Chapter 17 — The Sudden Test (2)
The tense atmosphere in front of the school gate suddenly shattered when Kim Seo Yeon's phone rang, breaking the silence. Everyone turned to look. The girl hurriedly answered.
"Father?" her voice sounded startled, then she turned to Ryuiri with a worried look.
"Father told me to come home right away… there's something urgent. Sorry."
Ryuiri froze, his breath heavy. He restrained his still-burning anger, then pulled on his jacket with a cold motion.
"Hmph… we'll continue this another time," he said flatly, casting a chilling gaze at Ji Hoon, Jae Hwan, and Kang Dae Yeon that sent shivers down their spines.
"I… am interested in the kids at this school."
He then opened the car door, motioning for Seo Yeon to step in first. Before leaving, he glanced back briefly.
"Apologies. I have to go."
The door closed. Instantly, Dae Yeon and Jae Hwan collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.
"That guy…" Dae Yeon muttered, his face pale.
"His punches and kicks… no joke. The speed… the technique… like a monster."
Jae Hwan clutched his aching jaw. "The power was insane… I couldn't even react."
Ji Hoon, who had been silent, slowly stood up. He rubbed his stomach, still throbbing with pain.
"I felt it too… his kick was like a steel hammer smashing into me. And this new body of mine… it's supposed to be perfect. But that… that was the first time I truly felt real pain."
That night, they gathered again—not at school, but in a modern, quiet café. The place was nearly empty, as if it had been closed off. When they entered, Han Shi Woo was already waiting inside.
The café had been reserved especially by Shi Woo. He sat casually with a warm smile.
"Order whatever you like. Tonight… it's my treat."
They exchanged surprised looks.
"Seriously?!" Jae Hwan immediately shouted with joy. "Alright then, I'll have the premium steak and the most expensive dessert!"
"You glutton," Jae Hyuk shook his head, then added coolly, "I'll… just take a black coffee."
Jung Min Ji looked stunning in a simple yet elegant dress, prompting Jae Hwan to repeatedly attempt flirting with his awkward "cool guy" act—each time failing miserably. Park Ji Ah looked cute in stylish clothes, but Min Ji's gaze often wandered toward Ji Hoon, which only made Jae Hwan burn with jealousy.
Still, the atmosphere grew warm. They joked, placed their orders, and began discussing their study plans.
On the other side of the city, however, the mood was entirely different.
Ryuiri stood tall before the glass window of a high-rise building, gazing at the glittering lights of Seoul. Behind him, a middle-aged man sat comfortably on a luxurious leather chair—CEO of StarCorp, Kim Seo Yeon's father.
Yet, what drew more attention was the black-robed figure standing in the corner of the room. His face was hidden, only his deep, heavy voice breaking the silence.
"How's the business?" the robed man asked.
The CEO smiled faintly. "Everything is going smoothly. No significant problems."
The black-robed man gave a slight nod. "And… Park Ji Hoon. What do you know about that boy?"
The CEO immediately turned toward Ryuiri. The young man stepped forward and replied in a flat tone.
"He's a new student at that school. Stands out a little… but I haven't investigated further. For now… information is limited."
A brief silence, then the robed man's voice grew heavier.
"Keep an eye on Park Ji Hoon."
"Why?" the CEO asked cautiously. "Is the Overlord… interested in that boy?"
The tension in the room spiked when the robed man slightly turned his head.
"I have business with that child."
The CEO quickly offered, "In that case… allow me and Ryuiri to eliminate him."
But the black-robed man shook his head slowly, his voice firm.
"No need. Just observe. You will understand… in time… why he has caught my interest."
Ryuiri clenched his fist, his gaze drifting back toward the city lights.
Unbeknownst to him, a shadowy conspiracy was already weaving itself into Park Ji Hoon's path.
To be continued…