An illusion formed in Ji So-yeon’s retina.

The familiar shape of a star she had always seen.

What kind of potential could the boy, Baek Seol-hee’s disciple and a talent recognized by Cheonhwa and Fighting Dog, possess?

It would be a lie if she didn’t have any expectations.

However, the reality of Jin Yuha’s star, when she finally saw it…

There was only one.

That was the limit the boy had.

.

.

.

“It can’t be… How…?”

She bit her lip at the sight of the utterly insignificant single star.

Having only one star meant that the boy’s limit was slightly higher than that of an ordinary person.

If there hadn’t been something suddenly wrong with her eyes, then it was surely the case.

But how could this be?

That one single star was emitting a brighter light than any other star she had ever seen.

As if the limits that confined him were no obstacle at all, it surpassed even the brightness of a 5-star, invading the realm of 5-star brilliance.

Though unfamiliar, she knew exactly what it meant.

Transcendence.

A state where potential expands beyond one’s own limits.

Ji So-yeon knew only one person around her who had achieved transcendence.

A woman who surpassed the natural limit of 4 stars to reach 5 stars.

As she turned her head, she saw a black-haired woman with a worried expression, as if something had happened to her disciple.

Baek Seol-hee.

Born with a high rank of 4 stars, but at the same time, a monster-like colleague who broke through that limit.

What kind of rigorous training she had undergone to break through the wall of 4 stars, Ji So-yeon, who had been watching closely by her side, knew best.

Every moment dedicated to the sword, even sparing no time for sleep, she achieved her goal through relentless practice.

However, even Baek Seol-hee started at 4 stars.

The point she had reached, being pointed at as an abnormality even though she was already considered a genius.

But what about this boy?

He was born with just one star.

However, his light already surpassed that of other 4 stars.

‘She accepted a monster as her disciple…’

A shiver ran down her spine.

Gulp.

Ji So-yeon swallowed hard.

‘Frightening…’

But at the same time, empathy surged beyond that.

The child who had just entered the academy must have gone to extreme lengths to break through his limits and forcibly expand his potential like this.

Living a daily life that would be insufficiently described as hell.

‘Even though he’s wearing such a normal expression now, is he really alright on the inside…?’

What could have been the reason for this child to become a monster like this?

At that moment, a suspicion arose within Ji So-yeon.

“Seol-hee.”

She called out to her nearby colleague in a low voice.

“What’s wrong? Is there really something troubling you?”

Baek Seol-hee wore a worried expression.

It was hard not to wonder if this expressionless colleague had some hidden depth to her emotions, but…

“Hey, how long have you been training with him? Did you start training him from a young age, forcing him into rigorous training even though he knew nothing?”

If that were the case, Ji So-yeon would feel a profound disappointment towards her respected colleague for the first time. It would mean subjecting an ignorant child to torturous training.

Thankfully, Baek Seol-hee shook her head.

“No, we’ve only been training for about two months. We didn’t know each other before he came to the academy.”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m really grateful to have met Instructor Baek Seol-hee since coming to the academy.”

The sincere expressions in Baek Seol-hee and Jin Yuha’s eyes were evident.

In that case, it was fortunate.

“…I see.”

“Why?”

“Oh, it’s just… it’s admirable and surprising to see a young boy become this strong.”

Baek Seol-hee smiled noticeably relieved, as if to say, ‘Is that all…’

‘Yes, Seol-hee wouldn’t lie about something like this.’

Looking at Baek Seol-hee, Ji So-yeon dismissed her doubts and nodded.

So, this boy voluntarily endured rigorous training even before meeting Baek Seol-hee.

“Do you have any problems with me?”

With a suddenly serious expression, Jin Yuha asked her.

“No, no. But I have a few questions, would you mind?”

“Yes, please feel free.”

“How is Seol-hee’s training? Is it bearable? Not too difficult?”

“It’s tough. But even so, she kindly teaches me properly according to the textbook, and I’m always impressed every time I train.”

Not fear but kindness…? Not torture but textbook…? Not shock but admiration…?

Perhaps birds of a feather flock together.

Knowing well how the colleagues who imitated Baek Seol-hee’s overwhelming achievements ended up fleeing, Ji So-yeon’s poker face almost cracked for a moment.

‘…Yes, it’s an area of madness beyond my judgment.’

“…What about your parents?”

Next, Ji So-yeon doubted the boy’s home environment.

If his parents were normal, they wouldn’t have forced such training on him.

“…What about your parents?”

“They’re both deceased.”

Ah.

“In the Gate Era it’s common, I see.”

With just that word, the boy’s past unfolded before her eyes.

Unable to contain the emotions welling up inside her, Ji So-yeon hugged Jin Yuha tightly.

“Promise me, promise me you’ll come find me later. It’s not possible now, but I’m looking for a way to break through my limits. When that happens, I’ll be able to help you.”

Her hands trembled as she embraced Jin Yuha.

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.

.

“No, but why is she suddenly like this?”

She suddenly asked about my parents’ well-being, then hugged me out of the blue, even shedding tears.

It was bewildering.

Anyone witnessing this would think it was strange.

“Are you… okay? Let go, please…”

I gently tapped her shoulder, trying to calm her down.

And then, Ji So-yeon’s tear-streaked face drooped.

Drip…

From her fallen face, transparent liquid trickled down, marking the exact spots of her eyes, nose, and mouth on her clothes.

‘Ugh, tears, snot, and saliva stains on my clothes…’

But I couldn’t show any displeasure. Even though I was caught off guard by her behavior, it wasn’t a bad situation.

‘I feel like she’s misunderstanding something… But for now, it’s better to just let it be.’

Ji So-yeon.

She was a quite important person.

‘Is she being demoted along with the Hunter Management Department Director?’

It was a plausible speculation. Considering her current demeanor, Kim Jiwon and Ji So-yeon seemed quite intimate.

‘But if I bring it up now, I might ruin the rapport I’ve built up and raise unnecessary suspicions…’

Then, I noticed Baek Seol-hee, who was standing next to me.

As an instructor, maybe she could find something out? Judging by her reaction today, she seemed quite influential in the academy and the Hunter Management Department.

“What’s going on…”

Baek Seol-hee stared at Ji So-yeon with a chilling tone.

“Uh… what?”

Ji So-yeon’s eyes rolled around in confusion.

“Why are you suddenly hugging and crying over someone else’s disciple?”

“Uh, umm…? I-I didn’t mean anything! I-I was just admiring! I-I was thinking about how much effort it must have taken for a man to become this strong!”

“Admiring and hugging my disciple…?”

Baek Seol-hee’s eyes glinted dangerously.

Feeling a bead of sweat trickle down, Ji So-yeon instinctively took a step back.

“Instructor! Wait a moment!”

I intervened and tried to calm her down.

“Hmm?”

“I-I’m fine, really!”

“Um…?”

“Maybe… you saw something special in me?”

I turned my head and winked with one eye.

Taking my cue, Ji So-yeon hastily nodded.

“Y-Yes! That’s right! I’ll explain everything from now on!”

And thus, I tried to diffuse the situation.