Chapter 4: The High-Ranking Potential

Se-hyeon stepped out of the simulation center after completing his full hour. The test results were highly satisfying.

For the Shadow Orb, he could freely control up to five spheres while standing still, but he felt a strain the moment he tried for a sixth. When moving with Boots of Wind, he could manage up to three. Since he had to focus on his maneuvers, the number of orbs he could perfectly command naturally decreased.

In other words, executing flawless Magic Combat would require significant practice.

“Well, even so, this should be enough to solo low-rank dungeons.”

Normally, even for low-rank dungeons, party hunting was the standard. This wasn’t just for safety; it was because most solo hunters couldn’t handle the mana consumption. If you had to stand around waiting for mana to recharge after every few kills, your efficiency would plummet.

However, this didn’t apply to Se-hyeon, who possessed over 10,000 mana thanks to his additional 1,000 Magic stat points. While monsters would get stronger and mana consumption would rise in higher ranks, it was more than enough for low-rank areas.

Leaving the center, Se-hyeon headed straight to the Awakened Association.

“I’ve passed by this place a few times, but it’s my first time actually coming inside.”

An Awakened Registration Card was mandatory to enter dungeons, as the Association strictly managed all dungeon portals. Since he had finished his preliminary testing at the simulation center, there was no reason to delay.

‘It’s as crowded as I expected.’

The interior was bustling with Awakened, people there for testing, and those visiting for other administrative business. Se-hyeon walked toward the main desk.

“How can I help you?” the staff member asked.

“I’m here for the Awakened Registration Test.”

The staff member replied with a business-like expression. “The test fee is 100,000 won.”

“Charge it to this, please.”

After processing the payment with Se-hyeon’s check card, the staff member handed back the card along with a test confirmation slip.

“The test consists of two parts: a stat measurement and a practical combat test. The measurement room is to your left. Hand them your slip, and they’ll guide you. Once that’s done, proceed to the 3rd floor for the practical test.”

“Understood.”

Se-hyeon tucked his card into his wallet and headed to the measurement room. There were about five or six people waiting; his turn came after about thirty minutes.

“Give me your slip and take a seat over there.”

Following the instructions, Se-hyeon sat down as a technician attached sensors to his head, arms, and legs.

“Measurement takes about five minutes. Just relax.”

The technician started the machine.

Vriiiiiiiiiing!

The process finished quickly.

“Huh! Your Magic stat is 180. For a first-time awakening, 180 is near the peak. Your potential must be incredible. Regardless of your practical test, a D-rank is almost guaranteed. Is your class a Mage?”

Usually, the primary stat of a class is the highest. Since his other stats were in the low teens while Magic was 180, the assumption was natural.

‘Ho, it seems the additional 1,000 magic doesn’t show up on the scanners. Well, 180 is enough to get noticed anyway.’

It appeared the sensors only picked up his pure, base magic power.

“Yes, I’m a Mage.”

To be precise, he was a Chaos Mage, but “Mage” was a close enough answer for now.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen a prospect like this. A primary stat of 180 at the start… your other stats are a bit low, but for a Mage, that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Congratulations. Head to the 3rd floor for your practical test. You’re assigned to General Test Room 2.”

Even for magic-based classes, many started with stats below 50, let alone 100. A score of 180 offset any other weaknesses. As long as he didn’t show disastrous combat ability, he would receive a D-rank—the highest possible rank for a new Awakened.

“Thank you.”

Se-hyeon left the room and took the elevator to the 3rd floor.

Awakened Management Department, 5th Floor

“Is there anyone worth watching from today’s measurements?”

The question came from a middle-aged man in his mid-forties. A young staff member looking over the data shook his head.

“No, sir. Aside from a few E-ranks, most are F-rank level. Even those E-ranks are only scoring between 50 and 60.”

A man in his late thirties behind them frowned. “Manager, doesn’t everyone with high potential go straight to the Academy anyway? We should just focus on managing them. Why do we have to worry about these general Awakened?”

The Department Head sighed. “Sigh… potential tests aren’t everything. Irregulars can appear regardless of their initial potential score. And more importantly, testing errors happen occasionally.”

“But is it worth all this effort for a one-in-a-million chance? We have a massive workload managing active Awakened already. Isn’t this a waste of time?”

The workload was indeed heavy. With dozens of new registrants daily, checking every single data point was exhausting.

“You think I don’t know that? I asked for a policy change, but it didn’t work. You know the Association President—once he gets fixated on something, he has to see it through to the end.”

“Ugh, it’s all because that ‘Irregular’ appeared in Japan.”

Originally, the Management Department didn’t scrutinize new data this closely. However, a person in Japan who had been judged as having low potential awakened with a specialized “Irregular” class. The United States, which monitors global talent closely, snatched that person up immediately. Japan faced a massive public outcry for their negligence, and fearing a similar embarrassment, the Korean Association President ordered strict monitoring of all new registrants.

“Tsk. Strictly speaking, the problem wasn’t the Irregular appearing in Japan; it was the fact that they lost him to the U.S. because of poor management. Japan only cares about those with high-potential scores, just like we used to.”

“Well, please do something about it, sir. We’re drowning here. We need a separate department or at least more manpower.”

As the staff member continued to grumble…

“Wait! M-Manager!” the staffer managing the data shouted.

“What is it?”

“A hit! A Mage class with a Magic stat of 180!”

The Manager rushed to the computer. “What? 180? That’s at the very top of the D-rank threshold!”

Someone who was judged to have low potential—not even making it to the Academy—had awakened with a stat of 180. It wasn’t just barely over the 100-point D-rank minimum; it was nearly at the 200-point cap. With such numbers, they would almost certainly reach B-rank after their second growth stage.

“Exactly. Why would someone like this register as a general Awakened? Pull up his basic info.”

“Yes, sir. Here it is. Name: Jang Se-hyeon, Age: 22. Wait… what is this? He was judged ‘Incapable of Awakening’ in his potential test?”

It was mind-boggling enough that an “Incapable” person had awakened, but to do so with top-tier D-rank stats was unheard of.

“Incapable? Are you kidding me? How do those guys at the Talent Development Department even work?! A score like that should have flagged him for S-rank potential! I wouldn’t be this mad if he had at least been A-rank. But ‘Incapable’? Ha!”

“I agree, sir. This is the perfect chance to rip into those guys. I’ll be right behind you.”

The Talent Development Department handled everything from initial testing to the Academy. Since they had branched off from the Management Department to become an independent entity, the relationship between the two was strained.

The Manager looked at the screen and asked, “This data was just updated, right? That means he’s heading to the 3rd floor for his practical test right now?”

“Most likely.”

The Manager thought for a moment. “Which room was he assigned to?”

“General Test Room 2.”

“Room 2? Contact them immediately. Change his assignment to Special Test Room 1 and tell them to wait until I get there.”

The staff member looked surprised. “You’re going to watch in person?”

“This is an opportunity. If we play this right, we can deliver a massive embarrassment to those Talent Development fools. His magic is top-tier D-rank. If he has even a modicum of combat sense, we can pin their incompetence against the wall for calling him ‘Incapable’.”

“True.”

“And regardless of politics, an asset like this belongs on the Special Management list anyway.”

The Manager and his assistant headed toward the elevators.

Se-hyeon arrived on the 3rd floor and walked toward the practical test rooms. There were five rooms in total: two Special rooms for high-potential targets and three General rooms. He looked for Room 2.

‘Hmm, two people ahead of me. This might take a while.’

Even excluding the person currently inside, there were two others waiting. Tests could be quick, but they usually took 20 to 30 minutes, meaning he might be waiting for over an hour. He walked up to the reception desk.

“I’m here for the practical test.”

The staff member looked up. “Name, please?”

“Jang Se-hyeon. I was told to come here by the measurement room.”

Upon hearing his name, the staff member’s eyes widened. “Ah! Mr. Jang Se-hyeon? One moment. There’s been a change. You’ve been reassigned to Special Test Room 1.”

Se-hyeon tilted his head. “Room 1? The other office said Room 2. And isn’t that a Special room? Are you sure?”

“Yes. Your measurement scores were likely high enough that you’ve been flagged for Special Management. Please proceed to Special Test Room 1.”

Being flagged for Special Management came with perks—everything from dungeon priority to equipment rental discounts and various types of support. These benefits stayed even after joining a guild. Essentially, it made life as an Awakened in Korea much smoother.

The only catch was that the Association would monitor his contacts with foreign guilds more closely to prevent “brain drain.”

“Special Management? Is that mandatory?” Se-hyeon asked.

“Oh! No, it’s ultimately your choice to accept the status, but most find the benefits very satisfying. It’s highly recommended.”

‘Unless I plan on leaving the country, it seems like a win,’ Se-hyeon thought. He felt a bit more relaxed as he turned and walked toward the Special Test Room.