On the night of the martial arts exam, Minwoo was alone in his dormitory room, staring at the system window. He still couldn't believe it. That he had actually won the tournament.
[Quest Complete: Trial of Skill Verification]
🎉 Success Rewards Granted:
[Special Ability Unlocked: Martial Arts Creation Mode]
Ability to develop completely new martial arts based on existing ones Creation success rate: Base 45% (increases with proficiency) Grade of created martial arts: 1-2 levels higher than existing materials Daily usage limit: 3 times
[New Analysis Function: Real-time Combat Analysis]
70% probability of predicting opponent's next attack pattern Automatic suggestion of optimal counter attacks Real-time detection of opponent martial arts weaknesses 500% improvement in combat situation analysis speed
[Combination Success Rate Dramatically Increased]
Increased from existing 35% → 70% 50% reduction in damage when failed 30% reduction in combination time Automatic suggestion function for new combination patterns
[Mugeukja Bloodline Awakening Stage Progression]
1st stage → 1.5th stage entry 25% increase in qi circulation efficiency 40% improvement in martial arts learning speed Smoother communication with Mugeukja consciousness
[Additional Bonuses]
Experience points +500 Fame +200 (recognition increased in national university martial arts community) Special title acquired: "Sacred Martial Artist"
Minwoo could hardly contain his excitement. Especially the Martial Arts Creation Mode was an ability he had never imagined.
"Now I can really... create the martial arts I want?"
[Martial Arts Creation Mode - Usage Guide]
Base Selection: Choose 2-5 existing possessed martial arts Concept Setting: Input desired effects or characteristics Creation Simulation: Check success rate and expected results Execution: Final confirmation then attempt creation
Currently Possible Combination Examples:
Iron Wall Phantom Step + Fractal Sword Technique → Phantom Clone Sword Technique (Success rate 67%) All possessed martial arts → Minwoo's Exclusive Secret Technique (Success rate 23%, estimated Heaven-grade)
"Wow... I can even create my own exclusive secret technique?"
But then a warning message appeared from the system.
[⚠️ Cautions]
Martial arts creation is an extremely dangerous act Existing martial arts may be damaged upon failure Excessive use may adversely affect Mugeukja bloodline Be especially careful of surrounding surveillance when using new abilities
The last warning brought Minwoo back to reality. Right, I need to be more careful now. I probably stood out too much in today's exam.
At the same time, on the top floor of a skyscraper in central Seoul. An emergency executive meeting was being held in the conference room of Purification Alliance headquarters.
On the large screen, highlight footage of Minwoo's martial arts exam was playing. Particularly the scene where he created new martial arts on the spot in the finals was being replayed repeatedly.
"Report." said a figure sitting at the far end of the conference room. His face was hidden in shadow, but his presence alone made the entire conference room hold its breath.
'Eagle', who had been in charge of field surveillance, stood up and began his report.
"The awakening speed of student Kang Minwoo far exceeds expectations. Just three months ago, he was an ordinary lower-tier student..."
Minwoo's growth graph was displayed on the screen. It was an exponentially increasing curve.
"What's particularly noteworthy is his instant martial arts creation ability. Real-time combination of existing martial arts to create completely new ones is..."
"One of the characteristics of Mugeukja bloodline." the figure in shadow muttered. "Continue."
"Current awakening level is estimated at approximately 80%. At this rate, there's a high possibility of complete awakening within 6 months."
The conference room stirred. Everyone knew the impact if a fully awakened descendant of Mugeukja appeared.
"Shouldn't we implement immediate capture operations?" suggested one executive.
"Even if it means breaking the school agreement and using force..." another executive agreed.
However, the figure in shadow raised his hand to stop everyone.
"Wait."
The conference room fell silent.
"Do not engage in any deeper involvement."
"What? But the awakening speed is..."
"Listen." his voice rang coldly. "What's important is only investigating what abilities he has and what martial arts he can use. Refrain extremely from unnecessary actions."
The executives showed puzzled expressions. They couldn't understand why the usually aggressive top leadership was suddenly taking a passive stance.
Then he left a meaningful remark.
"Those guys were the judges this time, weren't they?"
"Yes... officials from the Martial Arts Department and professors from other universities..."
"Heh heh heh..." low laughter echoed in the conference room. "It would be safer to watch and see how they move before we act."
"What do you mean..."
"If we make a mistake, we might turn not only Crescent Moon but all universities into enemies."
The executives held their breath. Turning all universities into enemies meant going to war with all martial arts educational institutions nationwide.
"But..."
"It's an order." his voice was firm. "For now, only observe. And absolutely prohibit direct contact."
"Then what about the agents inside the school?"
"Have them engage in minimal activities only. It'll be troublesome for us if they're discovered."
Heavy silence flowed through the conference room.
"Understood." Eagle bowed his head.
"One more thing." he added. "Also watch the people around that student. Especially... the Defective Martial Arts Research Society members."
"Yes, understood."
"Meeting adjourned."
The executives left one by one, leaving only the figure in shadow alone. He was still watching Minwoo's footage playing on the screen.
"Interesting... A real descendant appearing after 300 years? But we mustn't rush. The opponents aren't to be underestimated either."
The next afternoon, Defective Martial Arts Research Society room.
"Minwoo! Congratulations!" Sora Park ran over with a bouquet of flowers.
"Wow, a martial arts exam winner came from our research society!" Seongmin Yoon couldn't hide his excitement either.
The research society room was in complete party mode. Cake and drinks were prepared, and a banner reading "Congratulations on Minwoo's Victory" was even hung on the wall.
"Thank you, everyone." Minwoo said, moved. "I could never have done it alone."
Jieun approached Minwoo and handed him a small gift box.
"What... is this?"
"Open it."
Inside the box was a small necklace. It was a simple but heartfelt handmade item.
"It's a good luck charm. I made it hoping you'd stay safe from now on."
"Thank you, Jieun. I'll treasure it."
However, only Cheolsu Kim's expression wasn't bright. He called Minwoo aside.
"Minwoo, congratulations, but... honestly, I'm worried."
"Why?"
"You stood out too much. Especially creating new martial arts on the spot at the end... that was too dangerous."
Minwoo's expression became serious.
"It's going to be more dangerous now." Cheolsu Kim continued. "Not only the Purification Alliance, but other forces will take interest in you too."
"Other forces?"
"The martial arts world is more complex than you think. The Purification Alliance isn't the only enemy."
Then the research society door opened and Professor Jang Hyeonseok entered.
"Minwoo, congratulations. You were really amazing."
"Thank you, Professor."
But Professor Jang's expression was also serious.
"Wait, could the others step out for a moment? I have something important to discuss with Minwoo."
After the other students went outside, Professor Jang spoke.
"The Chancellor wants to see you immediately."
"Right now?"
"Yes. It's urgent."
Minwoo exchanged glances with Cheolsu Kim. Something bad seemed to have happened.
On the way to the Chancellor's office, Minwoo was anxious. Yesterday's joy was already fading.
When he entered the Chancellor's office, Chancellor Munyeong Sword was waiting with a serious expression.
"Sit down, Minwoo."
"What's the matter?"
"Your exam footage from yesterday was leaked to the outside."
Minwoo's face turned pale.
"Not only the Purification Alliance, but other forces have already secured the footage. Especially the scene where you created new martial arts... that's becoming a big problem."
"Then... what happens now?"
The Chancellor sighed deeply.
"The school will drastically strengthen security systems. And you need to be even more careful for the time being."
"What do you mean by careful..."
"Minimize going outside campus, and practice martial arts only in the underground training room. And..." the Chancellor hesitated for a moment then said, "We'll implement new protective measures."
"What kind of protective measures?"
"A security team will watch over you 24 hours. From places you can't see."
Minwoo couldn't grasp the reality. In one day, he had gone from a free university student to a dangerous person who needed protection.
Then suddenly a system window appeared above the Chancellor's desk.
[Emergency Alert]New Mega Quest Activated!
[Special Quest: National University Martial Arts Tournament Victory]
Quest Description:
Win the National University Martial Arts Tournament to be held in 6 months Largest scale tournament in history with 64 universities participating All universities' strongest fighters expected to participate
Success Conditions:
Pass university representative selection in 1st place Win national tournament bracket Victory in final championship match
Success Rewards:
Partial unlock of Eternal Cycle Scripture Revelation of hidden enemy identity Unlock of system's highest functions Mugeukja bloodline 2nd stage awakening
Upon Failure:
Most system functions sealed Mugeukja consciousness instability intensified Increased life danger
Participation Requirements:
Must win each university's representative selection Current skill level insufficient for participation qualification Dramatic skill improvement needed within 6 months
Minwoo felt dizzy looking at the quest content. Fight the strongest from 64 universities and win?
"Chancellor... do you know about the National University Martial Arts Tournament?"
The Chancellor's eyes flashed.
"How did you know about that?"
"I just... heard about it."
"That tournament..." the Chancellor said seriously, "is scheduled for 6 months from now. The largest scale in history. Each university's pride is at stake."
"Could I... participate in it?"
The Chancellor looked at Minwoo carefully.
"With your current skill, it would be difficult. But..." the Chancellor thought for a moment then said, "If you really want to participate, I can prepare a special training program for you."
"Really?"
"But before that..." the Chancellor said meaningfully, "you first need to pass our school's representative selection. That won't be easy either."
Minwoo had a new goal. Winning the National University Martial Arts Tournament. That was his next stage.
"Can I really become the university representative?" Minwoo muttered.
The Chancellor smiled.
"Have confidence. With the skill you showed yesterday, it's definitely possible. However..." the Chancellor's expression became serious again, "staying safe until then comes first."
Minwoo nodded. The next 6 months would be a truly important time.
Next Chapter Preview:
Minwoo decides to participate in the National University Martial Arts Tournament! But the university representative selection will be more fierce than imagined... Can he secure the representative position by defeating the school's strongest fighters?