The night was colder than usual.
Kang Joon-Ho walked down a narrow street, his hands in his pockets, his expression calm as ever.
It was late.
Too late for normal people to be outside.
But Joon-Ho wasn't here by accident.
He had started taking longer routes home.
Darker routes.
Quieter routes.
Not because he liked them.
But because they revealed things.
Things people hid during the day.
"Observation improves in low-traffic zones," he muttered.
"Confirmed."
The system responded instantly.
"Environmental risk: Moderate."
Joon-Ho didn't stop walking.
"Good."
A sudden noise broke the silence.
A sharp thud.
Followed by a muffled voice.
"…please… stop…"
Joon-Ho's steps slowed.
Not stopped.
Just… slowed.
Ahead, in the dim light of a flickering streetlamp—
Three men.
One of them gripping a young guy by the collar.
Another searching his pockets.
The third just watching.
Laughing.
Joon-Ho observed.
Silently.
Carefully.
"Threat detected."
"Three targets."
"Physical condition: Above average."
"Outcome probability?"
"Current user capability: Low."
"Win probability: 18%."
Joon-Ho's eyes didn't change.
"Expected damage?"
"Moderate to severe."
A pause.
The old Joon-Ho would have walked away.
Avoided it.
Ignored it.
This one didn't.
Not because he wanted to help.
But because—
He wanted to test.
"Engaging."
"Warning: High risk."
"I know."
Joon-Ho stepped forward.
His footsteps echoing slightly.
"Leave him."
The three men turned.
Annoyed.
Surprised.
"What?" one of them scoffed. "Who the hell are you?"
Joon-Ho didn't answer.
He just stood there.
Calm.
Still.
"Walk away," another one said, cracking his knuckles. "This isn't your problem."
Joon-Ho tilted his head slightly.
"You're right."
A brief pause.
"Then make it mine."
That was enough.
The first punch came fast.
Too fast.
Joon-Ho saw it—
But his body didn't react in time.
Thud.
The impact hit his cheek.
Hard.
His head snapped slightly to the side.
Pain.
Sharp.
Real.
For a moment—
Everything went quiet.
Then—
"Pain detected."
Joon-Ho steadied himself.
Didn't step back.
Didn't fall.
"Good…"
he whispered.
The second man rushed in.
Swinging wildly.
This time—
Joon-Ho moved.
Late.
But not too late.
The punch grazed past him.
His body reacting just enough.
"Reaction speed adjusting."
Joon-Ho countered.
Awkward.
Untrained.
But effective.
His fist connected.
Not clean.
But hard enough.
The man stumbled back.
"Bastard—!"
Now all three moved.
This wasn't a fight.
It was a beating.
Joon-Ho got hit again.
And again.
Each strike landing.
Each impact real.
But something was different.
He wasn't panicking.
He was watching.
Learning.
"Pattern recognition initiated."
"Enemy movement: Predictable."
Joon-Ho ducked.
Too slow—
But better than before.
A kick hit his side.
Pain surged again.
But this time—
He didn't hesitate.
He grabbed the attacker's leg.
Pulled.
The man lost balance.
Fell hard.
Joon-Ho stepped forward—
And punched.
Again.
And again.
Messy.
Brutal.
Unrefined.
But controlled.
"Stop—!"
One of them shouted.
Joon-Ho didn't.
Not immediately.
Another punch landed.
Then—
He stopped.
Silence.
Heavy breathing filled the air.
The remaining two backed away.
Shaken.
"Crazy bastard…" one of them muttered before running.
The other followed.
Gone.
Joon-Ho stood there.
Still.
Breathing steadying.
The victim stared at him.
Terrified.
Confused.
"…thank you…" he whispered.
Joon-Ho didn't respond.
He turned.
Started walking away.
Blood stained his shirt.
His lip slightly cut.
But his eyes—
Calm.
"Report."
"Combat analysis complete."
"Performance: Inefficient."
"Damage taken: High."
Joon-Ho nodded slightly.
"Expected."
"Recommendation: Training required."
A faint smile appeared.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
He wiped the blood from his lip.
"No shortcuts."
"Affirmative."
Joon-Ho looked ahead.
The dark street stretching endlessly.
"This is just the beginning."
Because revenge…
Wasn't just about planning anymore.
It required strength.
And Kang Joon-Ho—
Had just taken his first step.