Even though she was still considered low-tier overall, she knew she'd just taken a solid step forward.
After cooldown and debriefing, Walters gathered the students around.
His face was unusually solemn but tinged with anticipation.
"Class dismissed… but not for long. The school has arranged a practical expedition course."
"Starting next week, you'll be deployed to Barracks City for two weeks as free reserve volunteers."
Murmurs ran through the students.
"Whether it's clearing debris, tending to the injured, helping with logistics, preparing meals, or handling the remains of the fallen—everything you learn here is going to be tested there."
"You'll see the consequences of real warzones firsthand. And yes, this will be mandatory."
Iseul swallowed, the weight of the announcement settling over her.
Real experience.
Dangerous, dirty, and intense—but exactly the kind of experience she needed.
Walters' gaze swept over them.
"Consider this a step into domination society."
"The Warzone doesn't forgive mistakes, hesitation, or overconfidence. You'll learn, adapt, and survive—or you won't."
"Use it to test yourself, your limits, and your strengths."
The class broke out in whispers and scattered movement.
Iseul felt a quiet thrill.
This was it.
The next test—hands-on, high stakes, and no shortcuts.
She glanced at Miles, whose grin was as wide as ever.
She knew one thing.
If she could beat the droids and classmates today, she could possibly not die in Barracks City.
She just had to keep pushing, keep improving, and trust herself.
Her combat journey had only just begun.
For the first time, she felt like she wasn't at the bottom anymore.
Iseul was burning with excitement. It would be her first time traveling to other cities of scrapper moon, especially a military city!
Before, she had been left on the sidelines for any expeditions or practical skill outings.
Her unawakened gift made her unable to participate.
In the world of domination, they had very strict laws about certain jobs, events, and participation laws for non-gifters or unawakened students.
For everyday school and life, it was necessary.
Protecting those from doing reckless things or being bullied.
Now, everything had changed.
She was no longer dead weight.
Even at her low combat rank, the fact that she could use her gift freely and move like she had today marked her as someone who belonged.
Someone who could contribute.
She bounced on the balls of her feet as she followed Miles down the corridor toward the lockers.
Normally, she'd have peppered him with questions about every expedition, every drill, every minor update.
Trying to glean scraps of information she otherwise wouldn't get.
Now she didn't have to.
She could participate, see it for herself, and prove she wasn't just "background noise" in the system anymore.
"I can't believe I'm actually able to participate now," she said, practically vibrating with anticipation.
"Barracks City. Two weeks in the field. Real combat support, logistics, medical prep… Finally."
Miles chuckled, looping an arm around her shoulders in his usual theatrics.
"You sound like you've been waiting your whole life for this."
"I have!" she admitted, grinning.
"And I'm not missing a single detail. No more sitting on the sidelines hearing everyone else talk about it. I'm in. Full stop."
His grin widened, a mischievous spark in his eyes.
"Well, good. Because I was planning to drag you along anyway."
"You've got skills now, so don't even think about complaining when the instructors put you to work."
Iseul gave him a playful shove.
"Just try to keep up, hotshot. You might be in the top three, but I'm catching up fast."
The hallway buzzed with students discussing the upcoming expedition.
Some were nervous.
Others excited.
For Iseul, it was pure exhilaration.
For the first time, her preparation and effort could be applied in the real world.
In situations that mattered beyond tests and drills.
Her hours spent strengthening her body, practicing movement, and refining her mental focus had all been building toward this moment.
She paused for a moment at the doorway to the training courtyard.
She took a deep breath of the cool morning air.
The scent of machine oil, recycled air, and distant city traffic filled her senses.
For a long time, she had been tethered to books, simulations, and bureaucratic systems.
Now—finally—her abilities could interact with reality in a tangible way.
Her hands clenched slightly as she adjusted her combat gloves.
She felt stronger.
Sharper.
More aware.
Even her breathing had changed.
Her stamina no longer faltered at the first sign of exertion.
Today's drone drills had proven it.
Her body was learning to keep pace with her mind.
Miles nudged her gently.
"Come on, future F-rank legend. We don't want to be late for the briefing."
Iseul laughed softly, shaking her head.
"Let's see if they can survive me in the field first."
As they moved toward the assembly area, she could feel the anticipation of the expedition settling in her chest like a fire.
It wasn't just about surviving, or ranking up, or proving herself.
It was about finally stepping into a space where her actions had real consequences.
The thought of helping people, handling challenges she had only read about or simulated in the holo-deck, made her pulse race.
Her mind flicked briefly to Loadon, tucked safely in her apartment.
And to her brothers, who would be relying on her vigilance and judgment.
If she could handle the simulated drones today, she could handle real threats tomorrow.
This time, the stakes were higher, and the lessons would be permanent.
For the first time, she felt the thrill of true opportunity.
And she wasn't going to waste a second of it.
⸻
The rest of the day at school flew by in a blur.
She and Miles had parted ways after combat class.
Their schedules diverged slightly.
Leaving school after her last lesson felt faster than usual.
Partly because her other best friend, Margie, was absent today.
Shrugging off the slight pang of loneliness, Iseul made her way to the hover bus.
A low hum filled the cabin as the city sped past.
Neon signs blurred into streaks of light.
She felt a familiar flutter of anticipation in her chest.
Curious, she checked her comms notifications.
Her eyes widened as she scrolled through the messages.
Approval emails from the Tinker Administration Bureau had landed.
Her licensing application was accepted.
Her full scoring results were attached.
Even better, her Creator signature had been approved.
The physical alloy should arrive sometime today or tomorrow.
Relief and excitement surged through her.
Ten minutes later, she was gliding smoothly through the city streets.
She mentally mapped her route home with precision.
Seven minutes on foot from the drop-off point to her apartment.
The path smooth, predictable, and efficient—exactly how she liked it.
By the time she arrived, the city was settling into its evening calm.
A soft breeze carried the mingled scents of engine oil, street food, and distant rain.
Her apartment building loomed quietly.
The glow of her unit's lights was a small beacon in the dusk.
Sliding her keycard, she opened the door and exhaled deeply.
The apartment was quiet.
Her brothers weren't home yet.
Iseul set her bag down and immediately shifted into planning mode.
She began prepping for the evening.
Checking security systems.
Making sure Loadon remained safely in his rooftop room.
Confirming the apartment was ready for Hae-won and Joon-Seok, who would be arriving at seven.
Tonight wasn't just dinner.
Tonight marked the beginning of a tighter circle of allies.
Friends she could trust.
A small bulwark against the ever-darkening streets of the city.
The shadows outside reminded her just how dangerous the world had grown.
And how necessary her vigilance, skill, and companions would be.