The artificial island called Circle hovered above the ocean like a mythical fortress. A marvel of mana engineering and human survival instinct, it was the last safe zone for humanity. In its center stood Star Academy, the best fighting training institution on Earth—where legends were born, and heroes were shaped.
And today, a new legend walked through its gates.
Lee Yujin, the boy who topped the entrance exam, stood silently among the new cadets. But his result wasn't just first place—it was Level 5. Something unheard of in Star Academy's long history. Most cadets started at Level 1, maybe 2 if they were from powerful families. But Yujin had broken the system itself.
And no one even knew what kind of monster had just enrolled.
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The Path to Star Academy
Two weeks earlier, after his second life began, Lee Yujin used his advanced knowledge of magic theory, gunplay synchronization, and monster behavior to take the National Cadet Qualification Exam. He stunned the entire administration by finishing a 3-hour exam in 17 minutes—scoring full marks.
That same day, Star Academy's personal envoy arrived at his door.
It was none other than Instructor Cael Renford, one of the five elite instructors of Star Academy. He smiled faintly as he handed Yujin a sealed metallic case.
> "Lee Yujin, this is the only S-class Cadet Equipment issued for a freshman in the last fifty years. The Academy welcomes you."
Inside the case were two polished, silver handguns, etched with ancient runes.
The Duel Golden Eagle.
Forged from a fallen wyvern's core and enchanted with recoil suppression and mana-link precision, it was a set of legendary weapons. In his last life, he had only heard rumors of them. Now, they were his.
> "This time… I'll change everything."
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The Arrival of Shadows
Cheers erupted as high-ranking guild members arrived to welcome the cadets.
At the front of the crowd, a tall man with a sharp gaze and two silver pistols holstered on his sides stood calmly.
Lee Fujin, the guild leader of the Assault Guild, also known as the Godly Eye, gave a small nod to his son—subtle, yet powerful.
At his side stood a woman cloaked in elegance and danger: Cha Jinwa, Yujin's mother. She was the Vice Guild Leader of the Poison Guild, written in the ancient Sanskrit style as Viṣanagild, and known in the underworld as the Stealth Lady.
This power couple alone could make the world tremble.
Yet even with their presence, another figure stole attention as he stepped from a golden aircar.
Kain Vagor.
White hair flowed behind him, and golden eyes shimmered like a god's gaze. But unlike nobles or knights, he wore no armor—just a simple, fitted uniform with gold accents. His presence alone exuded dominance.
The air around him crackled as people whispered:
> "That's the son of the Sword Saint…"
Altherion Vagor, the legendary blade master and guild leader of the Sword Guild, was as respected as Yujin's father. And Kain's mother? Lysira, the infamous Night Witch and Vice Guild Leader of the Blossom Guild. A mage feared across continents.
When Kain's eyes met Yujin's, time seemed to stop. A silent spark ignited between them—two rivals, born of war and blood, destined to clash.
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Awakening the Mana Core
That night, when others celebrated, Yujin entered the secret mana training chamber deep within Star Academy.
Searing pain tore through his body as the mana injection began. A stream of raw power flooded him, syncing with memories from his previous life—memories of death, betrayal, and regret.
He screamed in silence.
But he endured.
> System Message: Mana Core Awakened.
> Status: Lee Yujin – Level 5
> Mistake Solved: 0
He gritted his teeth, staring at the stat window.
> "This time… I'll solve them all."
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First Dungeon Trial – E Rank
The next day, cadets were allowed a solo dungeon entry to test their real-world potential.
Most chose safe fields or mock simulations.
Yujin? He entered an E-rank Dungeon called Goblin Nest, a narrow cave system crawling with monsters. He walked alone, armed with his newly received Duel Golden Eagle pistols—twin silver guns bound to his awakened mana core.
He moved like a shadow, bullets flying with deadly precision.
Then came the Goblin Lord—a towering, mutated goblin with bone armor and fiery red eyes.
A boss-tier monster.
Yujin ducked under a swing, rolled to the left, and fired three shots at the monster's joints.
> CRITICAL HIT
The Goblin howled and rushed him. Yujin leapt, mid-air spinning with both guns aimed downward. He released a mana-charged bullet barrage called Bullet Rush, a new skill born from his memories.
BOOM.
The Goblin collapsed, smoke rising from its skull.
> Level Up: 5 → 14
Yujin knelt, panting.
> "Mistake Solved: 0… but this is where it begins."
He stood up, eyes gleaming.
And somew
here, watching through a hidden surveillance orb… the academy staff whispered among themselves:
> "Who the hell is this kid?"
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