Chapter 5: The Truth Revealed
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The Final Spell Reaches Its Peak
Stacy's voice thundered through the examination hall, echoing off the high ceilings as purple-black energy crackled around her outstretched hand.
Stacy (voice resonating with power): "REVEAL the TRUTH! SHOW the LIES!"
The air pressure dropped. Participants grabbed onto each other. Phones trembled in recording hands.
Stacy: "Is your FACE REAL—or is it MADE by LIES?!"
---
BOOM
A massive magic screen materialized in the air above them—twenty feet wide, thirty feet tall, shimmering with impossible clarity. Purple energy rippled across its surface like liquid lightning before settling into crystal-clear imagery.
And on it—
Images began to play.
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The Vision Unfolds
The screen showed Rocky—but not the Rocky standing before them now.
This Rocky was younger. Seventeen, maybe. Softer around the edges but still unmistakably him—the same platinum blonde hair, the same impossible bone structure, the same golden-brown eyes that seemed to hold galaxies.
He stood in a bathroom. A small one. Modest. The tiles were cheap, the mirror had a cracked corner, and the towel rack was slightly rusted. This was not the bathroom of a wealthy family.
A towel hung loosely around his waist, revealing that impossible physique even at a younger age—shoulders already broad, chest already defined, muscles already sculpted by years of unseen discipline.
And on the screen—
Rocky was doing skincare.
Not heavy makeup. Not foundation or concealer or any of the things the boys had accused him of.
Just... skincare.
Cleanser applied in gentle circles. Toner patted gently into skin. Moisturizer smoothed across his cheekbones with the practiced ease of someone who'd done this thousands of times.
The camera caught every angle—every perfect angle—of a face that was clearly, obviously, undeniably real.
---
The Crowd's Initial Reaction
The women screamed first.
Girl 7 (clutching her chest, voice breaking): "AAAAHHHH—REAL—REAL—REAL! HIS FACE IS REAL!"
Girl 8 (recording with both hands trembling): "HIS—EYEBROWS—ARE—SO—SOFT! LOOK AT THAT NATURAL ARCH!"
Girl 9 (fanning herself frantically): "MUSCLES—MUSCLES—MUSCLES! AND HE DOES SKINCARE LIKE A KING!"
The men groaned in unison.
Boy 6 (dropping his F1 car keys, sinking to his knees): "DAMN—I BET—I WASTED—MY—F1—CAR—AHHH!"
Boy 7 (laughing hysterically, slapping his thigh): "Hahaha—IDIOT! Good thing—what I BET—was only 1 DOLLAR! So I only LOST 1 DOLLAR—IDIOT!"
Boy 8 (already on his phone, face pale as a ghost): "Dad... can you... LOAN ME 50 MILLION DOLLARS? ...No, Dad, listen—it's an emergency—DAD, DON'T HANG UP—"
---
But the Vision Continues
The screen didn't stop.
The image shifted—showed Rocky in other moments. Training in that same modest bathroom, doing push-ups on the cracked tiles. Laughing at something off-camera, his whole face lighting up with genuine joy. Sleeping, peaceful, features relaxed and soft. Waking, blinking at the morning light, that perfect face scrunching slightly with sleepy confusion.
Each frame. Each angle. Each unguarded moment.
All of it showed the same face. The same features. The same impossible bone structure that seemed carved by the gods themselves.
No makeup.
No plastic surgery.
No fakery of any kind.
Just Rocky.
Completely, terrifyingly, breathtakingly real.
---
Then—The Music Starts
The screen flickered, and suddenly—
Sound.
Rocky's voice filled the hall.
Not the Rocky kneeling on the floor, but the Rocky on screen—younger, in what looked like a small recording studio with foam panels on the walls and a cheap microphone on a stand.
Headphones on. Eyes closed. Microphone before him.
And he began to sing.
---
[The Song Begins]
The hall fell absolutely silent.
[Verse 1]
Rocky's voice (on screen):
"Take a deep breath, close your eyes for a while
Maybe my mind is just playing tricks on me
Why am I so troubled? Aren't I alone?
I thought I was at peace, but your voice still calls out"
---
Audience Reaction - First Verse
Boy 17's eyes went wide. He grabbed his friend's arm, whispering urgently.
Boy 17 (whispering): "Luh—wait—this song sounds FAMILIAR, huh?"
Boy 18 (shushing him): "Shut up, let me listen!"
---
[Pre-Chorus]
Rocky's voice (on screen):
"I've already buried everything
I've already covered my wounds
But why are you still here?
It's getting hard for me to understand"
---
Boy 6 (eyes narrowing, finger pointed at the screen): "GHOST—this is getting interesting!"
---
[Verse 2]
Rocky's voice (on screen):
"My only prayer is for you to please stay away
Because with every glance, I see your face
Wherever I go, your shadow clings to my hand"
---
Boy 5 suddenly snapped his fingers, recognition dawning.
Boy 5: "AH—I KNOW THAT SONG! That's a song by Cup Joe—MULTO (Ghost)!"
Girl 3 (elbowing him): "Shut up! Let him finish!"
---
[Chorus]
Rocky's voice swelled with emotion:
"I can no longer break free, you visit me every night
Even if I can't see you, I still feel your touch in the dark
I can no longer dream, I can no longer wake up
Someone turn on the light
I am already being haunted by my feelings, by my feelings"
---
Audience Reaction - Chorus
The women clutched each other.
Girl 9 (turning to her group): "Girls—are you afraid of GHOSTS or not?"
Girl 10 (shrugging): "Sis, to be honest—I'm not afraid of ghosts."
Girl 9: "So—what ARE you afraid of?"
Girl 10 (eyes fixed on the screen, on Rocky): "I'm afraid of HANDSOME ZOMBIES—not ghosts."
Girl 9 (deadpan): "Idiot."
Girl 10: "What? He could bite me anytime—"
Girl 11 (joining in): "Hahaha!"
---
[Post-Chorus]
Rocky's voice:
"Won't you ever leave me?
Isn't the torment enough for me?
Will I never find peace?
Will I never find peace?"
---
The Boys Analyze
Boy 8 (nodding appreciatively): "10/10—Wow—so Skincare Routine Boy is actually a SAD BOY, huh?"
Boy 9 (correcting him): "Dude, not 10/10—should be 100/10! Because now we know his SKIN ROUTINE!"
Boy 8's eyes lit up. He grabbed Boy 9's shoulders.
Boy 8: "Yeah, bro! 100/10! So bro—write down all the SKIN CARE PRODUCTS he used, and let's try them later!"
Boy 9 (pulling out his phone triumphantly): "Bro, don't worry—I RECORDED everything! And if you're thinking my phone is low-budget—you're WRONG! My phone is iPhone 16 Pro Max!"
Boy 8 (pumping his fist): "GG, dude! Send me the video later!"
Boy 9 (saluting): "Roger that, sir!"
Boy 8 (nodding approvingly): "Very good."
---
[Chorus Reprise]
Rocky's voice:
"I can no longer break free, you visit me every night
Even if I can't see you, I still feel your touch in the dark
I can no longer dream, I can no longer wake up
Someone turn on the light
I am already being haunted by my feelings, by my feelings"
---
The Women's Realization
Girl 7 (turning excitedly to her group): "Girls—we now know his SKIN CARE ROUTINE! NICE ONE!"
Girl 8 (nodding vigorously): "Yeah, sis! That's why he's so HANDSOME!"
Girl 9 (already taking notes on her phone): "I'm documenting EVERYTHING. Every product. Every step. Every technique."
---
The Boys' Excitement
Boy 6 (to Boy 8): "Bro, let me COPY your notes later!"
Boy 8 (smugly): "No way, bro—that's CHEATING."
Boy 6 (confused): "Then what should I say?"
Boy 8 (coaching him): "You should say—bro, let me COPY-PASTE later."
Boy 6 (practicing): "Okay—again—3, 2, 1, go—Bro, let me COPY-PASTE later!"
Boy 8 (patting his head like a proud parent): "Good boy."
Boy 6 (beaming): "Oh yeah, let's go!"
---
[Final Post-Chorus]
Rocky's voice faded softly:
"Break free...
Won't you ever leave me?
You visit me every night...
Isn't the torment enough for me?
Even if I can't see you...
Will I never find peace?
I still feel your touch in the dark...
Will I never find peace?"
---
The Screen Flickers—And Dies
The magic screen shimmered once, twice, then dissolved into sparkling purple particles that drifted down like snow.
Silence.
Then—
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The Crowd Processes
Boy 5 (thoughtfully): "GHOST. He sang about being HAUNTED by his feelings. So Makeup Boy—wait, wrong—HANDSOME BOY—is actually a SAD BOY, because the CHECK UP earlier proved his face is REAL. Hahaha."
The girls murmured agreement, but something else was happening.
Something none of them noticed.
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Stacy's Internal Conflict
Stacy stood frozen, still holding Rocky's hand. Her expression was calm on the outside—but internally, chaos reigned.
Stacy (internal thought): "It's TRUE—his face is real. But WHY—why do I feel DIFFERENT since I touched his hand?"
Her eyes dropped to where their skin met.
Stacy (internal thought): "Why—why, Stacy—did your INSTINCT activate? DAMN—why did I get TURNED ON when I touched Handsome?"
She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment.
Stacy (internal thought): "Ah—wrong, Stacy! He's a RED FLAG! FOCUS, Stacy! FOCUS!"
But her hand didn't let go.
---
The Betting Results
The male participants were in various states of despair.
Boy 6 (counting his remaining money with trembling hands): "NO—my MONEY—"
Boy 8 (staring at his phone in horror): "AH—my BIG BIKE—"
Every male participant who had bet against Rocky's face was now significantly poorer.
The women, meanwhile, were celebrating wildly.
Girl 7 (jumping up and down): "YAY! YAY! YAY!"
Girl 8 (doing a victory dance): "WE WIN! WE WIN! WE WIN!"
Girl 9 (already planning how to spend her winnings): "SHOPPING SPREE, HERE I COME!"
---
Unnoticed by Anyone
Something else was happening—something none of the celebrating women realized.
The X Suck Group. The random female participants. All of them.
A faint golden glow had settled over every woman who had touched Rocky during the "holding him down" phase. It was invisible to the naked eye—but it was there.
The Forbidden Skill.
Death of Happy Please.
Now active on every woman who had made physical contact with Rocky during those critical ten seconds.
Duration: 90 days.
Multiply effect by number of women.
They would all become addicted—to him. To his presence. To his touch.
And none of them knew it yet.
---
Stacy's Demand
Stacy finally spoke, her voice cool and controlled despite the war raging inside her.
Stacy: "So—Cosplay Boy. I helped you. You saw that."
She gestured at the screen, now just empty air.
Stacy: "And NOW—you'll do EVERYTHING I COMMAND you to do. Right?"
Rocky looked up at her, still on one knee, still holding her hand. His expression was—amused? Resigned? Both?
Rocky: "My BELOVED lady—you didn't HELP me. You EXPOSED my skin care routine to the entire examination hall."
He gestured at the crowd, at the hundred-plus people now armed with knowledge of exactly how he maintained his impossible complexion.
Stacy's internal voice screamed:
Stacy (internal thought): "Oh GOD—you're RIGHT, Stacy—you IDIOT—"
Stacy (out loud, recovering quickly): "Okay—FINE. Let's START OVER. I'll help you—and in exchange, you INTRODUCE yourself. Properly."
Rocky's eyebrow arched.
Rocky: "Just—introduce myself? That's it?"
Stacy: "That's it. For now."
Rocky considered this for approximately half a second.
Rocky: "Deal. Easy."
He rose gracefully to his feet, finally releasing her hand—but not before giving it a slight squeeze that made Stacy's knees feel momentarily unstable.
Rocky (straightening, striking a pose): "I am ROCKY. And my stick dagger size is—13 inches if fully erect. Length bulk—3 inches. The end."
---
Stacy's Internal Explosion
Stacy's brain short-circuited.
Stacy (internal thought, barely coherent): "MONSTER—STICK—IS—YUMMY—"
She physically shook her head, forcing herself to focus.
Stacy (internal thought): "STACY—FOCUS—FOCUS—FOCUS—DAMN IT—"
---
Stacy Confronts Bolas
Needing a distraction from her own chaotic thoughts, Stacy marched toward where Bolas stood—currently being mobbed by the male participants who had lost their bets.
Boy 6 (shaking Bolas's shoulder): "BOLAS! YOU SAID HE WAS FAKE! YOU OWE US!"
Boy 8 (waving his phone): "MY 50 MILLION—GONE—BECAUSE OF YOU!"
Bolas was trying to fend them off when Stacy arrived.
Stacy (voice sharp as a blade): "UGLY BOY."
The crowd parted. The boys fell silent.
Stacy stopped directly in front of Bolas, her perfect face inches from his.
Stacy: "Are you BOLAS?"
Bolas (swallowing hard, intimidated but trying not to show it): "...yes."
Stacy: "Why did you PICK A FIGHT with ROCKY?"
Bolas opened his mouth—
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Bolas's Almost-Punch
Bolas's face twisted with rage. He raised his fist, ready to swing at Stacy—
Bolas: "SHUT UP, MILF!"
His arm shot forward—
And never connected.
Because Rocky was suddenly there. Between them. His massive 6'6" frame blocking Bolas's punch without even seeming to move.
Rocky's hand caught Bolas's fist in mid-air—effortlessly. Like catching a tennis ball thrown by a toddler.
Rocky (calmly, dangerously): "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
---
Rika's Arrival
Before the situation could escalate further—
"HEY!"
Everyone turned.
Rika came sprinting through the crowd, pink pigtails bouncing, eyes blazing with righteous fury. She shoved through participants, elbowing aside anyone in her path, until she reached the small circle where Rocky, Bolas, and Stacy stood.
Rika (breathing hard, pointing at Bolas): "BOLAS! What are you DOING?!"
She positioned herself between Bolas and Rocky, arms spread protectively.
Rika: "Bullying someone WEAKER than you AGAIN?! Aren't you ASHAMED?! There are so many people WATCHING you!"
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Bolas's Internal Fury
Bolas's internal voice was a scream of frustration.
Bolas (internal thought): "DAMN IT—I was about to POUND him! Be thankful, Makeup Boy—your ANGEL just saved you!"
But externally, Bolas's expression shifted instantly. Smooth. Friendly. Charming.
He threw an arm around Rocky's shoulders in a gesture of fake camaraderie.
Bolas (smiling warmly at Rika): "Rika—you've got it all WRONG. We were just JOKING around here—right, Handsome?"
He squeezed Rocky's shoulder hard enough to bruise a normal person.
Rocky's shoulder didn't even flex.
---
Rocky's Villain Laugh
Rocky looked at Bolas. Then at Rika. Then at Stacy. Then at the crowd of confused participants.
And he laughed.
Not a polite laugh. Not an embarrassed laugh.
A full-on, dramatic, head-tilted-back VILLAIN LAUGH.
Rocky: "HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
---
Audience Reaction to the Laugh
Boy 5 (stepping back): "Is he ANGRY or just CRAZY?"
Boy 6 (eyes wide): "I think he's CRAZY."
Boy 4 (nodding sagely): "Hahaha—I know that DISEASE! It's called MAIN ANTAGONIST SYNDROME!"
Girl 7 (whacking him): "Shut up! You're just JEALOUS!"
Girl 6 (clutching her heart, watching Rocky laugh): "Sis—you know what? I LOVE handsome guys who laugh like VILLAINS. Hahahahaha!"
Girl 7 (nodding vigorously): "Me too, besh! Hahaha!"
---
The Pro Hunters Arrive
Before anyone could respond to Rocky's laugh, the atmosphere shifted.
Heavy footsteps. Serious energy.
Two figures pushed through the crowd—Pro Hunters, their class tags glowing with authority. Behind them, older figures in robes—Elders of the Hunter Association.
Pro 1 (a grizzled man with scars across his face, voice like grinding gravel): "HEY—you MAGGOTS!"
The crowd froze.
Pro 1: "The CIRCUS is OVER! Get in LINE—the EXAM is about to START!"
---
Pro 1's Internal Thought
As he scanned the crowd, his eyes landed on Bolas first.
Pro 1 (internal thought): "That's BOLAS, huh? The champion of the Sword Tournament during the Entrance Exams last year. Interesting—this should be fun."
Then his gaze shifted to Rocky.
And stopped.
Pro 1 (internal thought): "And who is THIS kid? So HANDSOME—and carrying so much GEAR. Probably a PORTER class. This kid is definitely going to be TARGETED by Bolas."
---
The Pro Girls Arrive
Two female Pro Hunters approached the line of participants, doing a final check. Their class tags glowed: Pro Carla [S-Rank Archer], Pro May [S-Rank Assassin].
Pro Carla's eyes swept over the participants with barely concealed disdain—until they landed on Rocky.
Pro Carla (stopping dead, eyes widening): "So THESE are the NEXT GENERATION? Such WEAKLINGS."
She looked at Rocky up and down. Then up again.
Pro Carla: "Good thing there's a HANDSOME one here—so it's not a total loss."
Pro May (elbowing her, grinning): "Sis—you have HIGH STANDARDS, huh?"
Pro Carla (tossing her hair): "Well, of course! LOL!"
She stepped closer to Rocky, who hadn't moved from his spot.
Pro Carla (flirtatiously): "Handsome—are you a MERCHANT? Or a COSPLAYER boy?"
Rocky didn't respond. Didn't even look at her.
Pro Carla's smile flickered.
Pro May (whispering): "Sis—I think he's a PORTER class. WEAK."
---
Pro 2's Intervention
Before Pro Carla could try again, Pro 2—another grizzled hunter—stomped over.
Pro 2 (waving dismissively): "Hey—you HIGH STANDARD VULGAR CREATURES! Get out of there! The exam is about to START!"
---
Pro Carla's Internal Thought
Pro Carla stepped back, but her eyes never left Rocky.
Pro Carla (internal thought): "WOW—huh. I'm one of the TOP BEAUTIES in the rankings—and he didn't even NOTICE me?"
A slow smile spread across her face.
Pro Carla (internal thought): "A SIGMA BOY. Interesting."
---
Pro May's Complaint
Pro May (pouting at Pro 2): "You're such a PARTY POOPER! This is the FIRST TIME we've seen a face like this—and you're making us LEAVE already?!"
---
The Male Pro Hunters' Jealousy
Every male Pro Hunter in the vicinity was watching the exchange with barely concealed jealousy.
Pro 3 (muttering to Pro 4): "Look at that—TWO top-notch beauties fighting over some KID."
Pro 4 (gritting his teeth): "And he's not even ACKNOWLEDGING them. The AUDACITY."
Pro 5 (shaking his head): "If I ignored Pro Carla like that, she'd have my HEAD on a platter. This kid is either BRAVE or STUPID."
---
The Elder Arrives
The crowd's murmuring died instantly as a figure stepped onto the raised platform at the front of the hall.
The Peak Elder.
His presence alone commanded silence. He was ancient—hundreds of years old—but his back was straight, his eyes sharp, his aura crushing.
Elder (voice quiet but carrying to every corner): "SILENCE."
Complete silence.
Elder: "Do you KNOW why you're here?"
Participants (in unison, trained response): "SIR, YES SIR!"
Elder: "Good. Because YOU are the NEXT GENERATION. So do NOT disappoint me. Understood?"
Participants (in unison, even louder): "SIR, YES SIR!"
---
Rika Takes the Stage
Rika hurried up the steps to the platform, clutching the registration list. She handed it to the Elder with a respectful bow.
As she did, every participant got their first clear look at her.
---
The Participants React to Rika
Boy 7 (eyes popping): "WOW—MAMASITA!"
Boy 8 (jaw dropping): "Wow—so LATINA!"
Boy 9 (clutching his chest dramatically): "DAMN—I think I'm being CHARMED!"
Girl 8 (to her friend): "Girl—SKIN CARE ROUTINE tips PLEASE!"
Rika (glancing over, smiling professionally): "Text me later, sis."
Girl 9 (cheering): "Go, girl! STRUT IT, girl!"
---
Elder's Internal Thought
The Elder glanced at Rika as she approached.
Elder (internal thought): "WOW—BIG BANG—GG."
---
Rika's Walk-Off
After handing over the list, Rika turned and walked away from the platform.
But this wasn't just a walk.
This was a STRUT.
Hips swaying. Head high. Perfect posture. The kind of walk that models spend years perfecting—effortless, captivating, devastating.
Halfway down the aisle, she paused beside Rocky.
---
Rika's Threat
Rika leaned in close, her voice a low whisper meant only for him.
Rika: "Handsome. I know you're LOOKING for trouble."
She smiled—sweet and dangerous.
Rika: "You BAMBOOZLED me earlier with your pick-up lines. So—TONIGHT—you better HIDE while you're still ALIVE."
She leaned even closer, lips almost touching his ear.
Rika: "Because the ANGEL coming for your life might not be me next time. Hahaha."
She pulled back, winked, and continued her strut toward the exit.
---
Rocky's Non-Reaction
Rocky didn't move. Didn't flinch. Didn't acknowledge her at all.
His internal voice, however, was active.
Rocky (internal thought): "DAMN—she wants the GIRA. Fine—I'll GIVE it to you, Mamacita."
---
Bolas's Internal Gloating
Bolas watched the exchange with barely concealed glee.
Bolas (internal thought): "Keep LAUGHING, Makeup Boy. Enjoy being BULLIED by Rika. I know you can't BEAT me—because you're just a PORTER. You have NO CHANCE of making it to the TOP OF THE LIST. Hahaha."
---
The Elder Speaks
The Elder's voice cut through the murmuring.
Elder: "WEAKLINGS—LISTEN UP."
The crowd snapped to attention.
Elder: "The LUCKY participant who will go FIRST in the exam is—"
He glanced at the list.
Elder: "ROCKY. Class: PORTER."
---
Rocky's Correction
Rocky's voice rang out, calm and clear.
Rocky: "Correction, sir. You're MISTAKEN."
The Elder's eyebrow arched.
Rocky: "My class is not PORTER. My class is—JOBLESS."
---
The Elder's Reaction
The Elder's eyes widened slightly.
Elder (internal thought): "WHAT?! Jobless class?!"
He studied Rocky more carefully—the impossible physique, the mountain of gear, the complete lack of strain despite carrying enough weapons for a small army.
Elder (internal thought): "You're LUCKY and UNLUCKY at the same time, Handsome Boy. You were given that face—but the price is a JOBLESS class. How... unfortunate."
---
The Peak Elder's Observation
The Peak Elder—older, more experienced, more perceptive than anyone else in the hall—watched Rocky with narrowed eyes.
Peak Elder (internal thought): "Jobless class... but why does he seem so UNBOTHERED by the weight he's carrying?"
His eyes tracked the way Rocky stood—balanced, relaxed, ready.
Peak Elder (internal thought): "Interesting. Very interesting."
---
The Crowd's Reaction
Then the laughter started.
Boy 11 (doubled over, slapping his knee): "HAHAHAHA—WOW—what a PLOT TWIST! JOBLESS CLASS?!"
He pointed at Rocky, tears streaming down his face.
Boy 11: "Dude—your SITUATION is SERIOUS! Even my DOG has a class—and YOU don't! HAHAHAHA!"
---
Rika's Internal Jackpot
Rika, now at the back of the hall, watched with gleaming eyes.
Rika (internal thought): "OH MY—JACKPOT!"
She did mental calculations.
Rika (internal thought): "If he's JOBLESS, he's EXTREMELY WEAK. So my MISSION tonight has a 100% SUCCESS RATE! Hahaha!"
---
More Mockery
Boy 6 (laughing cruelly): "JOBLESS class—and he had the NERVE to participate here? Is he JOKING, or just SHOWING OFF with that PLASTIC face of his? HAHAHA!"
Boy 7 (joining in): "HAHAHA—yeah! He's just SHOWING OFF! At least MY face is REAL—because I have PIMPLES! His face has nothing—just MAKEUP covering everything!"
Girl 11 (snapping back): "Shut up, IDIOT! What you have is STRESS—that's why you have pimples! HAHAHA!"
Girl 12 (nodding): "Yeah—they're just JEALOUS!"
Boy 6 (shouting at Rocky): "Hey—HANDSOME BOY—GO HOME! Don't participate! Your MAKEUP might MELT in the dungeon! HAHAHA!"
Boy 15 (puffing out his chest): "I'm MORE HANDSOME than him anyway!"
Boy 6 (deadpan): "Yeah—you're handsome when HUMANS didn't exist yet on Earth."
Boy 15 (confused): "Are YOU handsome?"
Boy 6 (striking a pose): "Well, OF COURSE I'm handsome! And if I'm handsome—then YOU'RE all handsome too!"
He pointed at Rocky.
Boy 6: "Except for that UNEMPLOYED boy over there! HAHAHA!"
---
Bolas's Final Jab
Bolas stepped forward, arms spread wide, addressing the crowd like a performer.
Bolas: "HAHAHA—LUCK and BAD LUCK have MIXED in your body, Makeup Boy!"
He pointed dramatically at Rocky.
Bolas: "Next time—don't overdo the MAKEUP! Because your LUCK and BAD LUCK might just SEPARATE! HAHAHA!"
---
Stacy's Internal Realization
While everyone laughed, Stacy stood silent.
Her internal voice was calm—analytical.
Stacy (internal thought): "My INSTINCT was RIGHT. He's not a PORTER."
She watched Rocky's face—completely unbothered by the mockery.
Stacy (internal thought): "This guy is STRONG. I can feel it. No one pointed out that he's JOBLESS—yet he's carrying ALL THAT GEAR without ANY difficulty. Like it's NOTHING to him."
Her eyes narrowed.
Stacy (internal thought): "Who ARE you, Rocky?"
---
The Elder's Speech
The Elder raised his hand. Silence fell.
Elder (voice carrying to every corner):
"QUIET, you UGLY ONES."
He swept his gaze across the crowd.
Elder: "I can SEE the ANGER in your eyes. And I UNDERSTAND where it comes from."
He gestured vaguely at Rocky.
Elder: "It's not easy to ACCEPT when someone has something you DON'T—whether it's LOOKS, STRENGTH, or the WORLD'S ATTENTION."
He paused, letting that sink in.
Elder: "But LISTEN to me."
His voice hardened.
Elder: "In THIS world—no one is CREATED more IMPORTANT than anyone else. Every person has their own WEIGHT and VALUE—whether they're WEAK now, or STRONG someday."
He looked directly at the mocking boys.
Elder: "TRUE STRENGTH is not INSULTING or HURTING others. TRUE STRENGTH is the ABILITY to RESPECT others—even when you don't UNDERSTAND them."
He raised a finger.
Elder: "REMEMBER this: ENVY is a FIRE that slowly CONSUMES the heart. But UNDERSTANDING is a LIGHT that allows GROWTH."
He spread his arms.
Elder: "So CHOOSE who you want to be—someone CONSUMED by ANGER, or someone who learns HUMILITY and GROWS."
---
The Participants' Response
Participants (in unison, bowing respectfully): "Thank you for the advice, sir! LONG LIVE ELDER CHOY! LONG LIVE ELDER CHOY!"
---
Rocky Walks to the Gate
As the crowd dispersed toward their positions, Rocky walked alone toward the examination gate.
It loomed ahead—a massive arch of ancient stone, pulsing with magical energy. Beyond it lay the dungeon. The test. The first step.
The participants murmured as he passed.
Boy 18 (whispering to Boy 16): "Bet—he won't REACH the gate with all that GEAR."
Boy 16 (laughing): "LOL—do you think I'm STUPID? I know he's JOBLESS now! HAHAHA! No bet!"
Boy 18: "COWARD."
Boy 16: "Dude—I PURPOSELY didn't bet because I felt SORRY for your money."
Boy 18: "Oh yeah? REASON? IDIOT! HAHAHA!"
---
Rocky Reaches the Gate
Rocky stepped up to the gate interface—a glowing panel with multiple options.
Without pausing. Without reading. Without even glancing at the instructions—
He pressed.
DUNGEON SELECTION: E RANK
DIFFICULTY: SSS
CONFIRM? [YES]
He pressed YES.
---
The Gate Activates
The arch blazed with light.
Rocky was lifted off his feet—not by his own power, but by the dungeon's summoning magic. He floated upward, his mountain of gear shifting silently around him.
And as he rose, he struck a pose.
Arms crossed. Chin high. Eyes looking down at the stunned crowd below.
Pure. Unfiltered. AURA FARMING.
Rocky (voice ringing out): "For my MAKEUP and PLASTIC SURGERY HATERS out there—WATCH and LEARN."
He grinned—that devastating, dangerous grin.
Rocky: "Watch how I clear an E RANK DUNGEON on SSS DIFFICULTY! HAHAHA!"
---
The Crowd's Reaction
The hall ERUPTED.
Boy 1 (grabbing his hair): "DID HE JUST—"
Girl 7 (screaming): "SSS DIFFICULTY?! ON HIS FIRST TRY?!"
Boy 6 (pale): "He's going to DIE—"
Girl 9 (clutching her heart): "THAT POSE—THOSE WORDS—I'M DECEASED—"
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The Peak Elder's Final Thought
The Peak Elder watched Rocky's floating form disappear into the dungeon's light.
His internal voice was quiet—but certain.
Peak Elder (internal thought): "Feeling like the MAIN CHARACTER, huh?"
A small smile crossed his ancient face.
Peak Elder (internal thought): "Interesting. Very interesting."
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The Light Swallowed Him
The dungeon's light flared once—bright enough to blind—
And when it faded, Rocky was gone.
The gate hummed quietly,显示 ACTIVE in glowing runes.
Inside, the clock was ticking.
E Rank Dungeon.
SSS Difficulty.
One Jobless boy.
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[END OF CHAPTER 5]