial art?"
"Please begin." the chief judge said.
Minwoo took the sword and stood in the center. He took a deep breath and calmed his mind.
But just as he was about to start the martial art, he made a mistake. In the first movement, his foot got slightly tangled and he lost balance.
'Ah!'
Disappointed sighs came from the audience.
"Ah, he made a mistake from nervousness." someone said.
The judges also showed disappointed expressions. The first impression was ruined.
Minwoo panicked. If it ended like this, his score would be terrible.
'Calm down. I'll help you.' Mugeukja's voice was heard.
'But it's too dangerous...'
'You can't gain anything without taking risks. Trust me.'
Minwoo made his decision. He would accept help from Mugeukja's consciousness.
Suddenly, a golden light briefly flashed in Minwoo's eyes. At the same time, all his movements changed.
[Mugeukja Bloodline Temporary Awakening]
Awakening Level: 15%
Duration: 3 minutes
Ability Enhancement: All specs +200%
Minwoo now moved like a completely different person.
[Ghost Sword Technique - 1st Form: Phantom Flash (魅影閃)]
Minwoo's body instantly disappeared and appeared 3 meters away. It was as if he had teleported while leaving afterimages.
The audience fell silent.
[Ghost Sword Technique - 2nd Form: Chaos Slash (混沌斬)]
This time, Minwoo appeared to attack from multiple directions simultaneously. It was actually one attack, but the combination of Phantom Step and Fractal Sword Technique made it look like 5-6 sword strikes were flying simultaneously.
The judges leaned forward.
[Ghost Sword Technique - 3rd Form: Void Kill (虛空殺)]
In the final technique, Minwoo suddenly appeared from thin air and delivered a powerful strike. It was a mysterious movement as if he had torn through space to appear.
When the demonstration ended, the arena became completely quiet. No one spoke.
The judges were also staring at Minwoo, speechless.
"Is... is this really a martial art developed by a freshman?" asked the Martial Arts Department judge in a trembling voice.
"Yes, that's correct." Minwoo answered.
"I've never seen such perfect combination of illusion and swordsmanship." a professor from another university admired.
"The score is..." After briefly discussing with other judges, the chief judge announced. "39 points out of 40!"
The audience exploded. It was close to a perfect score.
"Amazing!" "A freshman got 39 points?" "Isn't he a real genius?"
Jaesong Park also looked at Minwoo with disbelief.
But Minwoo had no time to celebrate. Suddenly, severe fatigue hit him. It was the side effect of borrowing power from Mugeukja's consciousness.
[Warning: Mugeukja Bloodline Overuse]
Current Status: Increased fatigue
Recovery Time Needed: 30 minutes
3rd Practical Combat Impact: Stamina -15%
And the Purification Alliance spies in the audience were shocked.
"Did... did you see those eyes?" Hawk said in a trembling voice.
"They turned golden and then back again." Eagle answered. "This is... certain. The Mugeukja bloodline is awakening."
"We need to report to headquarters immediately."
[Emergency Report 2nd]
Martial Arts Demonstration Results:
New martial art "Ghost Sword Technique" demonstrated
Awakening signs clearly observed (golden eyes)
Skill level far exceeds expectations
Immediate capture operation review needed
4 PM, finally the last 3rd practical combat began.
The combat format was tournament style. From freshmen to seniors, they were arranged by skill level for a total 32-man tournament.
Minwoo's first round opponent was sophomore Dongwook Kang. He was a student famous as a master of Thunder Sword Technique.
"Huh? A freshman is fighting a sophomore?" the audience murmured.
"That's the student who got 39 points in the demonstration."
"But isn't he still in a different league from sophomores?"
Dongwook Kang approached Minwoo and said.
"Hey, junior. Your demonstration was really amazing. But actual combat is different. Be careful not to get hurt."
It was a caring remark from a senior, but Minwoo's competitive spirit flared up.
"Please take care of me, senior."
"Round 1, Kang Minwoo vs Kang Dongwook! Begin!"
Dongwook Kang attacked first.
[Thunder Sword Technique 1st Form: Lightning Slash]
A sword strike that seemed to flow with electricity flew toward Minwoo. The speed was tremendous.
Minwoo tried to dodge with Phantom Step, but his reaction was slow because he hadn't fully recovered from fatigue.
'Dangerous!'
He barely dodged, but his clothes were torn.
"Oh, you dodged? Then how about this?"
[Thunder Sword Technique 2nd Form: Continuous Lightning Strike]
This time, 5 consecutive lightning-like attacks flew at him.
Minwoo tried to defend with Iron Wall Internal Arts, but his movements became sluggish due to the paralyzing effect of the lightning.
He blocked the first attack, but couldn't block from the second onward.
'I'll lose at this rate!'
Minwoo was driven into a desperate crisis. He couldn't handle Dongwook Kang with his existing martial arts.
Then suddenly, inspiration struck.
'Wait... I've been using martial arts separately until now, but what if I combine all three simultaneously?'
[Real-time Martial Arts Combination Attempt]
Combination Target: Iron Wall Internal Arts + Phantom Step + Fractal Sword Technique
Expected Result: Completely new fusion martial art
Success Rate: 23% (extremely dangerous)
If Failed: Serious internal injuries + martial arts damage
'23%... but I'll lose anyway at this rate!'
Minwoo risked everything and attempted it.
Suddenly, a strange energy began circling around Minwoo's body. The solidity of Iron Wall Internal Arts, the swiftness of Phantom Step, and the unpredictability of Fractal Sword Technique began merging into one.
[Combination Successful!]
New Martial Art Created: Iron Wall Phantom Fractal Sword Technique
Grade: Heaven-grade Superior
Special Effects: Absolute Defense + Phantom Movement + Clone Attacks
Minwoo's body seemed to split into three. One was perfectly blocking Dongwook Kang's attacks, another was attacking from the side, and the third was preparing a surprise attack from behind.
"What is this?" Dongwook Kang panicked.
In reality, it was one Minwoo, but the perfect harmony of three martial arts created an effect like three people cooperating in an attack.
[Iron Wall Phantom Fractal Sword Technique - Complete Form]
Minwoo's final attack struck Dongwook Kang. He couldn't block all attacks coming from three directions simultaneously.
"Match over! Winner, Kang Minwoo!"
The audience was completely turned upside down.
"Whoa, a freshman beat a sophomore!"
"What kind of martial art was that? I've never seen it before!"
"He's really a genius!"
Dongwook Kang also approached Minwoo with a bewildered expression.
"Hey, junior... what's your identity? Where did you learn such martial arts?"
"I'm sorry, senior. I just... thought of it on the spot."
"On the spot?" Dongwook Kang was even more surprised. "You created a new martial art on the spot?"
Minwoo also won rounds 2 and 3 in the same way. No matter who the opponent was, he responded by combining martial arts on the spot.
Finally, the finals. His opponent was the strongest senior, Taehyun Kim.
"A freshman making it to the finals..." Taehyun Kim admired. "But this is as far as you go."
However, Minwoo had already reached another dimension. As the Mugeukja bloodline gradually awakened, his martial arts creation ability had reached its limit.
[Final Martial Arts Combination]
Fusion Target: All possessed martial arts + Mugeukja bloodline
Result: Mugeuk Phantom Absolute Sword Technique
Grade: Transcendent-grade Inferior (transcendent level)
The finals ended in 5 minutes. It was Minwoo's overwhelming victory.
"Winner, Kang Minwoo!"
The arena was filled with explosive cheers.
[Quest Complete!]
Trial of Skill Verification: Success
Final Score:
Theory: 50/50 (perfect score) Demonstration: 39/40 Practical: 40/40 (championship)
Total Score: 129/130 (A+ grade)
Rewards Obtained:
Special ability unlocked: [Martial Arts Creation Mode] New analysis function: [Real-time Combat Analysis] Combination success rate +35% Mugeukja bloodline awakening stage progression Experience points +500
But before Minwoo could celebrate, the Purification Alliance spies in the audience had already completed their final report.
[Final Report]
Conclusion: Immediate capture necessary
Awakening Level: Estimated 85%
Risk Level: Extreme
Recommended Action: Break school agreement and forcibly capture
And Jieun ran to Minwoo and hugged him.
"Minwoo! You're really amazing!"
"Thank you, Jieun."
But Minwoo felt an inexplicable uneasiness. It seemed like a big change was approaching.
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Minwoo achieved overwhelming results in the martial arts exam! But his performance draws unexpected attention... Can he escape his fate as a descendant of Mugeukja?