Gangnam Academy, where Kang Han-byeol studies, is a prestigious institution renowned for consistently ranking 1st in the annual Academy City evaluations.
“And it was 5th globally, I think.”
Such prestige might seem implausible—could Korea’s resources truly justify it? Someone from my past life might question it.
But there’s an obvious reason:
“It’s a Korean game!”
That’s all it takes to understand. Since the game was developed in Korea, it’s only natural that Korea’s status is elevated.
As a result, in this world, Korea is a top-tier Hunter superpower.
Of course, the game’s lore provides plausible in-universe explanations.
Korea’s small territory allowed it to reclaim land from monsters swiftly during the Great Calamity.
“Thus, it could amass the strength to plan Academy City…”
Now, nearly 150 years since Academy City’s founding, Gangnam Academy—established alongside the city’s history—is a place of tradition.
Anyway.
“Which transport should we take from here…?”
Having disembarked at the dock, I, Yeon Ha-neul, and the triplets headed toward Gangnam Academy to collect our exam tickets.
Nearby, a bus stop was bustling with examinees like us.
I scrutinized the stop sign.
“Ha-neul, look for a sign that says ‘23 District.’”
“I see it. Since this is 19, 23 must be… Ah, there!”
Gangnam Academy is located in District 23, akin to Gangnam-gu in Seoul.
I turned to the sign Yeon Ha-neul pointed at.
It read 23.
“Let’s go stand in line there.”
Thanks to Academy City’s increased bus frequency during exam season, the line moved quickly.
Before long, we reached the front and boarded the bus.
[Boarding confirmed.]
The familiar mechanical sound from Seoul.
Plenty of seats were available.
Scanning the empty seats, I gestured to a 2-seater for Yeon Ha-neul.
“Ha-neul, sit here.”
“Sure.”
Seating her by the window, I took the seat beside her.
The bus departed shortly.
[Next stop is…]
Scenery scrolled past the windows.
We quietly gazed out.
After exiting a tunnel,
“Whoa…”
The urban landscape unfolded before us.
I and Yeon Ha-neul marvelled.
Beyond the hill the bus was climbing, buildings unlike any in Seoul stood tall.
The World Tree, unobstructed between buildings, asserted its presence.
A harmonious blend of blue skies, grey buildings, and lush greenery.
Even the river shimmering below added to the beauty.
“That river is the Picture River, right?”
“…Yeah, the Picture River.”
“It’s truly picturesque… The water looks so clear. Different from the Han River in Seoul.”
The river cutting through Academy City’s heart, the Picture River, alongside the World Tree, symbolizes Academy City’s nature.
Yeon Ha-neul was captivated by the view.
I felt the same.
“It’s beautiful in person. But…”
I stared at the occasional black dots in the sky.
From afar, they were hard to notice, but up close, they’d mar Academy City’s aesthetics.
There were 8 in total.
“Gates.”
Above Academy City, countless Gates likely lay in wait.
If they’re not cleared and the Gate corrosion rate rises,
“Doomed ending is set.”
The serene scene before me would transform into a nightmare.
The World Tree would be overrun with monsters.
The Picture River would run red with blood, littered with corpses.
Knowing the game’s endings, I couldn’t just marvel.
“…”
For a long while, I couldn’t tear my gaze from the sky.
Gangnam Academy’s practical exam is scheduled for a week later.
But in reality, it begins the moment you receive your exam ticket.
“Let me confirm the examinee’s name.”
“Do Kwon-woo.”
“Let’s see, Do Kwon-woo… Your number is…”
Gangnam Academy, with over 10,000 students across all departments, is vast.
We regretted our choice to tour the campus from the main entrance.
After much wandering, we barely reached the admissions office.
“Student Do Kwon-woo, identity confirmed. Before issuing your exam ticket, please submit your pledge. If you haven’t brought it, fill it out at the back and return it.”
“Here it is.”
All applicants to Gangnam Academy and other academies must submit a handwritten pledge.
In short, the pledge states that examinees will personally assume responsibility for all mishaps—disasters, accidents, terrorism—during the exam, except in cases of natural disaster.
“Since the exam can be life-or-death, they nail it down with a pledge. If you die during the exam, the academy isn’t liable.”
An aside: reportedly, some examinees, upon realizing the risk of death when submitting the pledge, withdraw their applications.
“Well, I can’t blame them.”
You might think you’re ready, but when faced with the reality, human resolve wavers.
Like how a volunteer at a military boot camp might feel unprepared upon hearing an instructor say, “If you feel unprepared, you can leave now.”
But I submitted the pledge to the staff without a hint of unease.
“If you have a will, please submit it as well.”
“I didn’t write one.”
“It’s not mandatory… But just in case, you can write one now at the back.”
“No need.”
Why would I write a will? I’m not worried about dying in the exam.
I soon received my exam ticket.
“An artifact, huh.”
About the size of a fist.
I examined the badge-like ticket.
Except for “Gangnam” on the front, it was blank—this ticket was why I arrived in Academy City a week early.
“We’ll explain exam precautions at 102 Lecture Hall shortly. If you’re attending, head there.”
“Yes, thank you.”
102 Lecture Hall was right next door.
Having finished registering, I turned from the counter.
Then, I spotted Yeon Ha-neul.
She seemed to have completed her registration too.
“Got your ticket?”
“Yeah, here. They said to go to 102 Lecture Hall for precautions.”
“I heard the same. Let’s grab seats.”
“Aren’t we waiting for the triplets?”
“They’ll come on their own. Let’s go.”
“Hmm… Alright.”
Time was running short.
We headed to 102 Lecture Hall for the exam briefing.
A moment later, the presentation began.
[As some of you may know, the exam actually starts today, not next week.]
[Attach your exam tickets now.]
[Ah, the ticket must be attached close to your heart. That’s how we accurately monitor your vital signs.]
The staff member held up his ticket for everyone to see.
I and Yeon Ha-neul attached our tickets as instructed.
[From this moment until the practical exam ends, you must keep your ticket on. We need to monitor your status and know your location in case of emergency.]
[To be precise, avoid removing your ticket for over an hour. Doing so will result in disqualification. Of course, before that…]
Pausing, the staff member continued.
[You’ll need to prove your status as an examinee.]
[You’ve received your tickets, but your exam numbers aren’t visible yet. Check your tickets now. They only say “Gangnam.”]
[By the day before the practical exam, you must make your exam number appear. Like this.]
The staff member tilted his ticket.
Soon, a number materialized beneath “Gangnam.”
[Your ticket must stay on until the number appears. So, how do you make it appear?]
[Your ticket contains a preliminary test to assess your basic abilities. Solve the problem, and the number will emerge.]
[The problem is randomly selected from our pool, with 30 questions of varying difficulty. Once a problem appears, it remains until solved or the date changes. If a problem stumps you, waiting for a new date to refresh the question is an option.]
[One problem only. You can obtain your exam number by solving just one of the 30 questions.]
But wouldn’t that eliminate differentiation among examinees?
The staff member smirked, but no one responded.
[Your ticket changes colour based on the number of problems solved. 5: grey, 10: yellow, 15: green, 20: red, 25: blue, 30: black.]
[Bonus points are awarded based on the colour. Whether to earn them is your choice.]
[Note: Your exam number isn’t finalized until the exam day. It’ll appear on your ticket then, along with the exam location.]
[Just arrive at the location on time.]
[That concludes the briefing. Good luck to all.]
With that, the staff member left the podium.
Prove Your Worth as an Examinee
The qualification exam held annually by Gangnam Academy was notoriously famous. It was so well-known that anyone preparing for the practical exam wouldn’t be unfamiliar with it.
“This year, it’s about solving problems…”
Last year, the exam involved growing plant seeds to find your exam number. But even though the format changes, Gangnam Academy’s evaluation criteria remain the same.
“Whether you work alone or collaborate with others, the goal is to solve problems within a week and keep your exam ticket…”
I looked around. Some people immediately left their seats after the briefing, confident they could solve the exam alone. Others tried to form teams on the spot, though most had already grouped together.
“…”
If you knew about the qualification exam, you’d have had plenty of chances to form a team beforehand—through family connections, friends, or online communities.
“Now, what should we do?”
Yeon Ha-neul asked, seeking guidance.
“Hey! Do Kwon-woo! What’s the plan?”
“We could collaborate.”
“Of course we will.”
The triplets had joined us by then. Seeing their eager faces, I decided after some thought:
“No, let’s each handle it on our own.”
“Huh? Why?”
“The problems are random, so collaborating won’t help. We’d just waste time trying to solve two problems instead of one. Do we lack the skill or confidence to work alone? No, right?”
The qualification exam isn’t overly difficult for those who’ve prepared to become Hunters. Collaborating isn’t necessary, especially if you aim for bonus points. Helping others solve problems might leave you with less time to earn your own.
“Time isn’t infinite. We have a week until the practical exam. We need to solve as many problems as possible to maximize bonus points. There’s no time for collaboration.”
Plus…
“Our dorms are different, and they’re quite far apart. Collaborating would mean wasting time meeting up every day.”
“Ugh… you’re right.”
During exam season, Academy City’s accommodations fill up with examinees from across the nation and beyond, making it fiercely competitive to secure a room. The triplets had booked a different dorm from ours.
“So let’s each handle it on our own. I hope none of us fail to solve any problems and get eliminated before the exam.”
“Tch, guess we have no choice. Alright! See you on exam day.”
They reluctantly agreed.
With no reason to stay and needing to settle in, we decided to part ways.
“Let’s go, Ha-neul.”
“Yeah, do you know the dorm location?”
“Of course.”
I and Yeon Ha-neul headed to our dorm. That’s where the problem arose.
“We’re here to check in.”
“Yes, may I have your names?”
“Do Kwon-woo and Yeon Ha-neul.”
“Yes, let me check… Oh, um… It seems there’s a system error on our end. It shows you both reserved the same room.”
“…”
What does that mean?
So, Yeon Ha-neul and I have to share a room?
Before I could react,
“Neee!?!”
Ah, she’s shocked.
Her bunny ears shot up.
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