Chapter 15 — Crimson Souls (The End)
The silence of Gwangjin Field was torn apart by screams, the thud of fists, and ragged breathing. The cold ground was slick with blood, splattering the shoes of gang members watching from the sidelines. Two figures stood at the center of the human circle—Kang Dae Yeon and Tae Joon. Their faces were battered, their breaths heavy, but their eyes still burned with fury that refused to fade.
"Come on, bastard! Show me again if you're really the king of this school!" shouted Tae Joon, fresh blood dripping from his lips.
Dae Yeon smirked, his body covered in wounds yet still standing tall. "A king? There's no king here. There's only someone who dares to stand for his friends!"
A roar erupted. Silent Guardian banged on the metal fence around the field, while Crimson Souls stood frozen, their gazes sharp, waiting for the outcome.
⚔️ Round 2 began.
Tae Joon charged first, swinging a heavy right hook at Dae Yeon's cheek. BUUGHH! Dae Yeon's head snapped to the side, blood spraying from his mouth, but he forced himself not to fall. Tae Joon followed up with a brutal knee to the stomach. DUGHHH! Dae Yeon doubled over—but instead of collapsing, he grabbed Tae Joon's knee, twisted, and smashed his elbow into his opponent's face. KRAKK!! Tae Joon's nose broke instantly, blood gushing wildly.
"ARGHHH!!" Tae Joon screamed, stumbling back.
Dae Yeon didn't waste the chance. He rushed forward, driving a savage kick into Tae Joon's ribs. DUARR!! Tae Joon's body crashed to the ground, the earth trembling under the impact, dust exploding upward. The crowd fell silent.
But Tae Joon wasn't the type to surrender. He rose again, eyes wild, face drenched in blood. Grabbing a stone from the ground, he swung it straight at Dae Yeon's head. But Dae Yeon caught his wrist mid-air, twisted it—KRETEK! The sound of bones straining echoed.
"You think… you can take me down with dirty tricks like that?" Dae Yeon hissed, his eyes glowing red with rage.
Then he hammered Tae Joon's face with a barrage of punches.
BUGHH!! BUUGHH!! BUUGHHH!! Blood sprayed in every direction. Each strike sounded like a hammer smashing into flesh. Silent Guardian screamed in ecstasy: "Finish him, Dae Yeon!!"
Tae Joon dropped to his knees, swaying. His lips torn, his teeth shattered. Crimson Souls stood frozen, none daring to step forward.
Dae Yeon loomed above him, panting, his fists drenched in blood. He looked down at his broken rival, then delivered one final crushing punch to Tae Joon's jaw. DOORRR!! Tae Joon's body collapsed, slamming into the dirt, motionless.
Silence. Only the night wind whispered across the field.
And then—
"YEAAHHH!!!" Silent Guardian erupted, cheering, jumping wildly. They rushed onto the field, hoisting Dae Yeon into the air.
Crimson Souls stood stiff, watching their fallen leader. Their eyes shifted to Dae Yeon and the Silent Guardian, who slowly left the field. Dae Yeon's voice rang heavy but sincere:
"Let's live in peace, Crimson Souls… and protect this school together. No more blood needs to be spilled here."
His words echoed. Crimson Souls glanced at one another, uncertain. Tae Joon stirred on the ground, his swollen eyes barely open, and managed a faint smile through the blood.
"You damn bastard, Dae Yeon… Crimson Souls… we'll change. We'll protect this school too." His voice was hoarse, a tear sliding down his face.
The entire Crimson Souls froze. Never before had they seen their leader shed tears. But none objected. That night, the seeds of peace were sown between the two most feared gangs.
🌒
From the bushes, Ji Hoon and Jae Hwan finally crept out. They exchanged a brief glance before slipping away, leaving the field filled with cheers.
🌅 The next morning.
The school gate buzzed with students. All eyes turned as Kang Dae Yeon appeared. Despite the bruises covering his face, his smile was wide. "Yo, morning everyone!" he greeted cheerfully. Students blinked in shock, then responded with enthusiasm.
He clapped Ji Hoon on the shoulder as he entered. "Morning, Ji Hoon!" he said warmly, throwing an arm around him. Soon after, he spotted Ki Hyun and pulled him in with laughter. The three walked into school together, drawing every eye.
But the mood shifted when a sleek black luxury car stopped in front of the gate. From it stepped a beautiful girl with long hair, wearing a crisp uniform. Murmurs of awe rippled through the crowd.
She was Kim Seo Yeon.
Before entering, she turned to the tall, stern man beside the car—a man in a black suit and dark glasses. She spoke softly, "Uncle Ryuiri, I'll be going now."
The man bowed slightly. "Yes, Princess."
That single word sent shockwaves through the students. They had just learned that Kim Seo Yeon was the daughter of the CEO of the giant corporation StarCorp.
As Seo Yeon walked inside, Uncle Ryuiri shifted his gaze toward Ji Hoon, Dae Yeon, and Ki Hyun walking together. A faint smile curled his lips. Adjusting his glasses, he murmured:
"So that's Park Ji Hoon… interesting."
As if he knew something no one else did.
And the story continued…
Next Chapter: The Sudden Exam