Abyssal Monarch: Rebirth of the Forsaken

Jin-Su watched Professor Han approach, a curious glint in his eyes, shadowed by a group of students who trailed closely behind. The murmurs from the hallway dimmed as they neared, several pairs of eyes fixating on Jin-Su's new dragon insignia, the violet scales shimmering subtly even in the low afternoon light. Each eye that fell upon the dragon head found itself ensnared by its deep, living gaze—a power that seemed to watch back, almost knowingly. Faint whispers rippled through the gathering students as Jin-Su straightened his posture, preparing himself for whatever Professor Han had in store.

"Quite the spectacle you made earlier," Professor Han remarked, his voice low and unreadable as his gaze swept over Jin-Su. "to think you were capable of sinking half a moon."

"Did professor moon tell him? How did he know." thought Jin-Su.

The students around them murmured, some exchanging hushed glances, others hanging onto Professor Han's words. A few who seemed intimidated by Jin-Su's presence took a step back, averting their eyes from the dragon insignia. It held some kind of power to cause fear into the hearts of those who are weaker then Jin-Su.

Jin-Su's gaze drifted to the back of the group, where Kang-Woo was awkwardly trying to remain hidden. Being the tallest in the group, however, he failed miserably; his broad shoulders and rigid stance were impossible to miss, even though he kept his eyes cast downward, avoiding Jin-Su's gaze altogether.

Jin-Su raised an eyebrow, smirking inwardly as he decided to press a familiar button. "You haven't forgotten the promise you made, have you, Kang-Woo?" His voice held a light taunt, intending to draw out the fierce rival he had faced before.

But Kang-Woo didn't respond. His eyes flicked to Jin-Su briefly, a hollow look crossing his face, before he returned to staring at the floor. The fire that once burned in his gaze had dimmed, leaving a hint of something quieter, almost defeated.

"I'll remember it," Kang-Woo muttered, barely audible, before looking away.

Jin-Su felt a flicker of surprise. This wasn't the Kang-Woo he remembered. Whatever had sparked his calm exterior, it was a side of his rival he hadn't anticipated.

Professor Han's expression flickered with something akin to amusement. "Obligations," he repeated softly, folding his arms as he surveyed the curious faces of the students gathering around them. "Indeed. But here, obligations tend to come with certain... repercussions."

Jin-Su's gaze didn't waver. "I'm prepared for any repercussions, Professor."

Professor Han's lips twitched slightly, but he merely nodded, his gaze lingering on Jin-Su's new insignia. "Let's hope you're as prepared as you seem."

Then, with a subtle shift in his expression, he turned smoothly toward the students assembled beside him. His tone lightened, adopting an almost charming quality, in stark contrast to the unyielding way he'd just addressed Jin-Su.

"These are students you'll come to know well," he began, voice calm but precise, his gaze sweeping from left to right as he introduced each one in turn.

He gestured first to a lean, wiry young man standing with a disciplined posture. His stance was steady, though a flicker of curiosity glinted in his sharp eyes. "Ji-Sung," Professor Han introduced, his tone lingering on the name as if marking it with importance. "One of our more promising students."

Ji-Sung's Stats:

Strength: 32/50

Agility: 46/60

Endurance: 35/55

Intelligence: 54/70

Willpower: 48/68

Charisma: 36/50

Skills: Concealed Combat Mastery, Sharp Focus, Tactical Analysis

Beside him, Sae-Rin's appearance contrasted with her petite stature and thoughtful demeanor. Her uniform was just as impeccable, though her eyes held a sharp, inquisitive gaze that seemed to assess everything around her.

Sae-Rin's Stats:

Strength: 27/45

Agility: 52/70

Endurance: 34/55

Intelligence: 60/80

Willpower: 55/65

Charisma: 44/60

Skills: Rapid Calculation, Precision Casting, Adaptive Movement

Each student's eyes widened slightly as Professor Han continued. "Since you've already demonstrated an impressive level of skill, Jin-Su, the academy has accelerated your standing within the institution. From this point forward, your role will extend beyond that of a mere student."

Jin-Su's gaze sharpened, a hint of surprise flickering across his otherwise impassive face. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh," Han replied with the faintest trace of a smirk, "Professor Moon didn't tell you? Well, now you know. Congratulations, Jin-Su. You're officially the Keeper of these students—a role that grants you authority and compensation for guiding and instructing them." Han's voice remained cool, a slight hint of bemusement threading through his words. "Your pay is already secured in advance."

Min-Ho and the other students exchanged stunned looks, disbelief and awe apparent in their expressions. Min-Ho was the first to speak up, his voice incredulous. "But… we were all just regular students yesterday. How can Jin-Su already be… graduated?"

Han's gaze remained unreadable as he looked over them all. "Jin-Su has exceeded certain… prerequisites. The academy has high expectations, which you'll all need to meet." His tone turned slightly sharper. "And as of today, each of you is required to attend additional classes beyond the standard curriculum."

He paused, watching as the implications of his words sank in. The students exchanged wary glances, digesting this sudden change.

Just then, another figure approached, identical to Professor Han in every way. Jin-Su's gaze snapped to the second Han, his composure faltering ever so slightly. The second Han leaned in and whispered into the first Han's ear, then took a step back, his face a mask of calm indifference.

The students' faces showed various levels of shock and intrigue as Min-Ho blurted out, "Professor, I didn't know you had a twin!"

Professor Han—both of them—ignored the remark. Instead, the first Han addressed the group. "You'll find the necessary details in a message. Report to Room 204 in Building Alpha for your first 'special introduction session'—starts in 16 minutes. All of you better be there. I will know if you aren't, every day without exception, including holidays. And Jin-Su, your pay is non-negotiable." His eyes held a finality as he stepped back, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

With a final nod, he turned and left, his twin mirroring his steps exactly, leaving Jin-Su and the others in stunned silence.

"Who knows where room 204 is?"

Everyone looks dumbed out. No idea with shrugs accompanying them. 

"I do! I will lead you guys come one!" Said Mina grabbing Jin-Su by the hand and pulling him.

Others followed.