Scene: Early Morning – Local Dojang (Training Hall)
The sound of bare feet hitting the mat echoed through the hall.
Lee Daehyun wiped sweat from his brow as his coach shouted, "Again!"
His body ached, but his mind burned hotter.
> "I can't lose. Not to him. Not after everything…"
Flashbacks of the MC's emotionless face, Areum's distant gaze, and the creeping presence of Rael flickered in his thoughts.
---
Scene: Public Park – Abandoned Playground
The MC stood alone, repeating forms silently in the empty lot behind the school.
No coach. No guide.
Just precision.
Each kick, each motion, refined to a science.
Behind a tree, Rael watched.
"You're not even breaking a sweat," she said.
He didn't turn. "You're not supposed to talk during analysis."
Rael stepped forward. "What will you do if she loses to me?"
The MC didn't answer right away.
> "She won't."
---
Scene: Classroom – Before Dismissal
Whispers flew again.
Areum walked in, and this time, no one offered her a seat. Her spot had been "taken"—by Rael.
The teacher didn't say anything.
Even Daehyun froze. Something about Rael's stare made his skin crawl.
Areum took a seat in the back without a word.
Her fingers trembled under the desk.
---
Scene: Afternoon – After School
Daehyun caught up to the MC.
"You're joining the tournament too, huh?"
The MC didn't stop walking. "You going to tell me to back out?"
"…No. I want to beat you. Fair and square."
The MC smiled without warmth.
"Then train harder. Or I'll take everything."
Daehyun grabbed his shoulder—tight.
"You think this is a game?"
> "No," the MC replied.
"But I already won."
---
Final Panel: Tournament Arena, One Week Away
A panel shows all four names printed on the bracket board.
The tension is building.
And the storm is coming.
---