Si-Woo’s eyes widened as he scanned the grand hall, taking in the sight of six imposing figures seated in regal splendor at the forefront of the gathering. The headmasters of the Great Families sat alongside their distinguished accomplices, their presence commanding an air of authority and reverence. Si-Woo’s gaze wandered to the ornately embroidered banners behind each headmaster, bearing the sigils of their respective families, and the hum of hushed whispers from the crowd filled the hall.
Mai, standing off to the side, waved enthusiastically, her familiar grin easing some of the tension Si-Woo felt.
Turning to Minho, he leaned closer, his voice a mixture of awe and disbelief. “Wow, did all the headmasters of the Great Families really show up because of me?”
Minho stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Yes and no,” he replied enigmatically. “Your score and rise to level 4 senior have certainly caught their attention. But more than that, they’re always interested in identifying exceptional talent for the future of their families and alliances. This is as much a meeting of opportunity for them as it is a celebration for you.”
Before Si-Woo could respond, Mai sidled up to Ha-Yoon and grabbed her hand, her excitement bubbling over. “Come on, Ha-Yoon! Let’s check out the food booths,” she urged, her eyes already darting toward the elaborate spread. “We’ve got so much to talk about.”
Ha-Yoon shot Si-Woo a playful glance before being dragged away, her bonds trailing faithfully behind her.
Minho placed a firm hand on Si-Woo’s shoulder, drawing his attention back. “Listen, Si-Woo,” he began, his tone more serious. “Now that you’ve advanced to a level 4 senior, your path will only grow more challenging—and more rewarding. By the time you reach level 5, you’ll be faced with an important decision: choosing one of the Great Families to study under.”
Si-Woo’s brow furrowed, and he looked back at the headmasters, their composed faces betraying little of their thoughts. “Do I have to decide soon?” he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Minho shook his head. “Not yet,” he assured him. “You’ve jumped to a level 4 senior, but you’ll need to wait until either your 15th birthday or your awakening to move forward. That gives you plenty of time to think about it. For now, focus on refining your skills and preparing yourself for the challenges ahead. The Great Families will be watching your growth closely.”
Si-Woo nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Minho’s words. He felt both the thrill of progress and the burden of responsibility, but he resolved to meet whatever lay ahead with determination.
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From across the room, he caught sight of Mai and Ha-Yoon laughing by one of the lavishly decorated food booths, their easy camaraderie a reminder of the support he would always have, no matter what path he chose.
As the realization of the headmasters’ intentions dawned on Si-Woo, his head spun with disbelief. “They’re here to recruit me?” he asked, wide-eyed.
Minho chuckled knowingly, crossing his arms. “They’re here to get the cream of the crop,” he explained. “You’ve proven yourself with your exceptional progress, and they see potential. They’ll each try to sway you into joining their family—after all, a prodigy like you doesn’t come around often.”
“But—” Si-Woo started, only to find himself cut off as one of the headmaster's recruiters, a tall and stately figure draped in flowing robes adorned with an intricate golden sigil, stepped forward, a charismatic smile on his face.
“Si-Woo, is it?” the headmaster recruiter greeted warmly, his voice smooth and commanding. “I am Renald of the market and sales family. Your talents are remarkable. With our guidance, your skills could ascend to even greater heights.”
Before Si-Woo could respond, another recruiter, this one bearing the crest of the Agricultural Family, interjected with a hearty laugh. “Renald, don’t think you can claim him so easily. Si-Woo, my boy, the agricultural Family offers unmatched resources and insight techniques. Think of what you could achieve with us by your side!”
The remaining recruiter and headmasters soon followed, each one presenting their case with calculated words and tempting promises. Si-Woo felt himself being pulled in every direction, the sheer intensity of their attention leaving him overwhelmed.
By the time he finally managed to extract himself from the fervent crowd, he was utterly drained. Slipping through the ornate doors leading to the back courtyard, he let out a long sigh of relief, the cool evening air a balm to his frazzled nerves.
The courtyard was a tranquil escape from the lively commotion of the great hall, illuminated by soft lantern light that shimmered across the surface of an elaborate fountain. Si-Woo approached it, letting the sound of trickling water calm his racing thoughts.
“Minho really saved me back there,” he muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips. “If I had to endure one more—”
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a voice.
“I’d never guess we’d meet each other this soon.”
The words resonated in his mind, clear and distinct, though no one was around. Si-Woo’s eyes widened in alarm, his body tensing as he spun around.
“Who’s there?” he demanded, scanning the courtyard. The voice didn’t feel threatening, but it carried a strange familiarity that made his heart race.
The night was enveloped in a thick stillness, with only the soft, rhythmic splash of water cascading from the fountain breaking the silence. Yet, deep within Si-Woo’s mind, a voice emerged, laced with a bemused chuckle. "Sorry," it said "I didn't mean to startle you", almost playfully. Startled, Si-Woo turned to find a hooded figure perched languidly on the fountain's edge. The figure was draped in a flowing white cloak that caught the moonlight, revealing intricate designs of abstract golden lines weaving across the fabric like rivers of light. In the dim glow of the evening, it was impossible to discern any features beneath the hood, leaving one to wonder if the being was even human at all. The air around them felt charged with an inexplicable energy, heightening Si-Woo's curiosity and unease.