Scene: Hyunseong High – Two Days Later
The classroom felt quieter than usual. Not because the teacher wasn't in yet—but because one seat remained empty.
Hamin's seat.
> "He's really not coming back?"
"I heard he took on eight people at once… and won."
"Nah, I heard he disappeared after killing someone—his eyes turned blue, like a freak."
Whispers floated like poison.
Areum sat silently at her desk, fists clenched.
She'd heard it all—again and again.
Finally, she stood up.
> "You idiots don't know a damn thing," she snapped.
"If you're going to spread lies, at least say them louder so I can break your teeth."
The class went silent. No one dared meet her eyes.
She grabbed her bag and left.
---
Scene: Underground Clinic – Secret Location
Dim lights buzzed overhead. The air smelled like alcohol, metal, and blood.
Hamin opened his eyes. A dull ache pulsed in his ribs.
> "You're awake," said a raspy voice.
An old man in a white coat stood beside him, smoking a thin cigarette.
> "You're lucky. You were burning up when they brought you in—thought you'd explode."
Hamin tried to sit up, but pain exploded through his back.
> "Don't move," the doctor muttered, pointing to the IV. "You weren't just wounded. Your body was changing."
> "Changing?" Hamin echoed, voice hoarse.
The doctor looked at him seriously.
> "Your blood isn't normal. Neither is your heartbeat. You're not just strong, kid. You're… something else."
Hamin stayed silent, staring at his trembling hands.
> "You said I was brought here. By who?"
> "Girl. Tall, sharp eyes. She paid well, didn't say a word."
Areum.
His chest tightened.
---
Scene: Rooftop Overlooking the School
Areum stood in the wind, staring down at the school gates.
> Where are you, Hamin?
How much longer will you run from everyone… from me?
---
Final Panel:
Inside a dark alley, a gang member limps toward a payphone, bloodied and broken.
> "H-he's awake… he's back…"
On the other end of the line, a man in a sharp black suit listens carefully.
> "Good. Then the real hunt begins."
---