Park Jin-woo is the complete opposite of Kang Juyeon.

While Kang Juyeon started with an overwhelming talent and explosive abilities, Park Jin-woo is the epitome of a growth-type protagonist who starts off weak and gradually becomes stronger.

In terms of potential, he doesn’t fall behind any other holder.

‘But that’s not the case right now.’

That meant that the current Park Jin-woo was weak.

After entering the academy, Park Jin-woo steadily improved his abilities and met Professor Eun Sa Tak-won, who helped him unlock his hidden potential.

He had unlimited growth potential that is befitting a protagonist…

But at the current point of the entrance exam, he is a weak holder who was placed in the same lower-class as me.

‘His speed… seemed to be quite high.’

In the early parts of the <Next Rune Holder>, if my memory as a devoted reader is correct, Park Jin-woo’s holder information is also mentioned.

If I recall correctly, he was an agile swordsman-type holder with relatively high speed compared to other attributes.

I don’t remember the exact numerical values of his abilities.

But one thing was certain. His strength was lower than mine, but his speed was higher.

With just that information, I could already plan my strategy for the upcoming duel.

‘Oh, right. He had that rune too.’

As I rummaged through my memories, something came to mind.

Another epic rune that the protagonist, Park Jin-woo, obtained early on was [Keen Mind].

True to its name, it is a mental defence-type rune that allows the holder to remain resolute and focused regardless of the surrounding circumstances, physical condition, or any curses.

Park Jin-woo made good use of this rune from the early to later stages.

In the beginning, he used it to overcome the fatigue and difficulties that arose during training, and in the later stages, he relied on it to defend against mental attacks during battles with monsters or other holders.

In particular, [Keen Mind] is a growth rune that starts from level 1.

Unlike [Effort of the Seeker] or [Rune Hunter]…

It is not a ‘rune that starts at max level from the beginning’.

As a result, the higher the level, the more aspects it can be utilized in, and it has a considerable number of derived skills.

Depending on the perspective, it can be even more fraudulent than [Effort of the Seeker].

It was a protagonist adjustment rune that helped support the initially weak Park Jin-woo.

‘Which one is better between the two?’

[Rune Hunter] can only replicate one rune per holder.

So, I pondered over which rune to choose.

Both runes were advanced runes with fraudulent performance.

However, I soon laughed at myself and dismissed such thoughts.

‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch.’

Obtaining fraudulent runes had made things too complicated.

Even though the duel hadn’t even started yet, my imagination was already branching out as if I had won the battle.

Park Jin-woo, who had lower strength but higher speed. The levels of our normal weapon runes were the same.

We were at a similar level, so I had to be on full alert.

Even if I knew Park Jin-woo better than anyone, the situation could still change depending on various factors.

“The practical duel between Do Jae-hyun Holder and Park Jin-woo Holder will begin shortly. Both holders, please prepare for one minute.”

In response to the supervisor’s words, I gripped two daggers in both hands.

We are free to use any weapon in the practical duel. So, to ensure efficient duel, I had prepared five daggers. Two for close combat and three for throwing.

Just a month ago, I was an ordinary modern person who had never held a weapon before, but now, thanks to the support of the [Dagger] rune, I could handle daggers fairly smoothly.

Park Jin-woo, who was initially bewildered by my nomination, adjusted his gaze and gripped his sword as the duel approached.

He was weak in the beginning. He became stronger, possessing multiple runes because he was a determined holder who always gave his best in duels.

“The duel begins.”Swoosh-

Clank, clack-

How long had it been since we reacted?

Two seconds? One second?

After receiving the starting signal, we moved in about that much time.

I immediately threw a throwing dagger and rushed forward with the melee daggers in both hands.

There was no need for a probing battle.

Initiative was the key to victory!

Park Jin-woo had no chance against a surprise attack.

***

Clang- kagang-

Park Jin-woo’s sword clashed with Do Jae-hyun’s dagger once again.

A two-handed sword and a dagger held in one hand.

Despite an apparent difference in weight.

There was no significant difference in strength between the two holders’ clash.

“Ugh… how is he this strong…”

Instead, Park Jin-woo gradually gave way under the force.

With each clash of their weapons.

Park Jin-woo could feel himself being pushed back.

‘Is his strength at 8? 9? Something like that…’

When a holder’s main attribute exceeds 10, they are generally treated as intermediate class in the academy.

The difference in abilities is an absolute realm that cannot be easily narrowed down, in addition to the importance of rune levels in a holder’s growth.

That’s how important a holder’s abilities were.

From Park Jin-woo’s perception, Do Jae-hyun’s strength was almost close to 10.

Considering that his own strength was only 5, it was natural for him to be outmatched in a contest of strength.

Furthermore, Do Jae-hyun held a dagger in each hand.

Daggers are lightweight and allowed for smooth movement connections.

Compared to Park Jin-woo, who used one hand for a single sword, Do Jae-hyun, who used two hands for two daggers… had much more freedom in his duel movements.

<Holder Information>

◎Name: Park Jin-woo

◎Gender: Male (20)

◎Stats: –

◎ [Strength: 5]

◎ [Magic: 4]

◎ [Speed: 8]

◎ [Divinity: 5]

◎ [Stamina: 7]

◎ [Willpower: 9]

◎Possessed Runes: –

◎ [Effort of the Seeker Lv.Max]

◎ [Sword Lv.2]

◎ [Agile Agility Lv.2]

◎ [Keen Mind Lv.1]

◎Possessed Skills: –

–◎Ultimate Skill: –

–

Park Jin-woo’s strength is 5, and his speed is 8.

Thanks to the rare rune [Agile Agility], which helps enhance speed and agility in combat, Park Jin-woo’s speed was considerably higher compared to other lower-tier holders. Although he had to continue the fight utilizing his relatively high speed, finding advantageous angles using it wasn’t easy.

The difference in weapons was mentioned earlier. Park Jin-woo wielded a sword, while Do Jae-hyun used a dagger. Do Jae-hyun covered his lack of speed with lighter movements.

‘This guy… has great combat sense.’ Park Jin-woo admired Do Jae-hyun’s instincts.

To be honest, the rune level didn’t seem that high. Neither of them displayed any special skills during their battle, and Do Jae-hyun’s dagger technique felt more rudimentary than intricate.

However, Do Jae-hyun acknowledged all those circumstances and strategically engaged in combat.

The first thing Park Jin-woo felt was the surprise attack during their initial throw. Some might consider it cowardly, but considering the name of this duel session was ‘Realistic Duel’, it was a highly reasonable and effective ambush.

‘If it weren’t for the [Keen mind], I would have definitely been shaken.’

The Epic rune [Keen mind] provided assistance in maintaining composure even in perplexing situations. Without this rune, Park Jin-woo would have been rattled and immediately defeated. That’s how sharp Do Jae-hyun’s initial attack was.

“Bring it on…!!”

“Haat!”

Along with their energy, their weapons clashed once again. The combat pattern remained consistent since earlier. Do Jae-hyun continuously sought openings and attacked, while Park Jin-woo compensated for the difference in strength with maximum speed for defence. As a result, small scratches appeared on Park Jin-woo’s body from the attacks he couldn’t completely dodge. However, Park Jin-woo didn’t pay much attention to them. Partly because his durability was quite high and he didn’t sustain significant injuries, but there was another reason he didn’t care.

‘It’s fun.’

This duel session brought him excitement. Even though he was constantly being pushed back due to the difference in strength, there was joy in finding a way to counter and retaliate. Just one month had passed since he awakened as a holder. For someone who had always trained alone, engaging in practical duel with a holder of a similar level, provided an unparalleled sense of enjoyment.

Rune holders, individuals who fought against monsters and villains with special abilities. Park Jin-woo could now truly feel that he had stepped into their world.

“Duel over. Holder Do Jae-hyun, wins.”

Do Jae-hyun’s dagger had already reached Park Jin-woo’s neck.

Clang—

Park Jin-woo admitted his defeat as he dropped his sword. However, he didn’t feel bad at all.

“Haha! Hahaha!”

Park Jin-woo laughed out loud as he looked at Do Jae-hyun. It felt like meeting a friend and a rival at the same time, something he hasn’t experienced since entering Seoul Holder Academy.

***

‘Wait, what the hell… Why is he looking at me like that? So intimidating.’

I deliberately ignored Park Jin-woo’s determined gaze. If I met his gaze, I felt like I would turn into a weirdo myself. People around me even thought I was crazy, staring at Park Jin-woo while laughing uncontrollably.

In return, I confirmed the sweet reward of victory I had just received. Winning the duel against my opponent.

Fortunately, the conditions presented by the [Rune Hunter] seemed to apply to this practical duel.

[You won the duel! With the mysterious power of the Rune Hunter, you can duplicate one of the opponent’s runes. Please select the rune to duplicate: 1. Effort of the Seeker 2. Keen mind 3. Agile Agility 4. Sword.]

My choice was undoubtedly [Effort of the Seeker].

I briefly hesitated because [Keen mind] had exceptional performance, but I couldn’t give up [Effort of the Seeker], which influenced the overall growth of the holder.

[You have chosen Effort of the Seeker. Since it is an Epic rune at Max level, it’s level will not decrease when duplicated.]

[You have obtained a new rune.]

[Stamina and Willpower are increased by 3]

[Rune Information]

◎Name: Effort of the Seeker

◎Grade: Epic

◎Level: Max

◎Engraved Location: Wrist

◎Special Effects: –

◎The growth rate of rune level is three times faster.

◎Random ability stats increase by 1 for every 100 hours of training. (0/100)

◎Derived Skills: –

–

◎Detailed information: –

Those who explore the path will receive rewards equal to their efforts. The efforts put in by the Seeker will never betray them.

“…”

This was insane. I gained a completely absurd scam rune that only the protagonist possessed. And now, I brought it in with another scam rune I had.