Club Meeting in Disguise 

As the last remnants of their meal were cleared away, the group settled into a relaxed state, enjoying the lingering warmth of their camaraderie. However, their relaxation was interrupted when Hyo-sonn, ever the diligent president of the News Club, brought up the topic of their pending article.

With a sense of duty, he initiated an impromptu club meeting, taking advantage of the gathering to check on their progress. Hyo-sonn's voice cut through the relaxed atmosphere, prompting the group's attention.

"Hey, has everyone finished writing the article we're planning to publish?" he inquired, his tone carrying a hint of urgency mingled with excitement.

Jae-hwa, ever the diligent journalist, responded promptly.

"We're almost there. I'd say it's about 75 per cent complete," he announced, pulling out his tablet to showcase their progress.

With a quick tap, he passed the device to Hyo-sonn, who began scrolling through the document.

"Wow, it's really coming together," he remarked, impressed by the thoroughness of their work.

Meanwhile, Min-jee, ever efficient, had already begun adding to the article from her phone. Hei-ryung, curious as always, leaned over to catch a glimpse, offering her insights in hushed tones.

Observing the seamless collaboration, Joon-ho couldn't help but be intrigued.

"This is how the News Club operates?" he asked, surprised by the efficiency of their workflow.

Soo-jin, noticing his reaction, chimed in with a smile.

"Yeah, it took me by surprise at first too," she admitted, recalling her initial amazement at witnessing the club in action.

Mr. Park, seizing the opportunity to enlighten Joon-ho, offered his perspective.

"Indeed, they function like a well-oiled machine," he remarked, nodding in approval. "But they could benefit from strong leadership to guide them to even greater heights."

As Joon-ho processed Mr. Park's words, a realization dawned upon him. It wasn't just about the News Club; Mr Park's subtle hints were directed at a much larger picture—the future of Daehan NexaRealm. Joon-ho couldn't help but feel a surge of mixed emotions coursing through him. On one hand, the idea of leading a team and guiding them to success was undeniably appealing. But on the other hand, the thought of committing to a path that diverged from his current plans left him feeling conflicted.

He glanced at Soo-jin, who seemed to be engrossed in the ongoing discussion among their friends. Was her inclusion in the team merely a coincidence, or had it been orchestrated to lure him in? Soo-jin undoubtedly possessed the experience gained from countless hours of gameplay alongside Joon-ho, but leadership wasn't her forte. It seemed Mr. Park had identified their complementary strengths and envisioned them as vital components of the team's success.

The weight of Mr. Park's unspoken expectations settled heavily on Joon-ho's shoulders. He understood the significance of the opportunity laid before him—the chance to shape the future of Daehan NexaRealm. Yet, he couldn't ignore the doubts gnawing at the edges of his mind. Was he ready to embrace this new role and all the responsibilities it entailed? The prospect was daunting, but deep down, Joon-ho couldn't deny the stirring of excitement that accompanied the thought of embarking on this journey with his friends by his side.

Hyo-sonn's voice cut through the chatter, drawing Joon-ho's attention.

"Hey, Joon-ho, did you know that the Stormborn Sentinels were the favourites to win last night?" Hyo-sonn's tone held a mix of awe and disbelief.

"Seriously? But they lost to you guys?" Joon-ho's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Yeah, they were the only team to win two out of three matches, and yet they suffered defeat at our hands," Hyo-sonn nodded emphatically.

"It's incredible, really. We managed to beat a team of seasoned players, and we're just beginners," Soo-jin chimed in, her eyes shining with excitement.

Joon-ho couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at their accomplishment.

"I guess you all not as inexperienced as the public had thought," he mused.

"Exactly. And that's why the News Club wants to write an article about it—to inspire other students to join the NexaRealm team and ensure the future of Daehan Academy in the world of NexaRealm," Hyo-sonn nodded in agreement.

"We were lucky to have Joon-ho's tactical insights. Maybe you could share some thoughts on our performance, Joon-ho? It could make for a great addition to the article," Jae-hwa piped up, his expression thoughtful.

Joon-ho's mind raced as he weighed the implications of being featured in the article. While he wanted to support the NexaRealm team and help promote the game at Daehan Academy, he couldn't shake the discomfort of being thrust into the spotlight. Being mentioned by name would only draw more attention, something he preferred to avoid. Yet, he knew he couldn't refuse outright, not when his insights had played a crucial role in their victory.

"Sure, I'd be happy to," he finally replied, masking his hesitation with a smile. "Anything to help promote NexaRealm at Daehan Academy."

As the discussion continued, Joon-ho discreetly leaned toward Hyo-sonn, whispering his request to remain anonymous in the article. He knew it might seem like an odd request, but he hoped his friend would understand his reluctance to draw attention to himself.

With everything settled, Joon-ho and Soo-jin made their way towards the exit. But just then, Mr. Park's voice called out, causing Joon-ho to pause and turn back. With a nod to Soo-jin, indicating she should go ahead, Joon-ho walked over to where Mr. Park stood, a curious expression on his face.

"Is everything okay, Mr. Park?" Joon-ho asked, noticing the serious tone in the teacher's voice.

Mr. Park motioned for Joon-ho to join him in a quieter corner of the room before he spoke.

"There's something I wanted to discuss with you, Joon-ho," he began, his expression grave yet somehow hopeful. "A few representatives from NexaCorp Korea visited Daehan Academy recently."

Joon-ho's interest was piqued. NexaCorp Korea, the Korean branch of NexaCorp, was a prominent figure in the NexaRealm community, known for its innovative approach to gaming development and promotion. Or specifically to be one of the four countries to be the founders of NexaRealm.

"They mentioned something about a new initiative they're launching," Mr. Park continued. "They've established the first Gaming University in Seoul, focusing exclusively on NexaRealm. The goal is to train and nurture talent for the Korean National team, to compete on the world stage."

Joon-ho listened intently, absorbing the implications of Mr. Park's words. A university dedicated to NexaRealm sounded like a dream come true for many gamers, but Joon-ho couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that crept over him.

"I understand if this isn't something you're interested in," Mr. Park added, his tone gentle yet encouraging. "But I thought it was worth mentioning. It could be a unique opportunity for students like yourself who have a passion for NexaRealm."

Joon-ho nodded, grateful for Mr. Park's consideration. "Thank you for telling me, Mr. Park," he replied, his mind already racing with thoughts of what this could mean for his future. "I'll definitely think about it."

Joon-ho rejoined Soo-jin with a smile, though his mind was still preoccupied with Mr. Park's revelation. Soo-jin, ever curious, immediately inquired about their conversation.

"What did Mr. Park want to talk to you about?" she asked, her eyes searching his for any hint of what was discussed.

"Oh, just some last-minute details about the final exam," Joon-ho replied casually, not wanting to burden her with thoughts of the future just yet.

Soo-jin's expression softened at the mention of the final exam, but Joon-ho couldn't help but notice a hint of anxiety flickers across her features.

"I swear, every time I hear about exams, I get this allergic reaction," she joked, trying to lighten the mood. "But I guess we just have to push through it, right?"

Joon-ho nodded in agreement, grateful for Soo-jin's attempt to brush off the tension. As they continued their conversation and made their way home, the topic shifted to lighter matters, such as their plans for the weekend and their recent gaming exploits.

Eventually, they arrived at their respective houses, bidding each other farewell for the day. Alone in his room, Joon-ho couldn't shake the feeling of excitement and uncertainty that lingered from his conversation with Mr. Park. The prospect of attending a Gaming University dedicated to NexaRealm was both thrilling and daunting, and he knew he would need to give it careful consideration.

Meanwhile, at Daehan Academy, the article written by the News Club had been finalized and published. As students and faculty alike perused the latest edition of the school newspaper, they were met with a headline that caught their attention: "Daehan Reckoners: Rising Stars of NexaRealm."

Upon closer inspection, readers discovered a detailed account of the team's recent victory over the formidable Stormborn Sentinels, accompanied by interviews with the members and insights into their strategies. But it was the final paragraph that garnered the most interest, as it highlighted the contributions of a certain individual known only as the "Daehan Messiah."

For Joon-ho, the news of his newfound nickname went unnoticed, buried among the countless other articles and headlines that he never bothered to read. Yet, unbeknownst to him, the moniker "Daehan Messiah" had already begun to take root within the halls of Daehan Academy, whispered among students and teachers alike with a sense of reverence and awe.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the nickname stuck, becoming an integral part of Joon-ho's identity whether he realized it or not. And while he remained oblivious to the growing legend surrounding his name, those around him couldn't help but marvel at the impact he had made on the world of NexaRealm.

Little did Joon-ho know, this nickname would follow him for years to come, shaping the course of his journey in ways he could never have imagined. But for now, he simply continued on, driven by his passion for the game and the camaraderie of his teammates, unaware of the legacy he was destined to leave behind.