The Academy’s Time Stop Player

TL/Editor: looloo

Schedule: N/A

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Hajoon looked calm, but on the inside, he was grumbling in frustration.

’This is just absurd.’

[Main Quest]

Quest for: Kim Hajoon (Liber Laphilton Phil Ehrman)

Task: Impress Instructor Han Eeseul.

(1. Courage Test: 1/1)

Reward: 200P

The quest showed up the moment I stood in front of the podium.

Hajoon never planned to draw Instructor Han Eeseul’s attention.

It was clear, wasn’t it? In any organization, whether a military unit or a company, being average was safest.

Standing out without reason only led to harsher training.

But the system thwarted my plans.

’Damn that developer.’

He wished he could confront the developer who designed the system, but that was far from possible.

"Now, those who passed the test, come forward."

Promptly, Hajoon, Han Siyoung, Anna, Haruna Ruel, and Liam Martel stepped forward.

"Hmm..."

Instructor Han Eeseul studied the students who passed the test, appearing thoughtful.

Hajoon, watching Han Eeseul’s every move, sensed an opportunity.

’Could it be...?!’

The instructor called the passing students forward to appoint squad leaders.

Usually, the four playable characters led Squads 1, 2, 3, and 4.

"There are quite a few this year..."

’As expected.’

Hajoon’s lips twitched into a smile.

Quickly checking the system’s response, Hajoon boldly raised his hand and spoke.

"Instructor!"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"I’m stepping down!"

Confused expressions spread among the students at Hajoon’s words.

Han Siyoung, Anna, Haruna, and Liam among others stared at Hajoon, their faces filled with questions. But Hajoon wasn’t one to feel embarrassed.

"You’re stepping down?"

"Yes!"

"Heh......"

Han Eeseul let out a incredulous laugh.

’Clever kid.’

Han Eeseul soon accepted Hajoon’s decision, signaling him to return to his seat. Hajoon hurried back to his place.

"Alright. I won’t push someone who clearly doesn’t want to do it. The rest of you up front will lead Squads 1, 2, 3, and 4."

Everyone’s gaze followed Hajoon, but he just smiled, pretending it was nothing significant.

Amidst all this, a girl’s face turned increasingly pale.

"I don’t want to be a group leader either..."

"It’s too late, Haruna Ruel."

It was Haruna Ruel, the Rune Language girl, who was as averse to tedious tasks as Hajoon.

Haruna shot Hajoon a sour look, but he just responded with a playful fighting stance.

’What can you do? It’s your destiny.’

For once, Hajoon was pleased with the situation turning out just as he wanted.

"Okay, this afternoon you’ll choose your primary weapon. Meet at the outdoor training field after lunch."

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Raei Translations

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Rokia Academy, the world’s leading hero training school where advanced magic and science meet, offered weapons beyond the ordinary.

"Okay, is everyone here?"

Instructor Han Eeseul looked over the crowd of new students, pulled a dagger from his thigh, and began to speak.

"This session is for distributing artifacts. Some of you already have artifacts, but think carefully. Make sure the artifact you have suits your abilities."

Artifacts.

In this game world, it referred to weapons that could handle a hero’s power.

Not just regular weapons, but those etched with special traits.

Artifacts fell into six categories.

Normal, Rare, Unique, Legendary, Epic, and Mythic—a rank whose name said it all.

Yet, as befits the world’s top academy, the grades of artifacts handed out to students exceeded the ordinary.

"These are all either Rare or Unique grade artifacts. They’ll be crucial for your survival in the future. Choose wisely."

Rare or Unique grade artifacts could sell for hundreds or even thousands on the market.

The Academy casually provided such artifacts for student training.

A truly astounding and absurd notion, but plausible in a game setting.

"Among these artifacts, a few are of Legendary grade. Remember, as much as you choose a artifact, the artifact chooses you. Not just anyone can wield a Legendary. Now, stand by the artifact you want."

At Han Eeseul’s words, the students lined up in front of the displayed artifacts.

The sword-shaped artifacts were the most sought after.

But artifacts weren’t limited to weapons like swords, spears, bows, maces, and gauntlets. Some of the stacked artifacts had unclear purposes at first glance.

’Um... what about the others...’

While choosing his artifact, Hajoon’s eyes found Liam.

Among the playable characters present, Liam was the only one who needed to select a artifact.

Although many of the kids already had weapons, Liam had a Mythic-grade artifact and needed a more fitting artifact for classes.

’So, the issue is mine...’

I turned back to the row of artifacts and lost myself in thought.

Making a choice was indeed a struggle for Hajoon.

’I know how to use a K2 rifle...’

His only experience with a weapon was with the K2 rifle he used in the military.

Beyond that, he only knew how to handle a kitchen knife for chopping onions.

’This is a headache...’

Looking around at the array of weapons, one in particular drew his attention.

’Hmm? This one seems decent?’

His gaze landed on a table covered with various weapons such as hammers, maces, and flails.

Among these, a rusty long-handled hammer seemed satisfying to swing.

Without hesitation, Hajoon picked up the hammer, and a system window filled with strange sentences appeared.

[The weapon of Dwarf King Horton, Maharazu, awakens.]

[Maharazu’s curse, Ego Philaten, stirs.]

[Emergency Quest]

Quest Available for: Kim Hajoon (Liber Laphilton Phil Ehrman)

Objective: Break King Horton’s curse.

Reward: 50 Experience Points

At the same time as the quest appeared on his retina,

Hooaahk!

A sinister aura started leaking from the hammer.

Afterwards, the rust began to fall off, revealing a golden hammer, which was promptly enveloped by a chilling purple aura.

This aura morphed into a giant woman’s figure.

Soon, a scream filled with anger burst from the woman’s mouth.

[How dare a commoner touch the great king’s weapon!]

"No! Wait!"

Caught off guard by the sudden event, Han Eeseul, wielding two daggers, charged towards Hajoon.

"Damn!"

Hajoon immediately activated Time Stop.

---

Raei Translations

---

’So unlucky.’

He never expected that among the variety of hammers, this one would turn out to be the king’s weapon, Maharazu.

Maharazu had a curse cast on it, and it was of legendary grade.

Even though it only appeared briefly in Liam Martel’s story, and he didn’t know the specifics, Liam had rejected it despite his fondness for mythic-grade weapons.

He remembered Liam’s words when he glanced at Maharazu in the game.

’This... is a strong weapon... but it has a dangerous curse on it? Hmm, it still looks decent, so maybe this one... huh? Ah! The other one is better.’

That was Maharazu’s only appearance.

It was so unremarkable that Hajoon almost forgot about it.

"Ah... what should I do now?"

As a precaution, Hajoon poked the woman’s arm with his finger.

Thankfully, it felt solid.

Despite its smokey appearance, the body was tangible.

"So, for now...."

He wasn’t sure how to break the curse, so should he just try swinging the hammer?

---

Raei Translations

---

’This wasn’t expected... I didn’t think the artifact would resist so fiercely.’

Han Eeseul was also surprised by the sudden turn of events.

While some backlash from the artifact was expected, this was beyond the usual limits.

Its power seemed to surpass the highest ranking of Legendary, reaching the next level, ’Epic’.

This was a grade of artifact that shouldn’t exist here.

’Why is it resisting so much if it’s a Legendary-grade artifact?’

“Argh!”

But there was no time for further thoughts.

Han Eeseul, with a dagger in each hand, began to speed up, but as he neared Hajoon, he had to slow down.

“Huh... what in the world...”

His body began to relax from its accelerated state, and Han Eeseul slowly lowered the daggers he was holding, staring blankly at the scene before him.

Boom- Bang-

[Aaargh! How, how is this possible! Aaargh!!]

A giant hole appeared in the woman’s body, her arms exploded, and she began to scream in agony. Hajoon, standing in front of her, watched her collapse, holding the hammer expressionlessly.

[Aaargh! Please, please stop!! Stop!!]

Boom- Crack!! Bang!!

The woman, now full of holes, began to tremble in fear, looking at Hajoon.

But it was too late for her.

The final blow was her head exploding.

Without a head, the woman turned into golden smoke and started to merge with the hammer in Hajoon’s grip.

Hajoon simply swung the hammer around without a word, then nodded, satisfied.

“Kim Hajoon.”

Thinking the situation was resolved, Han Eeseul approached Hajoon with a stern expression.

He quickly glanced around, then focused back on Hajoon.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“…….”

Despite his words, Han Eeseul looked at Hajoon with a shocked expression.

Hajoon looked a bit tense but also surprisingly calm.

It felt embarrassing that he had prioritized getting the beginners to safety.

“......That’s good to hear.”

Han Eeseul gave a short nod, then began to survey their surroundings, checking for any unexpected situations. All eyes were on Hajoon.

Ding-

[Emergency Quest]

Eligible character for the quest: Kim Hajoon (Liber Laphilton Phil Ehrman)

Objective: Break the curse of the great King Horton.

Reward: 50 Experience Points

[Success!]

[Rewards will be given.]

[Your level has increased!]

"Ah..."

Exhausted, Hajoon could only let out a sigh.

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