Abyssal Monarch: Rebirth of the Forsaken

The door to Room 3-A closed softly behind Jin-Su as he and Dean Moon moved through the academy halls. Glancing at the clock, he noted it was nearing 10 a.m. The morning had already felt packed with tests and trials, but Dean Moon's brisk pace hinted there was much more to come.

"Where are we headed now?" Jin-Su asked cautiously, noting her playful expression.

"Oh, just a few more classes," she answered with a wink, her tone entirely too mischievous. "Won't take long."

Jin-Su suspected her definition of "a few" would consume the whole morning, but he kept his expression neutral. Their first destination was the Martial Beginner Class, bustling with students in various stages of training.

The instructor, a stocky, battle-worn man with a stern gaze, looked up, his brow furrowing as he took in the pair's entrance. His eyes fell on Jin-Su, his expression shifting between curiosity and skepticism.

"This is the one you notified us all of, right?" he asked, casting Dean Moon a sideways glance.

Dean Moon smiled brightly. "He's the one. Make it quick, won't you?"

The instructor grunted, scrutinizing Jin-Su. "Alright, I know ya got what you got, but let's see what you've got in terms of getting the formalities gone. Basic martial stances, defensive maneuvers." His tone made it clear he didn't expect much.

Jin-Su moved through the exercises effortlessly, his movements precise and controlled. Around him, other students watched with wide eyes, some whispering to each other, clearly impressed. As he finished, the instructor handed him a gold plate, muttering, "Just what I expected. Next class."

Instructor Status Panel:

Name: "Crusher" Kim In-Soo

Race: Soul Puppet of the 5th Immortal

Position: Martial Instructor – Beginner Level

Abilities:

Strength: 65 / 80

Agility: 55 / 70

Endurance: 73 / 85

Intelligence: 45 / 60

Willpower: 55 / 75

Charisma: 40 / 60

Abilities:

Iron Stance - Enhanced durability for close combat

Warrior's Resilience - Increased resistance to physical attacks

Dean Moon was already guiding him to the Martial Intermediate Class.

As they exited the first class, Dean Moon glanced over at Jin-Su with a sly smile. "Well, that was a breeze, wasn't it? I might just have to make these tests harder if you keep up this pace."

Jin-Su raised an eyebrow, his expression deadpan. "Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of these so-called 'quick passes' you promised?"

She chuckled, her tone teasing. "Quick is relative, Jin-Su. Besides, I thought you'd enjoy a little challenge."

"Right. I'm sure skipping grades is purely for my benefit," he replied, his tone dry.

"Oh, but of course!" she replied, holding up a finger as if making a point. "What's life without a few shortcuts now and then? Besides," she added, leaning in closer with a conspiratorial tone, "I have it on good authority that purple is very much your color."

He gave her a brief look. "Convenient, given that purple trims are only granted to 'unique cases' like me."

"Ah, so you know just how special you are!" she teased, nudging him gently as they made their way down the corridor. 

This room had an older, more advanced group, each student exuding confidence.

The instructor, a wiry woman with hawk-like eyes, glanced over at them, her gaze immediately zeroing in on Jin-Su. "So, you're the one from Beginner. Show me something."

This test involved more advanced maneuvers—offensive sequences that required speed, strength, and accuracy. Jin-Su performed each flawlessly, drawing murmurs from the surrounding students.

The instructor gave a begrudging nod. "You've got potential." She handed him another gold plate and turned back to her students, her expression softening as Dean Moon shot her a smile.

Instructor Status Panel:

Name: "Hawk" Eun-Yeong

Race: Soul Puppet of the 5th Immortal

Position: Martial Instructor – Intermediate Level

Abilities:

Strength: 50 / 70

Agility: 68 / 85

Endurance: 60 / 75

Intelligence: 55 / 70

Willpower: 65 / 80

Charisma: 55 / 75

-

Abilities:

Falcon Strike - Precision attack that amplifies force

Unyielding Grit - Increased endurance under stress

"Almost done with Martial," Dean Moon said cheerfully, leading him to the Martial Senior Class.

The Senior class was nearly empty, save for a single student and the instructor—an elderly man with an aura of quiet wisdom. He watched Jin-Su with knowing eyes, nodding approvingly as he completed each complex form. "Better than I was at your age," he said with a chuckle, handing over a purple plate with a subtle look of respect. "Good luck, son."

Instructor Status Panel:

Name: "Iron Sage" Jae-Hoon

Race: Soul Puppet of the 5th Immortal

Position: Martial Instructor – Senior Level

Abilities:

Strength: 70 / 85

Agility: 60 / 75

Endurance: 78 / 90

Intelligence: 65 / 80

Willpower: 85 / 95

Charisma: 60 / 75

Abilities:

Titan's Might - Amplifies physical strength for brief periods

Mindful Blade - Increased control and precision in attacks

-

Dean Moon then guided him into the Spirit Beginner Class, explaining, "A bit of theory to introduce you to spirit summoning."

As they reached the next class, she gave him a mock-serious look. "Brace yourself. Spirit theory can be a bit... dense for the practical types."

"After the martial tests, dense is probably a relief," he replied, giving her a sideways glance. "Unless you've rigged this one to be as "intense" as the last?"

"Me?" She feigned innocence, placing a hand over her heart. "Jin-Su, do I look like the type to make life hard for you?"

"Absolutely."

They shared a brief laugh before she led him into the next room. Each pause between classes was punctuated with a mix of sharp wit and playfulness, her teasing banter keeping the mood light while Jin-Su's measured responses revealed a cautious, yet growing respect for her presence.**

The instructor, a middle-aged man with round glasses, adjusted them with a thoughtful look as Jin-Su entered. He cast a friendly smile toward Dean Moon before nodding at Jin-Su with a glint of interest. "We'll begin with the theory of spirits."

The room quieted as he started, speaking in a tone both soothing and compelling. "Spirit summoning isn't simply the act of calling forth creatures. Spirits exist in a realm parallel to our own. To summon one, you need an anchor—something within you that resonates with them. Spirit summoners must be able to form connections. It's part of what defines the strength of their summoning, and what lets them command with finesse, rather than force." His gaze swept over the students. "For some, the connection forms naturally; for others, it requires deep meditation, intense focus, and an understanding of yourself."

Jin-Su listened closely as the instructor continued, he already knew all of this. But he didn't feel like disrespecting the faculty. He went on describing the types of spirits—animalistic, elemental, mythic and even otherworldly—and the importance of control. "Without control, even the most harmless spirit can become a nuisance. In our beginner class, we focus on small swarms—manageable and safe. Why swarms? They are easy to connect to but hard to control."

He gestured to Jin-Su. "What you have to do is to summon a swarm of spirit bees and guide them with precision. And if possible, each single unit without loosing control over the rest of them."

Jin-Su complied, his focus precise. In moments, a small swarm of iridescent, ethereal bees appeared, circling around him in perfect formation. Single or swarm, as he guided them in controlled movements, the instructor scratched his head, looking slightly bemused. "You're a natural." He handed him a gold plate with a small, approving smile.

Instructor Status Panel:

Name: "Seer" Min-Seok

Race: Soul Puppet of the 5th Immortal

Position: Spirit Instructor – Beginner Level

Abilities:

Strength: 30 / 50

Agility: 35 / 60

Endurance: 40 / 60

Intelligence: 85 / 95

Willpower: 88 / 90

Charisma: 75 / 85

Abilities:

Ethereal Calling - Allows summoning of basic spirits

Whisper of Realms - Communicate with spirits for guidance

-

The following Spirit Intermediate Class was a more advanced challenge, requiring him to summon and direct a larger, more intricate spirit form. This time, he called forth a spectral fox, the creature darting gracefully across the room under his flawless control. The instructor, a tall woman with silver hair, observed in silence, finally nodding and presenting him with a purple plate.

Instructor Status Panel:

Name: "Silver Veil" Hyun-Ji

Race: Soul Puppet of the 5th Immortal

Position: Spirit Instructor – Intermediate Level

Abilities:

Strength: 40 / 60

Agility: 55 / 75

Endurance: 55 / 70

Intelligence: 90 / 100

Willpower: 78 / 90

Charisma: 80 / 90

-

Abilities:

Phantasmal Path - Increases control over elemental spirits

Spectral Bond - Enhances strength of summoned spirits

Their final destination was the Spirit Senior Class, where Jin-Su was tested on his ability to command multiple spirit creatures simultaneously.

After the spirit test, Dean Moon smirked as they left the classroom. "You know, most students would be grateful for this kind of fast-track treatment."

"Grateful might not be the right word," Jin-Su replied, shaking his head as they walked down another polished corridor. "I'd be more inclined to call it suspicious."

"Oh? And here I thought you enjoyed the extra attention," she quipped, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Isn't it nice being the favorite?"

"Favorite?" Jin-Su looked at her with a skeptical eye. "If you're planning to make me a teacher's pet, I'd appreciate a warning."

Her laughter rang out, soft and musical, drawing a few glances from passing students. "Oh, don't worry, Jin-Su. I think you're already more popular than you realize."

He summoned two spectral beasts and had them perform coordinated maneuvers, much to the amazement of the sparse group of students and the instructor alike. He left the class with yet another purple plate.

"And then I gave the knowledge of 200 years of all progress to a beetle to see what it would do with it.... It killed itself..."

Only one of her many many random stories she told to Jin-Su in this short walk..

By the time they exited, the sun was high, casting long shadows across the academy grounds. Jin-Su already was a fully fledged purple plated student in both Martial and Spirit. Four years worth of progress, done in only two days. Jin-Su felt perplexed seeing this happen. In the last timeline, he was never worried about failing, but passing just one subject took him ages in the past. Dean Moon glanced at Jin-Su seeing him distracted, 

"Hmm...are you Hungry?"

As soon as she said that, a chime sounded across every student's phone, announcing lunchtime. Jin-Su nodded, following her toward the academy's dining hall, where murmurs immediately broke out as they entered.

"What is he doing with the teacher?"

"Is he caught for cheating or something?

"Is she stealing my Jin-Su?"

Noticing the attention, Dean Moon cast a subtle spell, her fingers barely moving. Jin-Su felt the energy ripple, watching as the students' attention faded, each of them refocusing on their meals.

Dean Moon led him to the faculty table, where Professor Han sat alongside other instructors, each with their own distinct presence.

Professor Han raised an eyebrow as Jin-Su joined them. "Dean Moon, why bring this… 'student' to our table?" His voice was pointed, loud enough for every faculty to hear.

"Oh, Professor Han, Jin-Su is a remarkable student. I see no harm in him sitting with us," she replied with her usual playfulness, completely ignoring his tone.

The martial instructor, the stocky man who'd conducted Jin-Su's first evaluation, laughed. "Good? Kid's more than that. He's got potential straight out of the gate!"

"Not to mention his excellent performance."

Seeing how Jin-Su hasn't brought out his food yet, Dean Moon with a chuckle, summoning a tray laden with food. "Made this myself. Care to try it, Jin-Su? Maybe critique it as well while you are at it."

Jin-Su examined the dish with an appraising eye, noting each layer of its meticulous craftsmanship. The herbs had been finely minced and folded seamlessly into a velvety, fragrant sauce, the color a rich shade that hinted at hours of careful simmering. This sauce cascaded over perfectly seared meat, the edges just crisp enough to capture the light while the center gleamed tender and juicy. The subtle aroma of rare spices lingered, each hinting at warmth and depth, blending harmoniously without overpowering one another. As he took a measured bite, he tasted the careful orchestration of flavors—delicate herbs, a touch of sweetness, and an undertone of spice. Jin-Su paused, then looked at Dean Moon with his usual deadpan expression and said all of what he appraised. "Ten out of ten," he said flatly. "Exceptional seasoning, perfect texture, and the balance of flavors is masterful."

Around the table, the instructors exchanged amused glances.

"The boy knows his food!" one of them laughed.

Another chimed in, "Tell me, do you cook as well as you eat?"

Jin-Su, remembering his expeditions where he had to cook and eat whatever he and his team gathered and cooked, merely shook his head, though the unexpected humor relaxed the atmosphere.

A question broke the light-hearted tone, however, as the Spirit instructor, Hyun-Ji, looked at Jin-Su with genuine curiosity. "Tell us, Jin-Su, where are you from? What did you study before the academy?"

A momentary blankness crossed his mind, but almost immediately, his System chimed in, projecting answers to fill the gaps in his memory.

System Message: 

Scanning Memory,

Origin: Orin-Rae, lower-class household.

Previous Studies: Fundamental Martial, Magic and Spirit Practices at Orin-Rae Village Schoolhouse.

"I come from the small secluded village of Orin Rae." he said, watching the Spirit instructor nod in recognition. "A quiet place with some... unique challenges."

The martial instructor perked up, chuckling. "Orin-Rae I heard they just elected a new leader. Young lads shaking up everything in that backwater conservative village elder led place."

Every faculty members looked at the martial teacher.

"What? You know I am right!"

As the conversation shifted to politics and the academy's challenges, Jin-Su's mind drifted, recalling the intense trials of the day. His fatigue, however, was nonexistent—an oddity he'd become aware of since his return to this world. While the food was delicious, he barely felt any hunger.

Dean Moon's gaze lingered on him, and for the first time, her usual cheer softened into a genuine concern. "You're not eating much, Jin-Su. Are you feeling sick? Did you not eat breakfast?"

Realizing he'd been too absorbed in his thoughts, Jin-Su pulled out the Mana Fruit Juice bottle Min-Ho had given him. "I have this," he said simply.

She looked faintly disappointed, summoning another bundle of food. "Here, take this. Don't forget to eat it all alright? I better see it clean by the end of the lunch time."

He accepted it, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Dean Moon."

A quietness fell over him as he reflected on the day—every trial, every evaluation, and every moment where Dean Moon had guided him with an uncanny, calculated care. What was her true aim in all of this? We also didn't do any magic related classes.

As he pondered, a sudden memory surfaced, the promise Kang-Woo made before the fight at the coronation.

The day was far from over.