Professor Sera looked over the students again, her smile now more serious.
"Before I tell you about the groups," she said, holding up her clipboard,"I want to make something clear."
"This year is different. The merging of awakened and unawakened students is still new... and there's something else."
She tapped the board lightly.
"Some unawakened students are showing very strong mana flow. This is rare… and risky."
Murmurs rose from the group. Some were confused, others curious.
Professor Sera continued, "Those with strong mana flow have a high possibility of becoming awakened soon—either naturally or through force."
Nayoung raised her hand quickly. "Force… awakened? You mean like that berserk case on the news?"
Sera nodded. "Exactly. That's why we must act carefully."
She looked at her clipboard.
"So, I will divide the groups based on mana flow first. Those with strong, steady mana will be placed in Group A."
Some students whispered again.
"It means they could awaken anytime…"
Professor Sera nodded again. "Yes. Group A will have stricter monitoring and extra support."
She paused, then smiled. "But don't worry. This is to protect everyone—not to separate anyone unfairly."
Nathan stood still, hands behind his back. Elshienne glanced at him, thinking, They're probably talking about us
"Alright, listen carefully. I will now announce your group names," she said. "We have three groups—A, B, and C. Group A has the strongest mana flow and needs extra support. They will have one more class after school."
Some students leaned forward, curious. Others looked nervous.
Professor Sera read out loud:
"Group A: Nathan and Elshienne Hamilton, Ara Lim, Sion Quinn, Choi Daewon, Song Mirae, Tenten Wang, and Seo Hana."
Murmurs filled the room.
"That's like the top students…"
"They all did ten laps too, right?"
"Daewon, Mirae, Jaein and Hana just did 9 laps."
Sera smiled gently. "Yes. They showed steady mana flow and high physical ability."
"Group B: Lee Jinhyu, Kim Haru, Goh Rika, Bu Jaein..."
Some students sighed with relief, some looked disappointed Sera said other names and Finally, she read:
"Group C: Bae Nayoung, Kang Junhee and the rest of the class."
Nayoung blinked. "Group C?" she whispered, a little confused. Elshienne turned her head, giving her a small smile.
Professor Sera nodded once. "Group C members, don't be discouraged. Mana flow can be trained. This isn't about being the best. It's about helping you grow."
Some students nodded slowly. After regular classes finished, the school bell rang—but Group A stayed behind.
Professor Sera clapped her hands. "Group A, follow me. We'll begin your extra session now. You won't be going home yet."
Nathan stood quietly. Elshienne followed, while Ara and Sion looked at each other with determined eyes.
The rest of the class started leaving, whispering.
"Wow… they're really chosen."
"I kinda feel jealous."
"They're going to be so strong…"
Nayoung stood behind, looking back at Nathan and Elshienne.
She muttered, "I need to work harder…"
As students started packing up, Nayoung moved cheerfully between them, smiling brightly.
"We'll do great, okay?" she said, lightly tapping the back of Junhee, one of her groupmates in Group C.
Junhee was clearly disappointed, frowning with his arms crossed. "Tch… we're in the weakest group," he muttered.
Nayoung leaned closer, still smiling. "That just means we'll grow the most. Come on, Junhee, let's surprise everyone later!"
Junhee sighed, looking at her. "You're too positive for this."
"I have to be! Someone has to keep our group alive!" Nayoung said with a playful laugh, making a few others smile too.
As they began walking out together, Rika asked, "You sure you're not bothered, Nayoung?"
"Huh? Not at all!" Nayoung replied, throwing her arm around Rika's shoulder. "Group A is just a test group. We're still important too."
She even joked with a few students as they walked. "Hey, less pressure means more snacks, right?"
Everyone chuckled. To her classmates, Nayoung looked completely fine—maybe even happier than usual.
But after reaching the hallway, she stopped. "I'll catch up. Restroom," she said with a smile. Inside, she stood quietly. She splashed cold water on her face and stared at her reflection.
The bright smile she showed before… faded. Her eyes trembled. Her chest felt heavy.
"I'm fine," she whispered to herself. "I'm… really fine."
Suddenly, from the corner of the restroom, a figure appeared. A person wearing a dark hood and mask. Their voice was soft… and strange.
"You're okay," the figure said gently. "You can get through this."
Nayoung turned quickly. "W-What? I don't know what you're talking about!"
Nayoung stared at the masked figure, unsure if she should run or shout. The figure took a small step closer, hands open and calm."Don't be scared," the voice said gently. "I'm not here to hurt you."
"I saw you earlier," the figure continued. "You smiled, laughed, even encouraged others. But your eyes… they were sad."
Her lips parted slightly. No one had said that to her. Not even her friends noticed.
"It's okay to feel disappointed," the figure said, voice soft like a friend's. "To feel like you're behind, forgotten… left out."
Nayoung's chest tightened.
"You're strong, Nayoung. I can see it. You have more in you than they think. You just need someone who understands you."
The figure slowly reached out, as if to hug her.
"You don't have to carry this alone. Let me help you," the voice whispered. "You can rise. You can shine above everyone—even the Hamiltons."
Nayoung froze as the figure gently touched her shoulder.
"You can be the top. You deserve to be."
Her eyes filled with doubt for a second. The comfort… it felt warm. But something in her heart said no. She stepped back, pushing the hand away.
"I… I don't need your help," she said, voice firm.
"I'm fine the way I am," she added. "Yes, I get jealous. But that's not a reason to cheat. I'll work hard my way, no matter how long it takes."
The figure's head tilted, the kind tone fading.
"So you reject my offer?" the voice now colder, distant.
Nayoung nodded. "Yes."
"If you change your mind just say it, I'll just be her." With that, the figure vanished like smoke. Just gone.
She stood there, breathing fast, then looked at her reflection in the mirror. She wiped her face and gave herself a small smile.