The moment Jin Hwan stepped out of the simulation room, the shift in the atmosphere was impossible to miss.
Dozens of eyes—trainees, instructors, and even outside observers—locked onto him like hawks spotting a rare gem.
He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, still munching on a protein bar.
"Is it just me, or are people looking at me like I'm a delicious steak?"
Yuri walked beside him, her silver ponytail bouncing slightly.
"Not steak," she said, smirking. "More like an enigma. A golden one."
He paused. "Golden… steak?"
She gave him a look. "Never mind."
Behind them, Park Ara trudged forward, hands in her pockets, pouting.
"I can't believe I got dragged into that insanity…"
"You helped," Jin Hwan said with a grin. "You even said I was cool."
"I. Take. It. Back."
He chuckled. "Too late. Already framed it in my heart."
Ara visibly gagged, but her cheeks turned a suspicious shade of red.
❖ Hunter Academy: Internal Evaluation Hall
The next morning, Jin Hwan found himself standing inside a grand dome-shaped building where all top trainees were summoned post-simulation.
At the center, a glowing circular podium hovered mid-air.
Instructor Shin, the stoic ex-S-rank spear-user, stood at the edge of the room, his sharp eyes fixed on Jin Hwan.
"Jin Hwan. F-rank. Golden system. First person to solo-clear an A-rank mutated boss simulation."
He paused.
"…And also still rocking rabbit ears."
A ripple of laughter moved through the room.
Jin Hwan gave a small bow. "They're lucky."
The instructor's lips twitched, almost a smile. Almost.
"You've been granted early access to the Class Awakening Path System. Step forward."
Gasps erupted.
"What the hell?! That's only for S-rank potentials!"
"He's skipping procedures again?!"
Yuri folded her arms and whispered from behind, "This is going to ruffle a lot of feathers."
Ara scowled. "Tch. Show-off."
As Jin Hwan stepped onto the podium, his golden system activated automatically, shimmering beside him.
🟨 [Golden System Interface] 🟨
User: Jin Hwan
Level: 4
Beast Power: Rabbit (Variant)
Current Path Options Unlocked: 3
Burrow Trickster (Rare) – A high-speed evasion-based class focused on traps, illusions, and counter-attacks.
Elemental Hare (Epic) – Rabbit-based elemental caster. Allows affinity evolution.
Unknown Path (???) – Requirements not met. Locked.
Note: Class path is semi-permanent. Further evolutions possible at Level 20, 40, 75…
Distribute Stat Points?
Strength: 3
Agility: 11
Intelligence: 7
Luck: 5
Charm: 4
Resolve: 5
Available Points: 5Suggestion Based on Current Class Affinity: AGI + INTDo you wish to proceed?
He stared at the glowing interface.
"Elemental Hare… sounds kinda cool."
He tapped the icon.
[Confirmation Required: This will set your affinity toward magic-type evolution paths.][Proceed?]
He hesitated… then pressed confirm.
[Class Set: Elemental Hare – Novice Tier]
Elemental Affinity Detected: Wind (Primary), Lightning (Dormant)
New Skill Unlocked: Wind Step (Lv. 1) – Move on currents of air. Increases mobility and jump control.
Passive Unlocked: Rabbit Ears – Wind Sensory Boost – Enhanced hearing, danger detection.
Title Gained: 'Whispers of the Wind'
Everyone stared as the winds swirled briefly around Jin Hwan's body. His white hair fluttered like silk, eyes glowing slightly with power.
He turned, giving a small wave.
And then it happened.
A clap echoed from the upper balcony.
Everyone looked up.
A woman stood there—leaning against the rail like she owned the entire world.
Long legs. Waist-length black hair. Deep scarlet hunter's coat. A silver eye patch over one eye.
Name: Seo Mirae
Rank: S
Title: Scouting Division Commander, High-Risk Dungeon Response Unit
The air shifted just from her presence.
"...Interesting," she said, her voice smooth and deep. "A golden system and wind-type affinity from a rabbit boy."
She tilted her head.
"Hey, cutie. You got a girlfriend yet?"
The crowd exploded into a mix of gasps and screams.
Jin Hwan blinked. "Uh… no?"
"Great. I like them clueless." She gave a wink.
Instructor Shin coughed violently in the corner.
"Seo Mirae! This is an official evaluation!"
"I'm scouting," she said, lips quirking. "That's what I do."
Ara looked like she was about to explode beside him. "W-What is happening…!?"
Yuri burst out laughing. "Welcome to fame, Jin Hwan."
❖ Later That Evening
Jin Hwan sat on the academy rooftop, legs dangling over the edge, golden interface floating in front of him.
He exhaled slowly.
"So… I'm a magical rabbit now."
The system chimed.
[Note: Not just magical. You're adorably dangerous.]
He chuckled.
"…You're getting sassier."
[Correction: I was always this way. You just now noticed.]
As the wind brushed against his rabbit ears, he closed his eyes.
[New Objective Unlocked: First Real Dungeon — Field Expedition: Gate 342-B][Difficulty: C-Rank (Instability: Moderate)][Party Requirement: 4+][Estimated Time: 3 Days Until Deployment]
Jin Hwan looked up at the stars.
Things were moving fast. Too fast.
But something inside him wasn't scared. Not anymore.
He was no longer just the cute bunny with no future.
He had a path now.
And it sparkled gold.