Chương 9: FIRST DAY

Jimin kept meditating. Warmth moved through his limbs, and the familiar calm settled over his mind, but this time… something felt different. His breathing steadied faster than before, the lingering exhaustion fading quicker. He raised an eyebrow.

"…Huh? My stamina's coming back way faster." He deemed the passive skill 'Growth', he had just created, as the reason and a small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"So it really works." When his stamina fully recovered, he stood, rolled his shoulders, and walked back to the same spot where he had done his earlier exercises.

"Let's see if there's any difference." He began again; pushups first. Twenty came easily. Twenty-five made his arms burn. Twenty-eight pushed him to the edge.

"Thirty… thirty-one…" He collapsed after the thirty-second rep, panting hard.

"…Two more than last time." He sat back, catching his breath. It wasn't dramatic, but it was real. Tangible progress. He moved on to pull-ups; his arms trembling as he pulled himself up sixteen times. One more than last time.

"Growth is insane… even small increments will stack." He didn't allow himself to rest too long. He forced himself through lifting heavy machine parts again, pacing back and forth until his legs felt like cement. Then came running; laps around the dusty factory aisles, dodging old equipment and broken pillars. His lungs burned. His vision dimmed slightly. Then, a familiar chime rang in his head. —-------------------------------------------- [Training to the Limit!] Reward: +20 Total LP: 683 —-------------------------------------------- He dropped onto the dirty floor, breathing heavily.

"Limit… again. I really need to fix this part of myself." He sat cross-legged and activated Meditation. The world softened around him. His pulse slowed. Strength seeped back into his limbs faster than before. But then, Grrrrrrr… His stomach roared like a starved beast. Jimin froze.

"…Shit! The bulgogi can only take me this far." The hunger surged like a punch to his gut.

"Damn… Telekinesis training was draining, but physical training was even worse. Now that 'Growth' accelerated recovery, it probably accelerated my energy consumption too."

"I got to eat. Immediately." He stood up, brushed the dust off his clothes, and headed for the exit. The metal doors creaked as he stepped out into the chilly morning air. It was 7: 15 AM. The orphanage wouldn't serve breakfast for another half hour, maybe more. And even if it did… those portions wouldn't cut it today.

"I need something fast." He walked down the quiet residential street, spotting a small local restaurant with a few customers already. He pushed the door open and took a seat. He didn't have money to spare, so he ordered the cheapest things on the menu; two steamed buns, a small bowl of chicken broth, an omelette and some kimchi. He ate them so fast he barely tasted anything.

"…Still hungry," he muttered. But he couldn't afford more.

"Huh…. I really need some cash." He sighed, stood up, paid, and walked back toward the orphanage. When he arrived, the kids were lining up for breakfast. Jimin joined them and ate again; rice porridge, a boiled egg, and some pickled vegetables. Simple. Filling. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. A chime echoed quietly in his mind.

———————————————— [You have satiated your hunger] LP Gained: +10 Total LP: 693 ———————————————— He finished eating, showered, and got ready. Today was the first day of the Three-month Foundational Course. There was no uniform requirement, so he wore a red t-shirt, black jacket, and black trousers; simple but clean. After grabbing his bag, he left the orphanage and started walking toward the school.

A ten-minute walk brought him to the gate of Haneul High School, a fairly large school, especially known for its Rifter prep programs. Students were swarming inside; some chattering loudly, some yawning, some excitedly checking their phones. Jimin inhaled slowly.

"First day." He blended into the flow, walking through wide hallways filled with noise and energy. Posters about ethics, basic rifting rules, and academy entrance test details hung on the walls. He finally reached the classroom for the foundational course. The moment he slid the door open, several students turned their heads. Whispers started.

"That's him…"

"Isn't he that E-1 rank?"

"Yeah, the one with no skills."

"What's he even doing here?" A few snickered. Some openly stared. Others pretended not to look but whispered anyway. He had expected this. So, he ignored all of it. But in his mind he thought, "This is quite ironic." He scanned the room and spotted someone waving at him. It was Seo Yuna. Her bob-cut hair bounced lightly as she smiled.

"Jimin! Here!" He walked over and sat beside her.

"Morning," she greeted with a bright grin.

"Morning," he replied, managing a small smile.

"You're early."

"I was just too excited to sleep." She leaned closer.

"You look kinda worn out, though. Did you not sleep too?"

"Y…Yeah, something like that," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. Students gradually filled the room. Around fifty of them. Jimin didn't bother counting. Most were chatting loudly, comparing awakening ranks, gossiping about potential guild scouts, or bragging about family connections. Jimin watched silently. Most of these kids probably awakened at a higher level than him. Stronger stats. Better potential. But none of them had Skillmaster. He clenched his fist quietly under the desk.

"I'll catch up. And surpass them." The chatter died instantly when the classroom door opened. Everyone rushed to sit properly. A woman stepped inside. She looked to be in her early thirties, wearing a simple black suit. Her hair was tied into a neat ponytail, and her expression was calm but sharp; almost like she could read every student's thoughts at a glance.

"Good morning," she said, her voice firm and steady. She placed a tablet on the desk and faced the class fully.

"My name is Han Sora. Rank C-11. I'm a retired Rifter and your instructor for the next three months." A ripple passed through the class. A retired Rifter instructor wasn't uncommon, but C-rank meant she had real experience. Real combat and survival experience.

"I'll be in charge of your theory-based lessons. You will learn Basic fundamental theory, Basic Rift laws, Rift safety protocols, Monster classifications and Rift navigation principles." She scanned the room slowly, her gaze sharp enough to make several students straighten their backs.

"This program is designed to help you understand the foundation of being a Rifter. After completing this course and after passing the required assessments; you will obtain your Novice Rifter License." Excited whispers filled the room.

"With that license," she continued, "you will be legally permitted to enter from F to D-rank rifts." Jimin leaned forward slightly. So early access started at that level… Which meant F-rank rifts weren't considered that dangerous; or maybe they were, but manageable. Han Sora raised a hand, silencing the room.

"Before we begin, let me make something clear. This program is not designed to make you strong. It is designed to keep you alive." The room went quiet. Her lips curved into a thin, knowing smile.

"Now then; let's get started." And with that, the first lesson of Jimin's new life began.