Academy's Silver Gatekeeper

Chapter 2

Injury. Injury. Injury.

It turned out I wasn’t the only one dispatched to the Academy. Other staff from nearby assessment departments had been sent here as well. Every single one of them left due to injuries.

The only silver lining was that none of the injuries were life-threatening. The worst case had been a broken bone.

“What is this supposed to be?”  

“Before I explain, I’d like to sincerely apologize.”

Han Jiyoon bowed her head, which only made my position more uncomfortable. The professors watching from behind the scenes were glaring daggers at me. Once I left this room, their stares would surely get worse.

“You’re probably aware that today’s superhumans are different from before.”

I’d heard about it. There was an ongoing debate over the ethics of superhumans.

It had been quite some time since random individuals began developing superpowers. In the chaotic early days, monsters appeared, and villains misused their abilities. The so-called “First Generation” superhumans fought against these threats,  

cementing the idea that superhumans were heroes.

They were expected to face danger and even sacrifice themselves.

But the “Second Generation” began to question this ideal.

They acknowledged the responsibility of superhumans but rejected the expectation of sacrifice.  

“We’re people, too. We’re just trying to make a living.”

The resulting conflict between generations had been discussed on debate shows.

Truthfully, while the ideals of the First Generation were noble, they were difficult to follow. Who would willingly risk their life to save strangers?

“I understand. It’s a complicated issue.”  

“As a civil servant, I’m sure you’d know. Anyway, because of this, it’s become difficult to control new Academy students. For them, being a superhuman is just a career, not a calling. And if anyone challenges them, the Human Rights Commission steps in.”

Han Jiyoon sighed and pointed to the documents I was holding.

“Recently, some of the students have turned this into a challenge.”  

“What kind of challenge?”  

“See how quickly they can take out a rank examiner.”

For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

“Why would they do something like that?”  

“Are you aware of the Academy’s ranking system?”

I nodded. Preparing for an assignment meant knowing at least the basics.

The Academy divided students into ranks from Bronze to Diamond. Unlike the national system of E to S-rank, the Academy had its own league.

Graduation wasn’t guaranteed after four years. If a student didn’t meet the standards, they couldn’t graduate—and in severe cases, they could be expelled.

Reaching Gold was required to graduate. Platinum students were scouted by clans during the semester. Diamond students were treated as prodigies, with organizations vying for them. Master-ranked students were considered S-rank candidates and monitored by the state.

"Lower ranks are assessed by my department, while higher ranks are tested by professors, as I understand it."

"That's correct. The Bronze-to-Silver test is extremely simple. The examiners aren’t particularly strong, either. Oh, my apologies if that offended you."  

"It’s fine. It’s the truth, after all."

I know I’m weak. My abilities are hardly worth being called superpowers.

"But for some reason, some students deliberately get themselves demoted to Bronze, then harass the Silver assessment examiners. Outwardly, they say things like, 'How can someone so weak evaluate us? Bring someone competent!' But in reality…"  

"They’re just showing off how nasty they can be."

Han Jiyoon nodded weakly.

That raised a question.  

If it were just a few immature troublemakers, wouldn’t a single glare or a clearing of the throat from someone like Han Jiyoon be enough to scare them straight?

"The higher-ups have forbidden intervention. They don’t want the situation to escalate. Plus, it’s become so widespread that it’s hard to manage."

If even an S-rank superhuman responded like this, the situation was beyond hopeless.

"Still, it’s surprising this hasn’t become public. This has happened multiple times, hasn’t it?"  

"We’ve compensated them well enough to keep things quiet."

Compensation? They attacked public officials—how could that be swept under the rug? What kind of compensation silences something like this?

"Check the next page for the details," Han Jiyoon said.

I flipped to the next page and felt my heart sink.

"Professor Han… is this a typo?"  

"No, Seojin. That’s the correct amount."  

"Ten billion? Ten billion per person?"  

"Per person, yes."

The worst injury was a fractured bone, but the compensation was ten billion won? For that kind of payout, anyone would gladly break a bone with a smile.

No wonder it hadn’t gone public. If they’d been stingy, people would’ve raged and exposed it. But with that much money, everyone had every reason to stay silent.

"I’m truly sorry again. If you feel you can’t handle this…."  

"A civil servant’s job is to make sacrifices for the people. It’s only natural, isn’t it?"

Call me materialistic, I don’t care. Wouldn’t anyone do the same? Who would refuse ten billion while being told, ‘Get hurt a little, and it’s yours’?

"Thank you for your understanding. That’s a relief." Han Jiyoon stood and extended her hand.  

Shaking hands with an S-rank superhuman—something I’d never imagined.

"Professor, could I get an autograph instead of a handshake?"  

"Oh… well, sure. Why not? We’ll be working together at the Academy, after all."

I handed her my phone case and a few scraps of paper.  

With these, I’d definitely score a few free drinks.

As Han Jiyoon graciously signed, I activated my perk.

- Third Eye is activated.

? Han Jiyoon  

The Steadfast Sword

? Details  

An unwavering pillar of strength. Allies gain double courage and composure. Enemies suffer tenfold fatigue. Immovable in extreme situations. Detects deception.

I probably didn’t need to worry about her.

"I’ll do my best, Professor Han. And I’m sure this trend will fade soon, especially with you here. Besides, what could possibly happen on my first day?"

My mouth really is my enemy.

"Are you ready, Examiner?"

The moment I stepped into the main building, several students surrounded me. They were Silver rank applicants—or, more accurately, examiner assailants.

There had to be a mole in the faculty office. How else could my identity have spread so quickly?

"I’m ready, but… are you sure you’re Bronze?"  

"I showed you earlier. I’m Bronze. If I don’t make Silver, I’m dead meat."

If there’s one skill you develop in the Assessment Department, it’s reading people.  

Specifically, gauging their skill level.

From what I could tell, Park Junwoo, the tattooed thug, was far above my level.  

It was clear he wasn’t a newly enrolled student, either.

Why him?

They say you meet your nemesis on a narrow bridge. Of all people, it had to be the guy I’d just encountered earlier. I felt my irritation rising. If I could, I’d punch him. Unfortunately, the chances of me being punched were far higher.

"Let’s make this quick. It’s my first day."

Thankfully, the rank I was assessing was basic. At the Academy, Bronze-to-Silver was equivalent to D- to C-rank. All I needed to do was pass someone, say "Good enough!" and leave.

"I’d like to give it my all, though."

Of course, Park Junwoo just had to make it difficult. Why did it sound like he meant he’d give his all to make me suffer?

Nothing is ever easy. I might not survive my first day.

Park Junwoo had even brought his friends to watch. He clearly wanted to use me as a stepping stone for his "achievements." Sure, the compensation money was sweet, but this was ridiculous.

"You know the rules, right?"  

"Of course. Start when you say start, stop when you say stop."

If he was this confident, he clearly had the skills to back it up.

I glanced around and noticed the girl from earlier. Unlike the laughing thugs, she looked genuinely tense.

- Third Eye is activated.

? Kim Suhyeon  

A genius consumed by inferiority.

? Details  

All abilities are temporarily reduced. Prolonged inferiority could result in permanent power loss. Improper development could lead to catastrophic consequences.

A genius in despair—it felt like such a contradiction. There was definitely a story there, but I couldn’t place her in the narrative.

"Let’s begin. I’m ready."

Park Junwoo smirked and assumed a stance.

He was an expert at provoking people. Maybe that was his strategy—to enrage opponents and capitalize on their mistakes. For a thug, he might actually be smart.

"Alright, let’s start the evaluation."

I braced myself, determined to endure. If things got too rough, I’d surrender. At least, that was the plan—

What the—?

Before I could react, Park Junwoo was already in front of me. He was faster and stronger than I’d anticipated.

Boom—!

"Argh!"

It felt like I’d been hit by a truck. If I hadn’t blocked, something would’ve definitely broken.  

This was just his raw strength, not even a weapon. I didn’t stand a chance.

He’s more than qualified for Silver.

I decided to stop before things got worse. Just as I opened my mouth—

"Caught off guard, huh?"

Park Junwoo wasn’t letting me off that easily. His next strike broke through my guard, leaving my vital points exposed. I tried to evade, but he was faster.

"Three-second KO for the civil servant."

You asshole.

-Third Eye is Activated

? Baek Seojin  

Low-Level Civil Servant

Error. Third Eye is reactivating.  

Error. Third Eye is reactivating.

... ...