Episode 1 – The Portal
Kim Do-hyun (김도현) sat in the crowd, shoulders hunched, hands tucked between his knees.
The lights above the stage were too bright. The hall was wide, almost like a stadium. Rows of students sat quietly, each one waiting. Some were nervous. Some whispered to each other. Others sat with eyes full of hope.
But not Do-hyun. He just sat there, trying not to think too much. His heart thudded softly in his chest. His hands felt damp.
He was not used to places like this.
He was a second-year student at a small college, known more for his soft cheeks than any real strength. He liked games. He liked cartoons. He liked to sleep late and eat spicy noodles. And sometimes, he liked to imagine a life that was different from this one —
A life where he was strong, brave, free.
But real life did not give people time to chase dreams. There was always something to do — study, work, eat, sleep, repeat. Time passed, and dreams slowly faded.
But today... today was different.
This was the Awakened Program —
A special event where people with hidden mana inside them were pulled into another world, and their natural talent was forced to awaken.
It had only been around for a few years, but it was already famous. Almost every college joined. The world had changed since mana first appeared. Dungeons, monsters, and magical beasts were now part of everyday life. Those with power ruled — and those without simply watched.
Do-hyun looked down at his belly. His shirt was tight at the stomach. His legs were stiff from sitting too long. He had not trained. He had not even jogged in weeks. But when the notice came to join the program, he could not say no.
Because deep down, something in him wanted more.
He lifted his eyes to the stage. A tall man stood there, holding a silver microphone. His black suit shimmered as if dusted with stars. His name was Baek Min-jae (백민재), one of the top-ranked hunters in the nation. His voice was calm, but it carried across the room like a river.
"We welcome you to the tenth episode of the Awakened Program."
Everyone clapped.
Do-hyun did not clap. His fingers stayed tight on his knees.
Baek Min-jae went on:
"Here we bring your inner man to life. When there is mana in your blood, we will make it real. When you are talented, your future is good. And when your talent is weak, you will give back the same. Nothing gained. Nothing lost."
The pupils remained quiet. The atmosphere was dense — almost heavy.
There was a murmur of low humming. Then the floor in the middle of the stage was illuminated.
A gateway was created.
It turned slowly. Blue mist arose out of it. Symbols were floating along its border, and they were shining in a gentle golden light. It was an opening into a new world.
Baek Min-jae held up a hand.
"Eleventh candidate. Step forward."
Do-hyun blinked. He had to count a second before he knew it was his number.
Some heads were turned to him.
He rose, awkward and uncertain. His chair grated upon the floor — loud and sharp.
He did not glance at anybody.
His feet were heavy. He descended the steps — one step reverberating in the broad hall. With each second, his heart throbbed louder. When he came to the stage, his chest was tight and his throat was dry.
Baek Min-jae stared at him. His eyes were steady, inscrutable.
Do-hyun inhaled once. Then another.
His eyes were reflecting the portal.
He moved nearer.
Warmth spread across his face. Behind him, the noise of the crowd died away. The world was distant.
He extended his hand.
As soon as his foot touched the edge of the portal, the air twisted.
The wind was blowing about him. His eyesight became blurred. Light flowed in his eyes as water. It was chilly — then warm — then cold once more. His ears were ringing, and his body was floating a moment.
Then the earth disappeared under his feet.
And he fell.