As the time for the entrance ceremony drew near, a wave of people began to stream into the central hall.
In the blink of an eye, the room filled with students clad in identical school uniforms.
From behind the stage, where we were waiting, we saw the sheer number of students and felt utterly overwhelmed.
This… there’s no way not to feel nervous.
Standing on stage meant facing the eyes of all those students. The pressure was inevitable.
And it wasn’t just students seated out there—Clan scouts and members of the press were also in attendance.
Cameras mounted around the central hall were broadcasting the ceremony live.
Now I understood what Do Si-eun meant earlier when she admitted she was nervous.
In such a situation, there was no way Yeon Ha-neul could remain calm.
“Oh no oh no oh no oh no…”
“…Ha-neul?”
“Is there a rabbit hole around here?”
“A rabbit hole? What are you talking about?”
“I need to crawl into one and hide. Sorry, I can’t do this. Going out in front of all those people? I’ll die.”
“…People don’t die from that.”
“I-I’m not a person… No, I don’t want to be one.”
“If you’re not a person, what are you?”
“A r-rabbit… Ow!”
“Get a grip, Yeon Ha-neul.”
“Ughh…”
“You’re not giving the oath alone. I’ll be right there with you. I’ll stay close the whole time, so don’t worry.”
“…Will you be my rabbit hole?”
“Heh… sure. If it gets that bad, you can even crawl into my jacket and hide.”
“…Okay. I’ll keep that as a last resort.”
I lowered my hand between her rabbit-like ears, which had been standing on end with tension.
As she turned her gaze toward me from the central hall, her panic seemed to ease slightly.
“Standing here might block people trying to pass. Let’s move over there.”
“…Okay.”
It’s only natural to become self-conscious when so many eyes are on you.
That wasn’t good for Yeon Ha-neul.
I took her by the wrist and led her to a corner where she couldn’t easily see what was happening on stage.
I had her sit down and positioned myself in front of her to block her view.
“You’re not going to sit?”
“I’m more comfortable like this.”
“You must be tired from standing…”
“A future Hunter can’t complain about this much. Once the oath is over, I’ll sit and rest. Until then, let’s practice.”
“…Thank you, really.”
What exactly was she thanking me for?
Looking down at Yeon Ha-neul, who sat neatly with her hands on her lap, I let out a small chuckle.
We spent the remaining time rehearsing the entrance oath.
[We will now proceed with the pledge to the national flag. All students and guests, please rise and face the Taegeukgi at the front.]
At last, the entrance ceremony began.
Turning my back to Yeon Ha-neul, I looked up at the stage.
The familiar anthem and voice, something I had heard in my past life, echoed through the hall.
[Next, we will sing the national anthem. Only the first verse will be sung.]
[Following that, we will proceed with the school song.]
Everything proceeded as explained in the orientation.
For the school anthem, upperclassmen designated for the task went up on stage to lead.
Students, following the lyrics on the screen, sang along.
When the formalities ended, So Hye-yul stepped onto the podium.
[Hello, everyone. Congratulations on your acceptance to Geumgang Academy. I’m So Hye-yul, the chairwoman of this institution.]
“…”
[Becoming a Hunter is no easy path. It’s exhausting. No matter how hard you try, your efforts may go unrewarded. Hunters live lives where danger looms at any time, anywhere. You probably already know this. Yet despite that, you’ve chosen to take your first step into the world of Hunters today. As someone who also lives in this world, I congratulate, support, and respect you.]
Small in stature, she stood on a platform to give her address.
Despite her youthful face, she exuded the presence of an adult. There was not a single illusion painted in her speech.
She offered no fantasies about Hunters—only the cold truth to the incoming students.
Even though I couldn’t see the students’ reactions from backstage, I imagined the hall must have gone still with solemnity.
[You are exceptional. But know this: there are many out there who are even more exceptional. Over the next three years at this academy, you will come to realize and accept this. Some of you will earn the world’s recognition. Others may face bitter failure. Anyone can make an effort. Effort is important, but it doesn’t guarantee results. Most of all, no amount of effort alone can defeat someone with effort and talent.]
A line straight out of the game.
So Hye-yul’s speech served as a stark reminder that the world of this youth-themed academy wasn’t all bright and hopeful.
When I first encountered this game in my previous life, that moment left a strong impression.
To see it unfold in person like this now… felt surreal.
Though unlike the game, I wasn’t looking at her head-on—I was watching her profile from backstage.
Soon, she began to close her speech.
[Nonetheless, I salute you. Like diamonds that shine brighter the more they’re polished, continue refining yourselves until the day you graduate. I hope that by then, you will have learned much and be ready to face the world.]
With that, she bowed deeply.
Polite applause echoed quietly through the hall.
Hearing it, she turned and descended from the stage, walking in heels alongside Chief Secretary Oh Seung-a.
Hmm?
Her gaze paused momentarily.
Her golden eyes seemed to land on me.
Hello…?
On a whim, I gave a small nod.
She returned it with a polite dip of her chin before disappearing with her aide to the opposite side of the hall.
Looks like I caught So Hye-yul’s eye.
Well, after everything that happened during the entrance exam, it would be strange if I hadn’t caught her attention.
I settled in to watch the rest of the ceremony as I waited for my turn.
Soon, it was Do Si-eun’s moment.
[Next, we will hear from the student council president.]
Her pink skirt swayed as she walked to the stage.
A Suyeon Sword strapped at her waist, Do Si-eun stepped into the spotlight.
Her blue eyes scanned the audience.
[Hello. I sincerely welcome all of you new students. From today, you’ll begin building various experiences not only in this academy but throughout the academic city. During that journey…]
Her clear, unwavering voice rang out.
It had a magnetic pull, as though her words alone could draw all attention to her.
From the side of the stage, I watched her profile—so different from the Do Si-eun I knew.
Always composed, strict, and uncompromising even with herself—she truly looked the part of student council president.
Standing tall with flawless posture, she exuded authority.
Just like in the game…
But this wasn’t her true self.
Beneath that exterior, Do Si-eun was surprisingly soft, clumsy at times, warm and generous.
Very few people knew that side of her—including me.
Watching from backstage, I felt a quiet sense of superiority over those seated in the central hall.
A smile crept onto my lips without me noticing.
[As the newly inaugurated president this year, I hope to walk this new path alongside you. May this year be meaningful and fulfilling for all of you. That concludes the address from Do Si-eun, 143rd student council president of Geumgang Academy. Thank you.]
With her speech finished, Do Si-eun turned and stepped down.
As she descended the steps, our eyes met.
Her lips moved silently.
“I was so nervous I thought I’d die.”
That was nervous?
Perplexed, I silently mouthed back.
“You did great. You looked amazing, noona.”
“…Thank you.”
A gentle smile lit up her blue eyes.
The longer the wait, the heavier the anxiety.
After Do Si-eun departed due to other commitments, Yeon Ha-neul was left alone to nervously await her turn.
“Ugh…”
She wished the moment would never come.
Wished time would simply stop.
Gripped by panic, Yeon Ha-neul began to utter strange requests.
“Gyeon-woo, sing for me.”
“What? What kind of request is that?”
“You know, that song!”
“What do you mean that song? Be specific.”
“‘Cause you are my girl’”
“…”
“And put up those café-style subtitles while you’re at it.”
“You’ve finally lost it.”
“I wish I’d lost it. Can you knock me out with your sword? Use the dull edge, please!”
“Sorry, but I have principles. I don’t draw my blade for trivial things.”
“Stop acting cool and talking nonsense!”
“Exactly what I wanted to say to you. Enough of this cringe.”
“Ughh…”
“Cringe!”
“Ow!”
Do Gyeon-woo gently tapped the back of Yeon Ha-neul’s neck with the edge of his hand.
Then followed it with a light chop to her head.
Though it didn’t hurt in the slightest, she rubbed both spots with a pained expression.
“Feel better now?”
“A little…”
“You’re really that nervous?”
“Nervous enough to wish the whole world would just end.”
“…Let’s not get that dramatic.”
Of course, she didn’t truly wish for the world’s destruction.
It was just a turn of phrase—one she lacked the power to realize even if she wanted to.
Ignoring the strange seriousness in Gyeon-woo’s eyes, Yeon Ha-neul took a deep breath.
Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.
As she repeated the process, she gradually began to calm down.
[Next, we will have the freshmen oath. All first-year students, please rise. The representatives this year are Yeon Ha-neul and Do Gyeon-woo, who ranked first and second respectively.]
“…It was a lie.”
Yeon Ha-neul flinched at the announcement blaring from the speakers.
The moment had finally arrived.
She looked as though she might burst into tears.
“Gyeon-woo…”
“It’s okay. Let’s go.”
It was not okay. Not even close.
Yeon Ha-neul shook her head in protest.
Her feet refused to move. It felt like they were glued to the floor.
One agonizingly slow step at a time, she forced herself forward.
Do Gyeon-woo, already ahead, turned and sighed.
“No helping it. Here.”
“…What’s this?”
He extended his hand without warning.
Yeon Ha-neul tilted her head, puzzled.
Then, in his usual calm voice, he explained:
“You look like you can’t walk, so I’ll take you to the stage. But from there, you’re on your own.”
“….”
“Come on. Hand.”
“…Hand.”
She wasn’t a puppy, yet she reacted like one—placing her trembling hand in his.
Do Gyeon-woo chuckled softly and clasped it firmly.
“Let’s go. They’re going to call us any second now.”
[Will the freshman representatives please come up to the stage?]
“…Too late. They already did. Let’s move.”
“Ah… okay.”
His hand was calloused.
Rough and strong.
It completely enveloped hers—larger by far.
Was my hand always this small?
The firm grip startled her.
But… she didn’t dislike it.
In that undeniable contrast, she was suddenly made aware of the difference between man and woman.
Lost in that thought, she didn’t hear what the speaker said next.
“Ah…”
By the time she came to her senses, she was already on the stairs.
Just one more step—and she’d be onstage.
Ahead, Do Gyeon-woo was walking toward the podium, glancing sideways at her.
“….”
He was looking at her.
She looked back at him.
Focusing on him, Yeon Ha-neul took a step into the spotlight.
The moment she stepped onto the stage, it felt like every eye in the central hall turned to her.
“That’s the disciple of the Witch of Seven Colors?”
“So she’s the top-ranked freshman…”
Her rabbit-like ears picked up the whispers with unnerving clarity.
But she didn’t care.
All she focused on was Do Gyeon-woo.
Then—
“You made it.”
“…Yeah.”
She took her place beside him.
When he smiled at her with pride, her expression softened.
Together, they ascended the final steps and stood before the podium, looking out at the sea of people.
And met their gazes.
“….”
The anxiety hadn’t fully gone.
To say she wasn’t nervous would be a lie.
Her chest thumped. Her legs trembled. Her thoughts blanked out into a haze.
But even so—Yeon Ha-neul somehow steadied herself.
Ah… That smell.
A fresh citrus fragrance, laced with faint sweetness, tickled her senses.
Her favorite scent.
It soothed her.
The scent was coming from beside her—from Do Gyeon-woo.
Yeon Ha-neul, comforted by his presence, stopped fearing the audience.
He was here. That was enough.
Then, in a quiet voice, he asked,
“You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Then shall we?”
“Let’s.”
She gave a small nod.
The oath was laid out before them on the podium.
They turned to face the crowd and began to read.
[We, who come from different walks of life, now step forward toward the same dream. From this day, we vow to strive together, sharpening one another like blades of steel…]
On behalf of all the freshmen, they voiced their resolve—to their peers, their upperclassmen, and the academy’s instructors.
There was no tremor in Yeon Ha-neul’s voice.
Her words carried clearly through the microphone, reaching every corner of the central hall.
What did Si-eun unnie say again? That when I’m nervous, I should think about what I’ll do afterward…
Tonight, she planned to drink for the first time in her life—with friends, celebrating their entrance.
The thought made her both nervous and excited.
Remembering Do Si-eun’s advice helped ease her tension even more.
[We pledge.]
“We pledge.”
The two of them raised their right hands.
All the students in the hall followed suit.
[With our names and our souls on the line,]
[We swear to serve our nation, to protect humankind.]
[To stand unshaken in the face of danger.]
[To fear not death, nor falter in justice.]
[To contribute to peace across the world.]
[To fulfill the mission of a Hunter with unwavering resolve.]
[Until the moment our hearts cease to beat.]
They paused for a moment.
Only once the murmurs of the crowd had faded did they proceed.
[Geumgang Academy, Class of 145.]
[Yeon. Ha. Neul.]
[Do. Gyeon. Woo.]
Each stated their name with unwavering clarity.
The moment their voices faded, the rest of the students lowered their hands in unison.
Watching the words flash across the screen above the stage, the gathered students raised their hands to recite the oath.
Among them was Kang Han-byeol.
[Geumgang Academy, Class of 145.]
[Yeon. Ha. Neul.]
[Do. Gyeon. Woo.]
“…Kang. Han. Byeol.”
She lowered her hand in sync with the top two-ranked students.
But her gaze stayed fixed on one of them—Do Gyeon-woo, of the Divine Sword Clan.
So that’s the grandson of the Beast King…
Her master, Seo Jeong-jin, had described the clan head as a towering man with a presence that made him seem like he ruled over all living beasts—a true lion, a king of predators.
She had assumed his grandson would share that same overwhelming aura.
But the reality was… different.
“….”
He was tall, broad-shouldered, yes—but his frame was otherwise ordinary.
Maybe even a bit lean.
His facial features were delicate. His expression, gentle.
Nothing at all like the lion that symbolized the Divine Sword Clan.
If anything… he resembled a herbivore. Maybe even a rabbit.
Suddenly, the nickname Rabbit made sense.
Still—
“Doesn’t mean I can let my guard down.”
She couldn’t afford to judge by appearances.
The fact that Do Gyeon-woo had entered the academy as second-ranked meant only one thing—his ability was real.
He was no one to be underestimated.
Kang Han-byeol stared after him, watching until he disappeared off the stage.
A faint curve touched her lips.
“I wonder how strong he is.”
Just like the student council president, Do Si-eun, and now this Do Gyeon-woo—
They both had sparked her competitive fire.
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