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Chapter 42 - Chapter 38 – Beneath the Surface

The sun had barely risen, yet the tension inside Daehan High School was already thick. Something unseen brewed beneath the surface.

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Morning – School Grounds

Park Minjae walked through the main gates like he owned them.

Dressed in a sharp black jacket and carrying an aura of silent danger, he didn't speak unless necessary. Whispers followed him—Choi Mirae's enforcer, a student whose fists had once broken a senior's ribcage in three hits.

He stopped outside Class 1-B, eyes scanning for a name.

> "Jang Hamin…"

A cold smile formed on his lips.

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Later – Cafeteria

Hamin sat in his usual corner, sipping water. Across the room, Park Minjae took a seat—right in front of him.

> "You beat up Jisoo," Minjae said casually. "I respect that."

Hamin didn't answer.

> "But… you stepped into something bigger than you understand."

Hamin met his eyes, emotionless.

> "That's what everyone says before they fall."

The smile dropped from Minjae's face. Their gazes locked—a silent war brewing.

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Evening – Underground Forum, Seoul

That night, Hamin sat in a dim-lit internet café. Hidden from public networks, he accessed a backdoor hacker's forum known for supernatural talk.

He typed:

> "Uncontrolled blue eye state. Surge of strength. Memory loss after activation. Anyone know what this is?"

Silence.

Then—

A single reply appeared.

> "You're not the first. Be careful. If they notice, they'll come for you."

Attached was a pixelated image of a boy… with glowing blue eyes. His body looked burned. His name was blacked out.

Hamin's eyes narrowed.

> "I'm not alone."

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Final Scene – Rooftop

As night fell, Hamin stood on the rooftop again, eyes closed.

He tried to remember what happened during the fight—but it was a blank. No matter how hard he focused, the memory refused to surface.

Until—

A flash.

Blood.

His own hand crushing something.

The sound of bone snapping.

And laughter.

His own… but not quite.

His hand trembled slightly.

> "What am I becoming…?"

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