The ring was silent.
Dust floated in the air like ashes.
Both fighters stood at the center, fists still locked in the aftermath of their final clash.
CRACK.
The floor beneath them split.
Gunwoo's feet slid back.
He was the first to cough blood.
> "Heh… didn't expect… you to hold back this much."
Hamin's body trembled.
His fist lowered slowly.
But his eyes—glowed brighter now, the faint blue light pulsing like a heartbeat.
> [Warning: Suppressed Awakening – Threshold Breached]
> [Releasing Safety Locks…]
[Host Unconscious]
> ...What?
---
From Gunwoo's POV
Suddenly, Hamin stopped breathing.
His body dropped for a moment—then shot upright.
His head tilted slightly, but his face was blank.
No anger.
No fear.
Only silence.
Then—
WHOOSH.
Gunwoo's arm was caught mid-strike.
Twisted.
Snapped.
CRUNCH.
> "GAAH!"
Before he could scream again, Hamin moved.
A palm strike to the chest.
BOOM.
Gunwoo was launched into the ring post, collapsing in a heap.
The crowd screamed.
> "STOP HIM!"
"WHAT THE HELL IS HE?!"
Hamin stepped forward, eyes blazing blue, veins glowing under his skin.
He raised his hand again.
> [System Alert: Hostile Instinct Detected – Full Control Lost]
---
Enter: Daehyun
Daehyun rushed the ring, sliding in front of the half-conscious Gunwoo.
> "Hamin—STOP! He's done! You won!"
No response.
Only a slow, mechanical movement of Hamin's leg, winding back for a kick that could crush a ribcage.
Daehyun closed his eyes—
> Please don't make me fight you.
Then—
AREUM'S VOICE.
> "Hamin!"
He froze.
His leg dropped.
The blue in his eyes began to flicker… then fade.
Breath returned.
Hamin collapsed to one knee, clutching his head.
> "What… just happened…"
---
Final Panel:
Gunwoo, coughing blood, looked up with a smile.
> "You really are… a monster."
Hamin didn't answer.
He just stared at his hands—
Still shaking.