The Administrator Descends}
> [Tower System Broadcast]:
"Class Selection will now begin."
"All participants must prepare themselves."
"Your Administrators will arrive shortly to escort you to the Selection Zone."
A brief silence followed the announcement—heavy, expectant. The warmth of shared laughter faded, replaced by a quiet understanding.
> Daman (exhaling calmly):
"Well then... I guess it's time for us to take our leave."
> Lyra (mock-sighing):
"And here I thought we'd get front-row seats to the selection drama."
Suddenly, space behind the group rippled like disturbed water—silent, yet undeniable. A tear in the void opened, its edges glowing faintly with silver threads of spatial energy.
From it, a tall figure stepped through, clad in flowing gray-silver robes. His boots made no sound as they touched the floor. His presence silenced even the most talkative. At his chest gleamed the unmistakable sigil of a High Administrator—a symbol rarely seen by newcomers, and never this close.
> Noah (leaning in to Jin-Seok, muttering):
"…Damn, your manager looks like he eats other managers."
> Jin-Seok (quietly):
"No. That's Administrator Quoros."
Noah blinked. Then scowled.
> Noah (whispering in exaggerated disbelief):
"An Administrator? You got an Administrator as your overseer?! I barely got a floor manager who was half-asleep the whole trial!"
> Jin-Seok (deadpan):
"Why are you arguing with me? I'm not the one assigning them."
> Noah (grumbling):
"This is clearly discrimination. Biased. Blatant favorism."
> Kale (nervously):
"Forget favoritism. Does it matter if they're a manager or an administrator? Both can probably erase me with a sigh…"
The figure's sharp gaze scanned the group, before settling on Jin-Seok.
> Quoros (voice calm, commanding):
"Jin-Seok."
> Jin-Seok (meeting his gaze):
"Administrator Quoros."
> Quoros (with a slight chuckle):
"You've done well. I watched the entire Trial,impressive.
Jin-Seok turned slightly toward Quoros, eyes narrowing in quiet suspicion.
> Jin-Seok (low voice):
"You really watched the whole thing?"
> Quoros (smiling):
"Every second."
Their shared glance lingered for a beat—quiet understanding passing between them.
> Noah (still sulking under his breath):
"Now he's giving compliments too. Is there a sponsorship program I missed?"
> Quoros:
"Are you ready for Class Selection? If so, we may proceed."
All eyes turned to Jin-Seok, but Quoros's didn't linger long.
The Administrator shifted his gaze toward the dignitaries—Zara, Azhrel, Daman, and Lyra—each of whom straightened instinctively under his presence.
> Quoros (bowing slightly to Zara):
"Lady Zara Malik. It's been some time."
> Zara (nodding back, composed):
" Quoros. You've descended far from the upper floors."
> Quoros:
"For the right Trial… it was definitely worth it."
Then, he offered a courteous nod toward the others:
Azhrel returned a faint nod, unreadable as always.
Daman placed a hand on his hip, nodding with casual respect.
Lyra gave a little wave, still irreverent, but her tone quieted.
> Quoros (addressing all):
"The Selection Zone is restricted. Only participants may proceed."
"You understand, of course."
> Daman (smirking faintly):
"Naturally. We've seen enough—for now."
Wouldn't want to get in the way."
Lyra (dryly):
"Shame. I was curious to see who ends up stuck with the worst class."
> Noah (grinning, clueless):
"It's gonna be me, isn't it."
> Thwack.
Lyra smacked him on the back of the head.
> Lyra (coldly):
"If I see you end up with anything less than heroic… I'll kill you myself."
> Noah blinked.
Noah:"…That was a joke?"
The message was clear. It was time to part ways.
Parting Ways}
As Quoros stepped aside, gesturing toward the silvery gate behind him, the message was clear — the path to Class Selection had opened.
> Quoros (lightly):
"Take your time. We won't move without you."
Jin-Seok nodded in thanks, then turned back to the others. His gaze lingered for a moment — this was the last time they'd all stand together like this, untouched by the Tower's systems and classes.
> Jin-Seok (grinning slightly):
"Guess we split up here."
{Farewells Begin}
> Noah (stretching lazily):
"Tch. Finally. Thought we were gonna hold hands into the Selection Zone or something."
> Jin-Seok:
"You wish."
> Noah (mock hurt):
"Ouch. So cold. I'm gonna remember this.
They bumped fists anyway — the kind of silent acknowledgement that real friendships are built on.
---
> Rokhan (stepping forward, hand on Jin-Seok's shoulder):
"You've proven yourself. Fight with that same heart during the selection."
> Jin-Seok (genuinely):
"You too. You're one of the strongest people I've ever seen fight."
> Rokhan (smirking faintly):
"Then I'll see you on the higher floors."
> Zephyr: see u at the top
--
Zephyr, who had remained quiet through most of the exchange, finally turned.
> Zephyr (calmly):
"We'll meet at the top."
Their eyes locked for a second — cold resolve meeting quiet fire — and then Zephyr was gone
> Kaleon (grinning, slinging his bag over one shoulder):
"Come find me once you enter the Tower. I've got a business plan that'll blow your mind."
---
-
> Zayna (smirking, both proud and irritated):
"Hmph. Don't think you're the only one making waves."
> Jin-Seok (teasing):
"I thought you'd say something like 'I'll crush you in rankings next round.'"
> Zayna (flashing a grin):
"You bet I will."
> Jin-Seok:
"Wouldn't dare."
Zara Malik.
She stepped toward Jin-Seok, her cane lightly tapping against the marble. Though her face remained calm, there was a subtle softness in her eyes—just for him.
> Zara (quietly, with casual weight):
"Don't disappoint me."
Jin-Seok gave a small nod, almost smiling.
> Zara (after a pause, turning slightly):
"And once you begin climbing… come find me."
Jin-Seok (lightly):
"I will."
Zara gave him one final glance—cool, composed, but undeniably familiar—then walked away, her coat trailing behind her like a shadow of silence and strength.
{Azhrel}
> Azhrel (arms folded, firm):
"You kept your head when it mattered. That's rare. Congratulations."
> Jin-Seok (bowing lightly):
"Thank you, sir."
> Azhrel (lowly):
"You earned that win. I'll be watching."
> Daman (grinning, clapping Jin-Seok on the shoulder):
"Come visit our place sometime, kid. We'll show you how real warriors live — and fight."
> Lyra (arms crossed, smirking slightly):
"Hope I see you again soon. And for heaven's sake, don't hang around Noah too much… you'll lose your brain cells."
> Noah (grinning, turning to Jin-Seok):
"Don't mind her. She's just jealous of my charm and influence—"
> Lyra reaches out and lightly taps the top of his head.
> Lyra:
"Delusions again."
> Noah (pouting):
"Abuse. Actual abuse. In front of witnesses!"
Jin-Seok and the others burst into light laughter at Noah's theatrics, the tension lifting a little as the group began to part ways.
> Alfred (bowing again with a hand to his chest):
"We'll be watching. Do your best, young master Jin-Seok. As always, I believe in you."
A small tug on Alfred's coat. The little girl peeked up at Jin-Seok, eyes wide and hopeful.
> Girl (softly):
"Mister Jin… Good luck!"
> Jin-Seok (smiling warmly):
"Thanks. I'll win again—so keep cheering for me, okay?"
She nodded eagerly, clutching her stuffed rabbit tight as she waved him off.
---
One by one, everyone turned toward their own shimmering gates.
Jin-Seok stood alone now, facing the silvery portal with Quoros beside him.
> Quoros (glancing sideways, voice familiar):
"Ready, Jin-Seok?"
> Jin-Seok (exhaling):
"Yeah. Let's go."
And they stepped through, toward Class Selection.
_______________________________________________
{An Original Series by Celestial Raven}