Flashback – Two Years Ago
Rain poured over a dark alley.
A younger Kim Hajin crouched over his bleeding master, body shaking.
Around him, three older thugs laughed, bloodied bats in hand.
They had challenged his dojo. Disrespected everything his master taught him.
And Hajin?
He couldn't win.
> "You're too soft," one of them spat. "Kendo's dead."
That night, Hajin lost more than a fight—
He lost his faith in mercy.
---
Enter Choi Mirae
She found him a week later, sparring alone, eyes cold with anger.
> "You want power?" she asked, umbrella shielding her from the rain.
> "I want revenge."
> "Then join me. I'll give you opponents strong enough to make you sharper than steel."
She held out her hand. He took it.
---
Present Day – Rooftop
Hajin leaned against the rail, bruised but standing. Hamin's punch still echoed in his bones.
Choi Mirae arrived quietly, her presence calm but commanding.
> "Did you lose?"
> "No," he muttered. "But I didn't win."
She smirked.
> "Then you're learning."
---
Elsewhere – Hamin's Apartment
He sat with an ice pack on his arm, watching footage of his own fight online.
Comments flooded in.
> "Who is this guy?"
"Hamin's not human."
"Did you see his eyes glow?"
He clicked off the screen.
> "I'm not done."
---
Final Panel – Training Begins
Hamin entered a quiet underground gym—no one around but shadows.
A single figure stood waiting.
It was Kang Daehyun.
> "You've got talent," Daehyun grinned, stretching.
"But your form's sloppy."
> "You here to lecture me?" Hamin asked.
> "Nah. I'm here to make you stronger."
---