Loma was still tired and confused from his confrontation with Sota. He couldn't remember exactly what had happened—or why Sota's nose was bleeding—since he had been unconscious.
Loma: "Agh… I'm so tired. I should just sleep… school tomorrow too. Let's head to bed."
He collapsed onto his bed, and within ten seconds, sleep claimed him.
Morning arrived.
Loma woke, brushed his teeth, dressed, and went to breakfast. As usual, his father's constant nagging filled the room. Frustrated, Loma left the table without a word.
Loma (thinking): "Why do I have to live like this…? And yesterday… my head still hurts just thinking about it. Better to forget it."
He arrived at school, stepping cautiously into the familiar halls. Near the entrance, Sota stood, but when he noticed Loma, he turned and walked away.
Loma (thinking): "I don't know why… but that's a relief, I guess."
As he headed to class, a figure blocked his path—a man in a black hoodie. Just his presence made Loma's stomach twist with unease.
Hoodie Man: "Are you Loma?"
Loma (nervously, voice trembling): "Uh… yes. Uh… why?"
Hoodie Man: "Follow me."
The man led Loma to a classroom unlike any other. Everyone inside wore black hoodies. On the backs of the hoodies were red letters spelling RDX and a fierce wolf emblazoned in blood-red ink. The air crackled with quiet intensity, making Loma's chest tighten.
Hoodie Man: "Loma… I saw what happened yesterday. You're strong… even against Sota, who's above your weight class. Join the RDX. Together, we will dominate every opponent and become the strongest."
Loma hesitated, thinking carefully.
Loma: "I… might be interested. I'll join."
The man handed him a black hoodie with the same RDX wolf logo and red lettering.
Hoodie Man:
"My name is Vamos… RDX No. 1. I'm the head of RDX. And the guy beside me is Xoza."
Xoza stepped forward, introducing himself.
Xoza: "Nice to meet you. I'm Xoza, No. 2 of RDX."
Loma offered a small, nervous smile:
Loma: "Oh… nice to meet you all."
Vamos: "You can go for now. We'll call you when needed."
Loma left the school, hoodie on, feeling a strange mix of pride and unease. But as he walked home, a figure suddenly stepped in front of him.
Unknown Guy: "Stop there, small fry. You're in our territory."
Loma (confused): "My… my house is that way."
Unknown Guy: "Doesn't matter. You don't pass."
Loma tried to stay calm.
Loma: "Okay… then I'll make my way."
But his heart raced, hands shaking, fear rooting him to the spot.
Before he could move, twenty more men appeared, surrounding him like wolves closing in. Panic surged through Loma. Every instinct screamed to run, but his body froze.
The first blow hit him like a hammer. Then another. Pain exploded across his body, each strike stealing his breath. Loma could do nothing—he could only endure, trembling, bruised, and terrified.
Finally, bloodied and battered, he staggered back. Unable to reach his home, Loma turned and returned to school, his body aching, his spirit shaken, but a fire kindling deep within.
Chapter 2 – End