The video spread online by evening.
A blurry clip of Cheon Ming blocking Vasco's full-powered punch with one arm…
and then folding the Burn Knuckles leader with a single palm strike.
Thousands of students reposted it.
Rumors exploded across Seoul's underworld.
"Is he from a hidden crew?"
"No way—he fights like a monster."
"He made Vasco kneel, bro!!"
By morning, even the streets outside J High felt different.
Like everyone was waiting for something to happen.
---
Hall of Dragons Hidden Base — Deep Underground
In a room illuminated by blue holographic screens, Jiha stood before a massive wall display. Surveillance drones projected real-time footage around her.
One of the doors opened silently.
A tall man entered — black coat, silver dragon emblem on the back.
"Vice Commander Jiha," he said with a bow. "The footage of Master Ming's fight… the world is reacting."
Jiha tapped a screen. Vasco's collapse replayed in slow motion.
"Seoul is behind the times," Jiha replied coldly. "They haven't realized he isn't fighting seriously."
The man swallowed. "And his order?"
Jiha smirked.
"He wants us to keep the Hall of Dragons known — but invisible."
She dragged a finger across a map of Seoul. Red circles marked various gangs, crews, and syndicates.
"Send observers to Big Deal territory. And Workers. Especially Workers."
The man bowed again.
"Yes, Vice Commander."
As the door closed behind him, Jiha whispered to herself:
"The world should tremble… but never see where the dragon sleeps."
---
Back at J High
Cheon Ming walked calmly through the hallway. Students parted like water around a ship.
Daniel followed behind him nervously.
"M-Ming… you should know that your fight with Vasco… it's everywhere."
"I'm aware."
"A lot of gangs might be… interested in you now."
Ming didn't stop walking.
"I welcome them."
Daniel gulped.
He couldn't tell if Ming was fearless… or insane.
As they turned the corner, they encountered an unexpected sight:
Zack Lee leaning against a locker, arms crossed, watching Ming with narrowed eyes.
Daniel panicked.
He knew that look.
Zack only made that expression when he acknowledged someone as an equal… or a threat.
"So," Zack said, pushing off the locker, "you're the guy who made Vasco kneel."
Ming didn't answer.
Zack cracked his knuckles.
"I can't ignore someone like you."
Daniel stepped between them instantly. "Z-Zack! Wait—!"
Zack ignored him.
"I'm not picking a fight," he said. "Not now. But I'm watching you."
For the first time, Ming paused.
He looked directly at Zack.
"You're strong," Ming said calmly. "But you're still climbing your mountain. When you reach the top… then you may speak to me."
Zack's eye twitched — part insult, part challenge.
"…I'll remember that."
He walked off.
Daniel exhaled in relief.
"Ming, are you trying to start a war??"
"No," Ming replied. "The war is already coming."
Before Daniel could ask what he meant, a teacher rushed into the hallway.
"D-Daniel Park! Someone is asking for you at the gates!"
"For me?"
The teacher shook her head nervously.
"N-not exactly. He said… he's here for the new student. Cheon Ming."
She swallowed.
"And he looks dangerous."
Ming's golden eyes sharpened.
Finally.
A challenger worthy of attention.