Chapter 1: The Third Year Begins
Scene 1: Morning at Home – August 28
Kim Taehyun woke to soft morning light spilling into his room. Today was August 28, 2025, the first day of his third year of high school. He stretched slowly, feeling the slight stiffness of his growing muscles, a reminder that he was stronger than most of his peers even in his current "chubby" form.
Downstairs, Mom (Kim Minji) was preparing breakfast, humming softly, while Father (Kim Seojin) read the newspaper, his calm presence filling the room. His older sister, Kim Jiwon, smiled warmly as she set the table.
"Good morning, Taehyun. Don't forget to eat properly today," Jiwon said, nudging him playfully.
"Morning," Taehyun replied quietly. He preferred observing over talking, even with family.
He remembered his last birthday, 14 February 2023, when he had turned twelve. That day marked the incident that changed him—a minor but impactful event at the end of middle school that left him quieter, less motivated, and withdrawn. Yet his latent potential—strength, intelligence, and agility—remained untouched, waiting to be awakened.
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Scene 2: Preparing for School
After breakfast, Taehyun packed his bag and checked his shoes. His parents watched silently.
"Remember, Taehyun," Father said in his deep, steady voice. "Observe everything. Strength and talent matter later, but knowledge of people matters first."
Taehyun nodded. He had learned long ago that his parents' advice was always meaningful, even if delivered simply.
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Scene 3: Journey to School
Walking to school, Taehyun observed his surroundings carefully. Students laughed and chattered in groups. Small gestures, subtle expressions, and body language—all of it formed patterns in his mind. Even at fourteen, he had a natural gift for noticing details others missed.
Sports day was tomorrow, and he anticipated the first real chance to measure his physical abilities among his peers.
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Scene 4: School Orientation
Taehyun arrived at the gates of his modern six-year high school. Students gathered, introduced themselves, and formed cliques. He blended in easily—average-looking, quiet, glasses perched on his face.
Inside the classroom, he cataloged every student he saw: their expressions, posture, tone of voice. Teachers gave speeches, and Taehyun listened intently. Even in small details, he found lessons.
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Scene 5: Afternoon Reflection
On the walk home, Taehyun reflected on the day. Observation had been his priority. He noted who was confident, who hesitated, and subtle dynamics between students. Tomorrow's sports day would reveal even more.
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Scene 6: Evening at Home
Returning home, Taehyun found Jiwon in the kitchen preparing a light snack.
"Welcome back," she said.
Dinner passed in calm conversation. Mom smiled, keeping the atmosphere warm, while Father offered short, practical advice. Taehyun remained quiet, absorbing the family's love and guidance without needing to speak much.
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Scene 7: Night – Dreams
Lying in bed, Taehyun closed his eyes. Sleep came slowly, as it often did.
When he drifted under, the world transformed. The sky turned deep red, and distorted, screaming faces surrounded him. The air throbbed with their voices, shouting, "Why?!"
Taehyun moved instinctively, relying purely on raw strength and speed. Each strike was unsophisticated yet devastating. He didn't plan—he fought with rage, instinct guiding him.
Amid the chaos, flashes appeared:
His parents, training with extraordinary strength
Shadows of Father's assassin ancestors in China
Massive, powerful warriors from Mother's ancient line in Arabia
Brief glimpses of the future
He could not control the dream. Rarely, fragments of ancestral combat techniques surfaced, but tonight was pure instinct.
When he woke, sweat clinging to his skin, the room was calm. Taehyun sat up, heart racing. He did not share these dreams, except occasionally with Jiwon—and even then, rarely.
Lying back down, he stared at the ceiling. The visions lingered, a reminder that his potential and the legacy of his bloodline were far greater than the world yet realized.
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