Kim Kane sat uneasily in the back rows of the grand hall, surrounded by his fellow scholarship students. The once-bustling room had emptied out, leaving behind an eerie quiet that amplified the weight of the moment. Seo-joon was at his side, his usual confidence tempered by the same nervous energy that gripped everyone. The professor standing before them exuded an aura of calm authority, his sharp glasses reflecting the dimmed lights of the hall.
"I am Professor Park Dae-jung," he began, his voice steady but firm. "I’ve requested this meeting because I understand what it’s like to be where you are now. I was once in your shoes."
The murmurs that rippled through the group quickly subsided as the professor continued. “This university prides itself on its legacy of excellence, but not all of that legacy is built on merit. Wealth has a way of shaping opportunities here, often at the expense of those more deserving. You, as scholarship students, represent what this university can truly achieve when merit is prioritized. But that comes with challenges.”
Kim felt a knot tighten in his stomach as Professor Park’s tone grew heavier.
“This institution is not a level playing field,” he said bluntly. “Your accomplishments brought you here, but the moment you step out of line, you’ll find that the rules are not as forgiving for you as they are for others.”
The room was silent, each student processing the stark reality of his words.
“I don’t say this to scare you,” Park added, softening his tone. “I say it to prepare you. You must tread carefully. Any mistake, no matter how small, could cost you everything—your scholarship, your reputation, your future. The stakes are higher for you than they are for them.”
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Kim glanced around at his peers. Some nodded, while others stared down at their hands, their expressions somber. Seo-joon leaned closer to Kim and whispered, “He’s not sugarcoating it, is he?”
Kim shook his head slightly, his attention fixed on the professor.
“But there’s hope,” Park continued. “You have an ally in me. If you face any issues—discrimination, unfair treatment, or challenges that feel insurmountable—come to me. My office is in the faculty building, third floor. I will do what I can to ensure fairness.”
Kim felt a glimmer of reassurance. It wasn’t much, but knowing someone in the system cared about their plight was a small comfort.
The professor shifted the conversation, recounting the university’s history. He painted a picture of an institution that had once been purely academic but had since transformed into a playground for the elite. Kim listened intently as Park spoke about how the influx of wealth had skewed the university’s priorities, creating a system where money often spoke louder than merit.
“Yet here you are,” Park said, his gaze sweeping across the room. “Proof that merit still has a place here, even if it’s a precarious one.”
Kim felt a mix of pride and frustration. He had fought hard to earn his place, but now it felt like he was walking a tightrope, one misstep away from losing everything.
As Professor Park concluded his warning, he looked directly at Kim and the others. “Remember, your journey here is not just about academics. It’s about survival. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and most importantly, support each other. Together, you can navigate this system and emerge stronger.”
The professor’s words hung in the air as the students filed out of the hall, their minds heavy with the reality of their situation. Kim walked in silence beside Seo-joon, the professor’s warning echoing in his mind.
For the first time since he arrived at the university, Kim realized the depth of the challenges he faced. It wasn’t just about proving himself academically—it was about surviving in a world where power and privilege reigned supreme.
And yet, as daunting as it seemed, Kim felt a spark of determination ignite within him. He had made it this far. He wasn’t going to let the odds defeat him now.