Scene: City Martial Arts Stadium – Morning
The once-quiet venue now echoed with excitement. Students, parents, and instructors filled the stands. Cameras were set up. Banners for the National Youth Taekwondo Invitational flapped proudly.
Spotlights swept across the stage.
A large digital board flickered to life:
"Welcome to Day 1 – Preliminary Rounds Begin"
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Scene: Waiting Room
Areum tightened her gloves silently. Her eyes burned with determination, even as her nerves fluttered.
Rael sat across from her, legs crossed, smiling like a doll. Unbothered.
Daehyun paced, fists clenched, muttering combos under his breath.
The MC stood near the window, arms crossed, watching the clouds.
No one spoke to him—but everyone noticed him.
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Scene: Match Announcements
An announcer's voice boomed:
> "First Round Match! Han Areum versus Choi Mira!"
Cheers erupted.
Areum stood. Rael leaned in as she passed, whispering:
> "Don't lose too quickly. I want to face you when you're completely broken."
Areum didn't flinch. She stepped onto the mat with her head held high.
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Scene: First Match – Han Areum vs. Choi Mira
Mira was good. Fast. Technical.
But Areum was fierce. Cleaner. Sharper. Fueled by something deeper than training.
> This isn't just about winning. It's about proving I'm real.
She countered a spinning kick, swept Mira's leg, and pinned her with grace.
Victory: Han Areum.
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Scene: Waiting Room
Daehyun smirked. "She's in good form."
Rael clapped slowly.
The MC just looked at the board.
His name appeared.
> Next Match: Jang Minjae (MC) vs. Kang Woojin
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Scene: Second Match – MC's Turn
Woojin, a strong competitor from another district, bowed respectfully.
The MC returned the bow—but his expression didn't change.
The match began. Woojin rushed in—
—And was on the floor three seconds later.
A single step. One counter-kick. Instant KO.
The crowd went silent.
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Final Panel: Brackets Update
The screen showed updated brackets—Areum, MC, Rael, and Daehyun advancing.
A glowing overlay appeared:
> Quarterfinals Begin Tomorrow.
And in the shadows of the stadium hallway, Rael spoke quietly to herself:
> "Let's see who breaks first."
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