A New Alliance

As the notification of Kang-dae's acceptance illuminated his interface, Joon-ho's excitement surged. With a swift tap, he selected the option to teleport to his newfound friend. The air around him crackled with energy as his body began to dematerialize, the familiar sensation of teleportation enveloping him.

In the blink of an eye, Joon-ho found himself standing in a different corner of the Citadel of Nexa, the vibrant surroundings of the digital world stretching out before him. The transition was seamless, his senses adjusting to the new location as he eagerly awaited Kang-dae's arrival.

"Hey, Joon-ho. Over here!" A voice boomed.

As Joon-ho turned to the sound of his name, he was met with the sight of Kang-dae approaching, his avatar adorned in armour and weaponry that seemed out of place. Joon-ho's astonishment was palpable as he took in Kang-dae's imposing figure, his mouth agape in disbelief.

The contrast between Kang-dae's unassuming appearance in the real world and his formidable presence in NexaRealm was staggering. It was a revelation that left Joon-ho reeling with surprise and admiration.

"Kang-dae, is that really you?" Joon-ho finally managed to utter, his voice tinged with incredulity.

"Does this face belong to someone else, my friend?" Kang-dae chuckled at Joon-ho's reaction, his voice resonating through the digital environment.

"I never would have guessed... You're a tank?" Joon-ho nodded fervently, still trying to reconcile the image before him with the Kang-dae he knew.

"Yes, surely. Playing with my siblings back home, it just made sense for me to take on the role of a tank to support them. Besides, there's something satisfying about being the stalwart protector on the battlefield," Kang-dae nodded, a hint of pride evident in his demeanour.

Joon-ho couldn't help but admire Kang-dae's dedication to his role, realizing that there was much more to his roommate than met the eye.

"That's impressive, Kang-dae. I had no idea. It's amazing how NexaRealm allows us to step into completely different roles and personas."

"Exactly," Kang-dae agreed, a smile playing on his lips. "It's one of the things I love most about this game."

As they continued their conversation, Joon-ho felt a newfound sense of camaraderie with Kang-dae, their shared experiences in NexaRealm forging a stronger bond between them. With each passing moment, the digital landscape seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the connection between two friends navigating the realms of fantasy together.

Now, it is Kang-dae's turn to guess Joon-ho's class, so his curiosity is piqued. Observing Joon-ho's dark purplish attire, and the two daggers placed by his hips, Kang-dae couldn't help but venture a guess.

"Hmm, let me guess," Kang-dae said, studying Joon-ho's avatar thoughtfully. "Based on that sleek outfit, I'd say you're an assassin, right?"

"Yeah, you got it. Quick and agile, just like your guess," Joon-ho nodded a hint of surprise in his expression.

As Joon-ho affirmed Kang-dae's speculation about his avatar's role as an assassin, Kang-dae couldn't help but feel intrigued. The dark, purplish attire that adorned Joon-ho's digital persona seemed to convey a sense of stealth and agility, characteristics befitting an assassin in NexaRealm. Yet, Kang-dae found himself surprised by the revelation.

"An assassin, huh?" Kang-dae mused, his gaze scanning Joon-ho's avatar with newfound interest. "I guess that attire does suit the role. You seem like you'd be quick on your feet."

"Yeah, I thought the same when I picked it out. Gotta be nimble to survive in NexaRealm," Joon-ho nodded, a smile playing on his lips.

"I never would have guessed," Kang-dae admitted, his voice tinged with admiration. "You don't strike me as the assassin type in real life."

"I suppose appearances can be deceiving, huh?" Joon-ho chuckled a hint of amusement in his tone.

"I always imagined assassins to be more... enigmatic, I guess. You know, the silent, solitary types who keep to themselves. Not someone as friendly and approachable as you," Kang-dae nodded in agreement, his gaze thoughtful as he considered Joon-ho's words.

"I guess appearances can be deceiving, huh? But that's the beauty of NexaRealm - it lets us explore different facets of our personalities," Joon-ho's smile widened, acknowledging the contrast between his real-life self and his chosen role in the game.

"So, Joon-ho, are you one of those prominent players here? You know, like having a high rank to show for it?" Kang-dae's curiosity piqued, he inquired.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. I've been playing for a while, so I've managed to climb up the ranks," Joon-ho nodded, understanding Kang-dae's point.

"I'm currently number 142 as Korea's tank. Not the best numbers, but hey, at least I'm on there," Swiftly navigating the leaderboard, Kang-dae located his rank as a tank, noting,

Before he could ask Joon-ho for his ranking, Kang-dae had a change of heart. Deciding to explore the assassin leaderboard instead, he mumbled Joon-ho's name and scrolled down. His eyes widened in shock as he discovered Joon-ho's name at the top of the list.

"Wait a minute," Kang-dae exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "You're Korea's number 17 assassin? Seriously?"

Kang-dae's eyes widened in genuine surprise as he navigated the leaderboard, witnessing Joon-ho's impressive ranking.

"Wait, seriously? Number 17? You're Korea's 17th best assassin?" he exclaimed, a mix of astonishment and admiration evident in his voice.

"Yeah, I guess so. It's just a game, you know. Rankings don't mean everything," Joon-ho, though appreciative of the acknowledgement, remained modest.

"Man, that's incredible! I've never met someone at the top of the rankings before. You must be really skilled. How did you manage to reach such a high rank?" Kang-dae, still trying to absorb the revelation, grinned.

"Well, I've been playing for a while, and I guess practice pays off. It's not just about skill; it's also about understanding the game mechanics and strategies. Maybe we can team up some time, and I can show you a few tricks," Joon-ho chuckled, appreciating Kang-dae's enthusiasm.

Kang-dae nodded eagerly, already excited about the prospect of teaming up with one of NexaCorp Korea University's top-ranked players. Their virtual exploration was evolving into a promising camaraderie, creating a bond that extended beyond the confines of the game.

As Kang-dae's astonishment lingered in the air, Joon-ho couldn't help but feel a pang of indifference toward his ranking. Sure, being Korea's number 17 assassin was an impressive feat by any standard, but for Joon-ho, it held little significance. He had never harboured dreams of going pro or achieving fame in NexaRealm. It was just a game, a hobby to pass the time. However, witnessing Kang-dae's reaction stirred something within him.

For the first time, Joon-ho contemplated the possibility of embracing a new ambition. Perhaps it was time to care about his ranking, his performance, and his place in the NexaRealm community. After all, he was already here, immersed in this virtual world where possibilities were endless. As he gazed at Kang-dae, whose eyes sparkled with admiration, Joon-ho realized that his skills held value beyond his perception. It was a moment of self-discovery, a realization that he had the potential to make an impact, not just in the game but in his own life as well.

As Joon-ho contemplated this newfound perspective, a sense of determination began to take root within him. He no longer saw NexaRealm as just a game but as a platform for personal growth and achievement. The realization that his skills could garner admiration and respect from others ignited a fire within him, propelling him toward a new goal.

With Kang-dae's encouragement echoing in his mind, Joon-ho made a silent vow to himself. He would strive to climb even higher in the rankings, not for fame or glory, but for the satisfaction of knowing that he was capable of reaching new heights. Each victory, each defeat would be a stepping stone on his journey toward self-improvement.

But beyond the realm of NexaRealm, Joon-ho also saw the potential for growth in his real-life interactions. As he glanced at Kang-dae, he realized that their bond had deepened through their shared experience. It wasn't just about playing a game together; it was about forging connections, learning from one another, and supporting each other's aspirations.

The significance of this moment wasn't lost on Joon-ho. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one filled with purpose and determination. With Kang-dae by his side, he felt confident that he could overcome any challenge that lay ahead, both in the virtual world and in reality.

As they stood there, basking in the glow of their shared accomplishment, Joon-ho couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward Kang-dae. It was thanks to his encouragement and support that Joon-ho found the courage to embrace this new path. Together, they would navigate the twists and turns of their journey, each step bringing them closer to their goals.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Joon-ho stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but with Kang-dae by his side, he knew that anything was possible. And as they ventured forth into the unknown, Joon-ho couldn't help but feel excited for the adventures that lay ahead.