Chapter 73

When Kim Hajoon first heard the term "Time Stop Storage," he assumed it was simply a function similar to an inventory that stored items.

In a way, it didn't seem any better than the "Permanent Unlock" ability he'd gained at level 5.

"Hmm..."

[Time Stop Storage.]

[You can stop a designated object and store it in your inventory.]

[The designated object can be stopped for up to 10 seconds. Living creatures cannot be stopped or stored.]

[Objects in the inventory remain in a stopped state.]

[Objects from the stopped-world inventory can be freely used and function normally. However, objects used in the stopped world cannot be used in the non-stopped world.]

"Not bad."

It was more versatile than he had originally thought. It was, quite literally, the ability to select and stop a single object in the real world. The potential applications of such a skill were vast.

Determined to test out this newfound ability, Hajoon quickly rose from his bed. He lifted the nearby desk and mentally commanded, 'Designate.' Slowly releasing the chair, it hovered in mid-air, clearly showing that only the chair was affected.

Without hesitation, Hajoon focused on the floating chair, thinking the word 'Store.' An inventory window with 20 slots appeared in thin air, and the chair began to be absorbed into one of them.

Whoosh!

"So, it's something like this?"

At a glance, the skill seemed very similar to a typical inventory system. However, what Hajoon particularly liked about it was the ability to stop objects in the real world. If used properly, couldn't he effortlessly block attacks, even if they were made during a time stop?

Moreover, his gaze shifted to his bed.

"Didn't it say I can use the stored items comfortably in the stopped world?"

This implied that he could, theoretically, get a good rest in the stopped world. But he had to be cautious. Any item used in the stopped world couldn't be utilized in the real one. Naturally, Hajoon considered purchasing a more comfortable bed for the dormitory, specifically for the stopped world.

'I'll have to buy a separate bed for resting in the stopped world.'

Smirking, Hajoon was about to lay back down when...

Ding-

"Huh?"

His phone buzzed. Picking it up, Hajoon noticed a barrage of messages.

[Anna: Hajoon, have you decided on a club yet?]

[Anna: We need to submit the application by the weekend, so I'm currently sorting things out.]

[Anna: Take your time and let me know by tomorrow.]

"Ah..."

Right, there was that to consider too.

Club activities.

Upon reflection, this was the biggest issue.

According to the rules, if one is a student of Rokia Academy, they must participate in club activities.

Conversely, this meant that Hajoon's resting time would decrease.

"Hmm..."

After pondering for a moment, Hajoon sent a message.

[Is there no way to leave?]

[Anna: Probably not?]

"Sigh..."

To be honest, it was quite bothersome.

If you don't have the time for club activities, you might even have to participate during the weekend.

However, he couldn't just opt out of them either.

There were episodes related to club activities in the game, of course.

"..."

Hajoon crossed his arms and considered his options for a moment.

He didn't want to waste his precious break time on mere kids' activities.

A dark and oppressive aura.

This power began to envelop the hall.

The once enthusiastic expressions of the students changed to ones of grave concern.

The force of his magic felt as if it could strangle them.

After observing the students for a moment, he furrowed his brow, making his expression even more intimidating, and then spoke.

"The moment you entered this training center, know that I won't tolerate even the slightest lapse in attention. This is a place where you will learn to grow, hone your combat skills, and master the methods to defeat villains."

The students gulped audibly. He continued to release his magic power, steadily observing the students and then pointed out a few of them.

"Those I've pointed out, step forward."

First was Han Siyoung, followed by Anna, then Liam, and finally, Lee Jooah.

A total of four students stepped forward.

"You're the ones who withstood my magic power, to some extent."

The selected students wore puzzled expressions, and even the ones who couldn't withstand the aura looked curiously at a particular boy amongst them.

And the focus of everyone's attention, that boy,

Shiver! Shiver! Shiver!

was shaking uncontrollably.

His face was perfectly calm, yet his body trembled as if he was in the midst of an earthquake.

All the students watching Hajoon were dumbfounded, and an instructor standing by, witnessing this, simply closed his eyes and shook his head.

By now, even he had come to understand Kim Hajoon's peculiar nature, having long given up on his ever-elusive sense of responsibility.

Then, Kim Johwan continued.

"Everyone, focus! We're going to form teams based on these four. Naturally, the four selected will be the team leaders."

At this, all the students looked at Hajoon with an expression that said, 'Of course...'

In some ways, it was truly remarkable, but how was he so quick-witted?

Despite the students' gazes, Hajoon just flashed an unabashed grin.

'That was close.'

Of course, Hajoon didn't want to be a team leader. He knew all too well the responsibilities that came with being one in a place like this training center.

Whose fault is it when a team member errs? It's the team leader's responsibility.

Blaming the team leader for failing to manage their members properly? Why would anyone even want to be a leader in a place like this?

As expected, Hajoon's judgment was wise.

"As a team leader, you're granted rights, but with them comes equal responsibility! Team leaders are expected to guide their members well and safely conclude the training in three days."

Of course, he had seen this scene in the game, so he already knew about it. But he thought it was a relief that it went by without any hitches.

But something felt off.

Lee Jooah, who had grown with the power of a divine beast, was one thing, but where did the other one go?

Hajoon began to look around for Haruna.

However, there was no need to search, as she stood right behind him.

"..."

And the moment he saw her, Hajoon was at a loss for words, completely baffled.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

She was shivering just like him.

It was then that Haruna, sensing Hajoon's gaze, looked up and smiled cheekily at him.

Her smile was undeniably one of satisfaction.

'Ah...'

This one... if anything, she's become sharper...

Well, she was fooled once at the beginning of the term, so it's inevitable she'd be more alert now.

"Alright, we will test your physical abilities on the first day. Everyone, move to the hall outside!"