The sun rose slowly, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The snow had finally ceased, leaving a white mantle that covered the ruins of Baekyun village. Jin stood at the edge of the village, staring at the horizon.
The cold wind blew, carrying with it the scent of ashes and dried blood. Behind him, the ceremonial altar lay in ruins, and the flames of the funeral pyre had completely died out. The world now felt as vast as it was empty.
— So? — Chi's voice echoed softly in his mind. — Are you going to stand there until you turn into a frozen statue?
Jin did not respond immediately. His fist clenched, the crimson symbol on his chest pulsing gently. Chi's words echoed within him like a distant bell.
— I want revenge — Jin whispered, his voice heavy with restrained pain and fury. — But I don't know where to start.
— Start by walking — Chi replied, his tone serious. — The path of vengeance is not walked with words alone. First, you need to strengthen yourself. And for that, you need to learn to control the power you now carry.
Jin nodded slowly. On his chest, the crimson symbol pulsed, radiating a faint wave of warmth throughout his body. He took a deep breath, feeling the Qi moving irregularly within him. He did not yet master the power, but he could feel it there, waiting to be awakened.
Chi appeared beside him, arms crossed, his expression slightly amused.
— Now, listen carefully, kid. First, we need to go to the city of Jeonghwa. There, we can find information about the Scarlet Alliance and, perhaps, a way to train without drawing attention.
— And after that? — Jin asked, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
Chi narrowed his eyes, the smile fading. — After that, we find those who destroyed the village. And we make them pay for every drop of blood they spilled.
Jin took a deep breath, his eyes burning with a deep crimson glow. He took a step forward, feeling the snow crunch beneath his feet. Baekyun village was now behind him. Now, only the path ahead mattered.
And as he took another step, Jin felt something — a presence. A gaze.
From afar, atop a snow-covered hill, a hooded figure watched him. Even at a distance, Jin could feel the dark, dense Qi emanating from that presence.
The figure vanished, as if it had never been there.
— Chi... — Jin muttered, his eyes narrowing.
— Yes, kid. — Chi responded, his eyes also fixed on the hill. — It seems the Alliance already knows you survived.
The wind blew again, cold and sharp. Jin took a deep breath, his fist clenching even tighter.
— Let them come. I will no longer be the prey. — Jin said, his eyes gleaming intensely.
And so, Jin Sohyeon took his first step toward the city of Jeonghwa, toward the unknown, and toward the beginning of a journey that would change not just his life but the entire fate of Murim.