Director Kang Dae-ho stepped forward to the center of the training ground, raising his hand demanding silence. Complete stillness prevailed, even Nayun stopped playing and looked at him curiously.
Director Kang: (In a resonant voice) "Now, before we begin the matches, I must explain the rules precisely."
He looked at the eight fighters: Anas, Ji-won, Yoon So-ah, and Song Ji-ho on one side, and Kang Chul-soo, Han Bo-bae, Moon Jae-won, Choi Min-ho, and Park Jun-ho on the other.
Director Kang: "The first and most important rule: killing an opponent completely is absolutely forbidden. You cannot end anyone's life. But finishing blows and inflicting damage are allowed, as long as it doesn't reach the point of death."
Song Ji-ho: (Wiping imaginary sweat) "Thank God! I was worried I might accidentally kill someone!"
Park Jun-ho: (Looking at him coldly) "Don't worry... you won't be able to."
Director Kang: "The second rule: each match lasts a maximum of five minutes. If neither party can defeat the other within this time, the match is considered a draw."
Yoon So-ah: (Calmly) "And if one of us steps outside the arena?"
Director Kang: "The third rule: if any fighter steps outside the arena boundaries, they lose immediately."
He looked at everyone with emphasis.
Director Kang: "Don't worry about injuries. As soon as each match ends, all wounds will be healed immediately with our advanced medical equipment. You will return to your normal state before the next match. We have the best A-rank medics specializing in rapid healing."
Nayun: (Whispering to her mother) "Mommy, will they hurt each other?"
Ji-won: (Patting her head) "Don't worry, sweetie. Everyone here is professional."
Director Kang: (Looking at the fighters) "Now... the first round."
He raised his hand, and parts of the floor moved, raising two large circular platforms, each fifty meters in diameter, surrounded by transparent energy barriers.
Director Kang: "Song Ji-ho against Kang Chul-soo on the first platform. Yoon So-ah against Han Bo-bae on the second platform."
Everyone ascended to their platforms. Song Ji-ho stood on his platform with a wide smile, while the massive Kang Chul-soo faced him with a frowning face. On the other platform, Yoon So-ah stood quietly with her hand on her sword, while Han Bo-bae moved like a panther in her place.
Director Kang: (Raising his hand high) "Get ready..."
Silence reigned for a moment.
Director Kang: "Begin!"
---
The First Match: Yoon So-ah vs Han Bo-bae
As soon as Han Bo-bae heard the word "begin," she shot like an arrow toward Yoon So-ah. Her speed was tremendous, to the point that the ordinary eye couldn't track her movements. Her two short swords gleamed in the air, and her strikes rained down like hail.
SHING! SHING! SHING!
Yoon So-ah stepped back, her long sword drawing defensive circles in the air. Bo-bae's strikes came from every direction, sometimes from the right, sometimes from the left, sometimes from above. It was clear that Bo-bae had the upper hand at the beginning of the fight.
Park Jeung-soo (Deputy Director): (Whispering to the director) "It seems Yoon So-ah is in trouble. Bo-bae is very fast."
Director Kang: (Calmly) "Wait. The blood of the Yoon family doesn't surrender easily."
On the platform, Bo-bae pressed harder. Her attacks grew fiercer, her swords spinning like a tornado. So-ah could barely block, retreating until she almost reached the edge of the arena.
Nayun: (Shouting) "Pretty sister! Move!"
Ji-won: (Worried) "Come on... show what you've got."
Suddenly, at a decisive moment, Yoon So-ah stopped retreating. She stood firmly, and her sword rose in one circular motion. It wasn't a fast movement, but a strange, slow motion, yet terrifyingly precise.
Han Bo-bae: (Attacking with force) "It's over!"
She lunged at So-ah with all her strength, her two swords heading straight for her heart.
Yoon So-ah: (Calmly) "Family technique... Wind Cutter."
SHING!
No one saw the sword move. They only heard a sound like a fierce wind, then saw Bo-bae's swords flying from her hands, and in the next moment, Bo-bae found herself on the ground, with So-ah's sword at her neck.
The arena fell silent for a moment.
Director Kang: (Looking at his watch) "Exactly one minute."
Han Bo-bae: (Trying to get up, shocked) "How... how did you do this?!"
Yoon So-ah: (Lowering her sword) "Speed alone isn't enough. My grandfather taught me that the eye sees what it wants to see. I just... saw what you were hiding."
On the spectator platform, Ji-won's eyes widened.
Ji-won: "Oh my... she defeated her with one blow!"
Nayun: (Clapping) "Wow! The pretty sister is so strong!"
Director Kang: (Smiling with satisfaction) "The blood of Yoon Tae-sung speaks clearly."
Park Jeung-soo: (Amazed) "I've never seen such reaction speed before."
Anas: (Watching silently, then smiling faintly) "Beautiful technique... based on reading the opponent precisely."
---
The Second Match: Song Ji-ho vs Kang Chul-soo
On the other platform, the scene was completely different.
Kang Chul-soo stood in the middle of the arena, his massive axe resting on the ground, creating small cracks around him. Song Ji-ho, on the other hand, stood a few meters away, hands in his pockets, a wide smile never leaving his face.
Song Ji-ho: (Yawning) "Ah... I'm tired. Can we finish this quickly?"
Kang Chul-soo: (Roaring) "You mock me, little one?!"
He charged at Song with his raised axe, but Song leaped lightly over his head, landing on his shoulders for a moment.
Song Ji-ho: (Laughing) "Wow! Beautiful view from up here! What's this height?!"
He jumped again, landing behind Chul-soo, then lifted him with ease and threw him over his shoulder.
THUD!
Chul-soo hit the ground hard. He rose in extreme anger, his face red as embers.
Kang Chul-soo: (Roaring) "I'll kill you, you bastard!"
He charged madly, the axe spinning in the air at terrifying speed. The ground cracked around him, the air roared. But Song kept evading, jumping over him, rolling under him, hitting him on the shoulder then running away. At one point, Song jumped on Chul-soo's back and covered his eyes.
Song Ji-ho: "Guess who?!"
Nayun: (Laughing) "The funny uncle is playing with the big man!"
Ji-won: (Laughing) "This young man knows no fear!"
Kang Chul-soo's anger reached its peak. He threw the axe aside and lunged with his fists at Song. At that moment, everything changed.
Song stopped laughing. Stopped evading. Stood firmly in place, his eyes becoming sharp as an eagle's, his smile completely gone.
Kang Chul-soo: (Roaring) "Now I'll crush you!"
Song Ji-ho: (In a quiet, completely different voice) "Gravity... increase weight."
He raised his left hand calmly, and suddenly, Chul-soo felt tremendous pressure weighing on his body. He couldn't move, couldn't even raise his arm. He fell to his knees under the weight of gravity multiplied dozens of times.
Kang Chul-soo: (Stunned) "What... what are you doing?!"
Song Ji-ho: (Approaching him slowly) "You're strong... but you're slow. And your anger made you blind."
He raised his right hand, and blue mana began gathering densely in his palm.
VRRRROOOOM!
The energy gathered, then launched like lightning. It struck Chul-soo in the chest, sending his massive body flying outside the arena boundaries, crashing to the ground with tremendous force.
KRA-KOOM!
Director Kang looked at his watch.
Director Kang: (In amazement) "Just thirty-two seconds!"
The arena fell silent for a moment, then erupted in cheers.
Park Jeung-soo: (Stunned) "This... this is unbelievable! He defeated the physically strongest fighter in 32 seconds!"
Nayun: (Jumping with joy) "The funny uncle won! Won!"
Ji-won: (Looking at Anas) "Did you see that? Gravity control! A very rare skill! And with such precision!"
Director Kang: (With admiration) "This young man... an exceptional talent. Gravity is one of the hardest skills to control."
Anas: (Smiling broadly, then laughing lightly) "Haha... this person."
Nayun: (Looking at him) "Dad, do you like the funny uncle?"
Anas: (Patting her head) "Yes. He's... excellent. I love his fighting style. He belittles his opponents, angers them, makes them lose focus, then strikes with full force when they least expect it. That's rare combat intelligence."
Ji-won: (Looking at him) "I've never seen you admire anyone like this before."
Anas: "Because he's the type of person I prefer. He hides behind a mask of fun, but he's a real killer when the time comes."
On the platform, Song stood in the middle of the arena, his cheerful smile suddenly returning as if nothing had happened. He raised his hand and waved to the audience.
Song Ji-ho: "Did you see? I'm amazing, I know!"
---
The medics intervened immediately, and the wounds were quickly healed. Everyone returned to their normal state. Chul-soo climbed onto the platform and extended his hand to Song.
Kang Chul-soo: (With respect) "You... you're stronger than you appear. I misjudged you."
Song Ji-ho: (Shaking his hand warmly) "No problem! You're really strong too! You almost scared me!"
Kang Chul-soo: (Laughing) "You're also a skilled liar."
---
Director Kang: "Now, the second round. Song Ji-ho against Moon Jae-won. Yoon So-ah against Choi Min-ho."
Everyone ascended to their platforms.
---
The Third Match: Song Ji-ho vs Moon Jae-won
This time, Song didn't laugh. He stood seriously in his place, his eyes watching Moon Jae-won with extreme caution. He knew this opponent was different.
Moon Jae-won: (In a calm voice) "I watched your previous matches. Your skills are excellent. But... can you face real magic?"
He raised his hands, and darkness began gathering around him. Masses of shadow emerged from his robe, forming giant hands attacking Song from every direction.
Song Ji-ho: (Evading quickly) "Wow! This is amazing! A real shadow mage!"
But the shadow hands were very fast and intelligent. One almost caught him, another struck the ground hard, creating deep cracks. Song jumped and rolled, but the attacks came non-stop.
Song raised his hand, increasing his own gravity to stabilize himself, trying to slow the hands. But Moon Jae-won was smarter.
Moon Jae-won: "Gravity alone isn't enough against shadows! Shadow has no weight!"
He released a wave of black energy, hitting Song and pushing him back. Song felt sudden dizziness, as if his energy was being rapidly drained.
Nayun: (Worried) "Dad, the funny uncle is hurting!"
Ji-won: (Focusing) "This mage is dangerous... he's draining his energy."
Director Kang: "Moon Jae-won is one of the most dangerous mages in Korea. His ability to drain energy makes him a difficult opponent."
On the platform, Song was retreating under the weight of attacks. The shadow hands chased him, black energy surrounded him from all sides.
Park Jeung-soo: "It seems Song has found an equal opponent."
But Song, despite the pressure, his eyes remained sharp. He was watching, analyzing, searching for a gap.
Suddenly, he smiled.
Song Ji-ho: "Now... I understand."
He raised both hands together, and mana began gathering massively. But this time, he didn't direct it at Moon Jae-won, but at the ground beneath him.
Moon Jae-won: (Surprised) "What is he doing?!"
Song Ji-ho: "Gravity... not just for heaviness, but for lightness too!"
Suddenly, gravity around Moon Jae-won dropped dramatically. He felt as if he were floating in the air, losing control of his balance. The shadow hands scattered and lost direction.
Moon Jae-won: (Panicking) "What did you do to me?!"
Song Ji-ho: "I made you light as a feather. And a feather can't control itself in a storm."
He charged at Moon Jae-won with insane speed, taking advantage of the zero gravity around him. In an instant, he was in front of him, delivering a powerful blow to his stomach.
WHAM!
Moon Jae-won flew outside the arena, and the shadow hands evaporated in the air.
Director Kang looked at his watch.
Director Kang: (With great admiration) "One minute and thirty-four seconds!"
Park Jeung-soo: (Shocked) "He defeated the shadow mage this quickly?! After he was attacking ferociously?!"
Ji-won: (Amazed) "This mind... he used weightlessness to disrupt his balance. Genius!"
Nayun: (Jumping) "The funny uncle won again!"
Director Kang: "Song Ji-ho... a name I'll hear often in the future."
Anas: (Smiling broadly) "Excellent... very excellent. This person thinks outside the box. He didn't try to resist the shadows, he completely changed the rules of the game."
---
The Fourth Match: Yoon So-ah vs Choi Min-ho
On the other platform, the fight had just begun.
As soon as the match started, Choi Min-ho released his first arrow. It shot at tremendous speed, but Yoon So-ah dodged it skillfully.
Choi Min-ho: (Smiling confidently) "Good... but this is just the beginning. I'm 'Eagle Eye,' my arrow never misses its target."
He showered her with a barrage of arrows. Dozens of arrows at once, covering every angle, coming from every direction. Yoon So-ah found herself surrounded, her sword spinning rapidly to deflect the arrows.
SHING! SHING! SHING! SHING!
The arrows clashed with her sword and deflected, but some almost hit her. Choi Min-ho was pressing hard, clearly superior.
Nayun: (Tugging her mother's hand) "Mommy! The pretty sister is in danger!"
Ji-won: (Worried) "This archer is dangerous... his arrows never stop."
Park Jeung-soo: "Choi Min-ho is one of the best archers in Korea. His ability to fire dozens of arrows simultaneously makes him a terrifying opponent."
Yoon So-ah was retreating, sweating, panting. Min-ho's arrows came non-stop, as if he had an endless supply.
Suddenly, Yoon So-ah stopped defending. She stood still, closing her eyes.
Choi Min-ho: (Surprised) "Has she given up?"
He released his strongest arrow, a glowing crystal arrow heading straight for her at supersonic speed.
At the last moment, she opened her eyes.
Yoon So-ah: "Family technique... Double Wind Cutter!"
SHING! SHING!
No one saw the sword move. They only heard two sounds like a fierce wind, then saw Min-ho's arrow split into four parts in the air. In the next moment, Min-ho found her sword at his neck, with her standing behind him.
Choi Min-ho: (Shocked) "How... how did you get here so fast?!"
Yoon So-ah: (Calmly) "The arrow can't hit if it doesn't see the target. I just... moved before you fired. The Wind Cutter cuts not just arrows, but distance too."
Director Kang looked at his watch.
Director Kang: (With admiration) "One minute and fifty-two seconds!"
Park Jeung-soo: "This girl... will be a legend someday. She reminds me of her grandfather in his youth."
Ji-won: (Clapping) "Bravo! Bravo, So-ah!"
Nayun: (Jumping with joy) "The pretty sister won! Won!"
Anas: (Smiling) "The blood of ancient families... shows itself in decisive moments."
---
After the matches ended, everyone was healed immediately. The fighters sat in a corner of the arena for a five-minute break, with water bottles and towels distributed.
Song Ji-ho walked smiling toward Anas and Nayun. He sat beside them on the seats.
Song Ji-ho: (Slightly breathless) "Wow! I'm tired! But I'm happy! Did you see me?!"
Nayun: (Jumping into his lap) "Funny uncle! You're a hero! You beat everyone!"
Song Ji-ho: (Laughing) "Thanks to your encouragement, my little princess!"
He looked at Anas, who was watching him with clear interest and admiration.
Anas: (Calmly) "Your fighting was... excellent."
Song Ji-ho: (Surprised) "Really? Thanks! You don't talk much but your words are heavy!"
Anas: "Your gravity control is excellent. But more beautiful is your combat mindset. You provoke your opponents, make them lose focus, then strike when they least expect it. Very intelligent style."
Song Ji-ho: (Stopping laughing for a moment, looking at him seriously) "You... you're the only one who noticed that. Most people think I'm just a lucky clown."
Anas: "Clowns are often the smartest. They make others underestimate them. That's the biggest mistake an opponent can make."
Song Ji-ho: (Looking at him with admiration) "You're strange, Anas. But I like you even more now! You understand me!"
Nayun: (Laughing) "Funny uncle loves my dad!"
Song Ji-ho: "Of course! Your dad is amazing! And you're my little princess!"
---
On the other side of the arena, Yoon So-ah sat alone on a bench, quietly drinking water, her face tired but her eyes gleaming. Ji-won cautiously approached her and sat beside her.
Ji-won: (In a warm voice) "Amazing matches today. You're truly exceptionally talented."
Yoon So-ah: (Looking at her) "Thanks... but I'm still far from my grandfather's level. He would finish these fights in seconds."
Ji-won: "Reaching a legend's level takes time and experience. Your grandfather fought hundreds of battles. You're just beginning."
Yoon So-ah: (Sighing) "I know... but sometimes I feel I don't deserve my family name. Everyone looks at me and expects miracles just because I'm his granddaughter."
Ji-won: (Placing her hand on her shoulder) "Family isn't just heritage and expectations. Family is also support and love. And I'm sure your grandfather is proud of you regardless of your results."
Yoon So-ah: (Looking at her) "Thanks... Ji-won. May I call you 언니?"
Ji-won: (Laughing) "Of course! And just call me Ji-won. We're friends now, aren't we?"
Yoon So-ah: (Smiling a rare smile) "Yes... friends."
---
After the break, Director Kang stood in the middle of the arena.
Director Kang: "Now... the third round. Song Ji-ho against Park Jun-ho. Yoon So-ah against Park Jun-ho as well. Each of you will face him once."
Song Ji-ho: (Rubbing his hands) "The veteran... this will be fun!"
Park Jun-ho: (Looking at him coldly) "I'll show you what real fighting means, you arrogant young man."
---
The Fifth Match: Song Ji-ho vs Park Jun-ho
As soon as the match began, Song charged at Jun-ho with all his might. There was no time for banter or belittling. His face was serious, his eyes sharp. He used gravity to increase his speed and struck with a mana-enhanced fist.
WHAM!
Jun-ho blocked the blow with his arm as if it were nothing, and responded with a quick strike to Song's stomach. Song stepped back, then attacked again.
Blows flew through the air. Song used gravity to increase his striking power and speed his movements, while Jun-ho used his long experience to evade and block. The fight was fierce, violent, exciting.
Nayun: (Covering her eyes) "Wow! They're so fast!"
Ji-won: "This is a completely different level. Park Jun-ho was among the first awakened, with four years of experience in the fiercest battles."
Director Kang: (With admiration) "Song is holding well against Park. This is amazing for someone his age."
Park Jeung-soo: "But Park still controls the fight's flow."
On the platform, Song attacked ferociously, but Jun-ho was like a mountain. Blocking, evading, striking precisely. Song began panting, fatigue showing on his face.
Park Jun-ho: "You're strong, young man, but experience makes the difference!"
He struck the ground with his fist, creating a small earthquake that pushed Song back. Then he charged with a series of rapid strikes.
Song retreated, evaded, blocked, but struggled. Gravity alone wasn't enough against Jun-ho's immense power.
Park Jun-ho: "It's over!"
He prepared to deliver the finishing blow.
But Song, at the last moment, smiled.
Song Ji-ho: "No... you're the one who's finished."
Suddenly, he multiplied gravity around Jun-ho twentyfold. Jun-ho froze in place for a moment, and in that moment, Song struck with a fist backed by all his remaining energy.
KRAAA-BOOM!
Jun-ho flew outside the arena, but managed to land on his feet at the edge. He looked at Song with respect and appreciation.
Park Jun-ho: (Climbing back) "You... you're smart, young man. But I haven't lost yet."
Director Kang: (Looking at his watch) "Three minutes and forty-two seconds. The fight continues."
Jun-ho returned to the arena, and the fight continued. But Song successfully used the same tactic again, pushing him outside once more.
Director Kang: "The match ends with Song Ji-ho's victory."
Park Jeung-soo: (Stunned) "He defeated Park Jun-ho... in less than four minutes!"
Nayun: (Jumping) "Funny uncle is a hero! A hero!"
Ji-won: "This young man is unbelievable! His combat intelligence surpasses his strength."
Anas: (Smiling with admiration) "Excellent... he used the same tactic twice because he knew Jun-ho wouldn't expect it. Pure intelligence."
Director Kang: (Shaking his head) "Song Ji-ho... a name I'll add to my list of exceptional talents."
---
The Sixth Match: Yoon So-ah vs Park Jun-ho
The match began the moment Song's match ended. So-ah charged at Jun-ho, her sword drawing circles in the air. But Jun-ho was ready, and angry after losing to Song.
He blocked her attacks with his steel-like arms, striking the ground with his fist, creating a shockwave that staggered her. So-ah retreated but returned to attack.
She used her family techniques, precise swordsmanship, lightning-fast strikes. But Jun-ho was an unmoving rock.
Park Jun-ho: "You're talented, but you're still young!"
Suddenly, he used his special skill: "Earthquake Fist." He struck the ground with tremendous force, cracking the entire arena, and So-ah flew through the air. She almost fell outside the arena but clung to the edge with difficulty.
Ji-won: (Shouting) "So-ah! Get up! Don't give up!"
Nayun: (Crying) "Pretty sister! Get up!"
So-ah looked at Ji-won, then at her imaginary grandfather in her mind. She remembered his words: "The sword isn't just for attack, but for defending what you love."
She rose with difficulty, her sword trembling in her hand.
Yoon So-ah: "I... I won't give up!"
She used all her remaining energy, charging at Jun-ho with her final technique: "Double Wind Cutter - Final Dash." Her sword split into two in the air, striking Jun-ho from two directions simultaneously.
SHING! SHING!
Jun-ho blocked the first strike, but the second hit him hard in the shoulder. He stepped back, and So-ah seized the opportunity to push him with a quick movement outside the arena.
Director Kang: (Looking at his watch) "Four minutes and eighteen seconds. Yoon So-ah wins."
So-ah collapsed to her knees from exhaustion and fatigue. Her sword fell from her hand, her body trembling.
Ji-won: (Running to her) "So-ah! Are you okay?!"
---
The medics intervened immediately, and So-ah was quickly treated. She returned to her normal state, but psychological exhaustion was evident on her face. She sat on the bench, head bowed, tears gathering in her eyes.
Ji-won quietly approached her and sat beside her.
Ji-won: (In a soft voice) "How do you feel?"
Yoon So-ah: (In a faint voice) "Disappointed... I almost lost. Almost failed."
Ji-won: "But you didn't lose. You won. You defeated a man with four years of experience."
Yoon So-ah: (Raising her head, tears streaming down her cheeks) "But my grandfather... my grandfather would have ended the fight in a minute. He would have defeated him easily. I... I don't deserve his name."
Ji-won: (Placing her hand on her shoulder) "So-ah... your grandfather is a legend. A legend built over long years of fighting and sacrifice. And you're at the beginning of your path. Don't compare yourself to someone who spent his life in battles. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday."
Yoon So-ah: (Crying bitterly) "But... but I want to be like him. I want him to be proud of me."
Ji-won: (Hugging her) "He will be proud. I'm sure. I saw you today. I saw your determination, your strength, your will. These are the qualities of true legends."
Yoon So-ah: (Crying on her shoulder) "Thank you... thank you, Ji-won."
Ji-won: (Patting her back) "You're welcome. We're friends, remember?"
So-ah cried for minutes, and Ji-won held her silently, giving her warmth and security.
---
After So-ah calmed down, the four fighters gathered in the middle of the arena: Song Ji-ho, Yoon So-ah, Anas, and Ji-won. They exchanged friendly conversations, commenting on the matches they'd fought.
Song Ji-ho: (Cheerfully) "Oh my, what a crazy day! I never expected to face all these strong opponents!"
Yoon So-ah: (Calmly) "You were truly amazing. Your gravity control is unique."
Song Ji-ho: (Winking) "And you! Your swordsmanship is fantastic! Your grandfather would be very proud."
So-ah smiled faintly, then looked at Ji-won.
Yoon So-ah: "Ji-won, you and Anas haven't fought yet. Aren't you nervous?"
Ji-won: (Laughing) "No... I'm not nervous. I have great confidence in our abilities."
Anas: (Calmly) "The real battle hasn't begun yet."
At that moment, Director Kang Dae-ho approached them, standing before the four.
Director Kang: (In a formal voice) "I've seen you today. I've seen your strength, your skills, your determination. You're all exceptionally talented."
He looked at them with appreciative eyes.
Director Kang: "I have a proposal for you."
Song Ji-ho: (Curiously) "What is it?"
Director Kang: "Instead of each of you facing another opponent, I propose you face me."
Everyone's eyes widened.
Yoon So-ah: (Astonished) "Face you?!"
Director Kang: "Yes. If you can hold your ground well against me, I'll classify you directly at SS- rank. This is an opportunity that doesn't repeat."
The four looked at each other. The offer was very tempting, but also frightening. Director Kang Dae-ho was one of the ten strongest hunters in Korea, at SS rank.
Song Ji-ho: (Rubbing his chin) "SS-... that means jumping several ranks at once!"
Yoon So-ah: (Hesitantly) "But... facing the association director? That's a big risk."
Everyone looked at Anas and Ji-won. It was clear the decision needed consultation.
Ji-won: (Whispering to Anas) "What do you think?"
Anas: (Calmly) "It's up to you. I'm ready for anything."
Ji-won: (Thinking for a moment) "I think it's a good opportunity. We'll see our true strength level."
She looked at Song and So-ah.
Ji-won: "What do you two think?"
Song Ji-ho: (Enthusiastically) "I agree! I want to see how I'll face the association director!"
Yoon So-ah: (After hesitation) "I agree too... I want to prove myself."
Ji-won: (Looking at Anas) "Then, we agree."
Ji-won stepped forward toward the director.
Ji-won: "Director, we accept the challenge."
Director Kang: (Smiling) "Excellent! I knew you would accept. Get ready, this won't be easy."
---
Director Kang: "Now, the fourth and final round. First match: Song Ji-ho against me."
Song climbed onto the platform with a serious face for the first time. He wasn't laughing, wasn't joking. He knew this challenge was different.
Director Kang: (Climbing onto the platform calmly) "Don't hesitate. Attack with all your strength."
Song Ji-ho: (Breathing deeply) "I will."
Director Kang: "Begin!"
Song charged at the director with all his might. He multiplied gravity around himself to increase his speed, striking with a mana-enhanced fist.
WHAM!
The director blocked the blow with one hand, as if it were nothing. He looked at Song calmly.
Director Kang: "Good... but slow."
Song attacked once, twice, ten times. Each strike was stronger than the last, but the director blocked them with absolute ease, as if playing with a child.
Park Jeung-soo: (Stunned) "The director isn't even moving from his spot!"
Nayun: (Tugging her mother's hand) "Mommy... the funny uncle can't hurt him!"
Ji-won: (Focusing) "This is SS level... a vast difference."
Suddenly, the director attacked.
Song never saw the blow coming. He only felt a fist hit his stomach, sending him flying through the air. Before he could fall, the director was before him, striking again.
WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!
Song flew through the air like a toy. He tried using gravity to stabilize himself, but the director was far faster.
Director Kang: "Gravity control is an excellent skill... but it needs time to activate. And that time is enough to defeat you."
Song kept fighting despite the painful blows. He held on, took hits, rose again. One minute, two minutes, three...
Nayun: (Crying) "Funny uncle... don't give up!"
Ji-won: (Moved) "Oh my... he's holding against an SS director!"
Yoon So-ah: (With admiration) "This will... unbelievable."
Anas: (Watching silently, then smiling) "This person... truly amazing. Holding despite the huge gap."
The fight continued. Four minutes... five minutes.
Ding!
The time bell rang. Song collapsed to the ground exhausted, covered in wounds and bruises.
Director Kang: (Looking at him with deep respect) "Five full minutes... you're the first young man your age to hold against me this long."
Song lay on the ground, but he was smiling.
Song Ji-ho: (In a broken voice) "I... I didn't lose... I held... five minutes..."
Nayun: (Crying with joy) "Funny uncle is a hero! A hero!"
Ji-won: (Shouting) "Song! You're amazing!"
Yoon So-ah: (Tears in her eyes) "He's... he's unbelievable."
Anas: (Clapping slowly) "Excellent... very excellent."
The medics intervened immediately, and Song was quickly healed. After minutes, he stood on his feet, recovered. He went directly to Anas.
Song Ji-ho: (Panting) "Anas... did you see?!"
Anas: (Placing his hand on his shoulder) "I saw. You were amazing. You held against an SS director for five full minutes. That's an achievement few can match."
Song Ji-ho: (Tearing up) "I couldn't defeat him... but I held."
Anas: "Holding against someone far stronger is harder than defeating someone weaker. You proved you're a true warrior."
Song Ji-ho: (Looking at him) "You... you make me feel like a hero."
Anas: (Smiling) "Because you are a hero."
---
Director Kang: "Now, the second match. Yoon So-ah against me."
So-ah climbed onto the platform with a pale but determined face. She trembled slightly, but her hand was steady on her sword.
Director Kang: "Attack with everything you have."
Yoon So-ah: "I will."
Director Kang: "Begin!"
So-ah charged at the director with tremendous speed, her sword arcing through the air. But the director raised just his finger and blocked the strike.
CLANG!
The sword hit his finger as if striking an iron wall. So-ah's eyes widened.
Director Kang: "Your sword is sharp... but not enough."
So-ah attacked once, twice, ten times. She used all her family techniques, all her skills. But the director blocked every strike with just his finger, as if it were a game.
Park Jeung-soo: (Stunned) "The director is blocking her sword with his finger... this is insane!"
Ji-won: (Worried) "Oh my... the gap is huge."
Nayun: (Covering her eyes) "Pretty sister... don't give up!"
Suddenly, So-ah used her strongest technique: "Double Wind Cutter - Final Dash." Her sword split into two, attacking from two directions.
Director Kang: (With admiration) "Beautiful technique... but slow."
He raised his hand and blocked both strikes with one hand.
Then he attacked.
So-ah never saw what happened. She only felt tremendous force hit her body, sending her flying like a feather. She crashed into the energy barrier at the far end of the arena and fell to the ground.
She tried to rise, but couldn't. Her body was exhausted, drained, broken.
Director Kang: (Looking at his watch) "Two minutes and eight seconds."
The arena fell silent.
Nayun: (Crying) "Pretty sister... no... no!"
Ji-won: (Running to her) "So-ah!"
Song Ji-ho: (Shocked) "Oh my... she fell."
Anas: (Watching silently, his eyes sad but unmoving)
The medics intervened immediately, and So-ah was quickly healed. After minutes, she rose with difficulty and returned to her seat in the corner of the arena. She sat with head bowed, tears streaming non-stop.
Ji-won quietly approached her and sat beside her.
Ji-won: (In a soft voice) "So-ah... I'm here."
Yoon So-ah: (Crying bitterly) "I... I lost. Lost to him easily. Only two minutes... only two minutes!"
Ji-won: "This director is one of the ten strongest hunters in Korea. Losing to him isn't shameful."
Yoon So-ah: (Raising her head, eyes reddened) "But Song held for five minutes! Only two minutes for me! I... I'm weaker than him!"
Ji-won: "So-ah, don't compare yourself to anyone. You're different. Your style is different. Your fighting is different. Song uses defensive and long-range skills, you're a swordswoman fighting up close. Naturally you'd hold less against offensive power."
Yoon So-ah: (Crying) "But I wanted... wanted to prove myself. Wanted to be strong like him."
Ji-won: (Hugging her) "You are strong. Very strong. I saw you today. Saw you defeat strong opponents. This defeat doesn't diminish your strength."
Yoon So-ah: "But my grandfather..."
Ji-won: "Your grandfather will be proud of you. Proud of your determination, your courage, your will. Every legend faced defeats at the beginning of their path."
Yoon So-ah: (Looking at her) "Really?"
Ji-won: "Really. And I'm sure you'll be a legend someday."
So-ah cried on Ji-won's shoulder for minutes, and Ji-won held her silently, giving her strength and love.
---
After So-ah calmed down, Ji-won stood and looked at Anas.
Ji-won: "Our turn."
Anas: (Smiling) "Yes."
They approached Director Kang, who stood in the middle of the arena waiting for them.
Anas: (Calmly) "Director... before we begin, may I have a word?"
Director Kang: (Looking at him curiously) "Please."
Everyone in the arena waited, curiosity filling their eyes. What would this mysterious man say before facing the strongest hunter in Korea?
Nayun: (Whispering) "Dad... what will you do?"
Song Ji-ho: (Anticipating) "What's this mystery?"
Yoon So-ah: (Stopping crying) "What does he want to say?"
Park Jeung-soo: (Whispering to the director) "Director... this man is different. Be careful."
Director Kang: (Calmly) "I know."
Anas looked at the director with calm eyes, a faint smile on his lips.
Anas: "I just wanted to say... that I will enjoy this."
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║ [SYSTEM ALERT: End of Preparations] ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════╣
║ [Location: Association Training Ground] ║
║ [Next Match: Anas and Ji-won vs Director] ║
║ ║
║ [The fun... is about to begin] ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
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