《I Became the Strongest in Both Worlds》 Chapter 1: The Transfer Seo Jun-Hyuk felt as though he was one with the trash he knelt beside, desperately trying to keep his hand from shaking. He hated how weak he felt in that moment, unable to do anything against the group of five towering over him. He didn¡¯t dare look up as a fist drove into his stomach, biting his lip to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. ¡°I told you!¡± Choi-Seok bellowed, his voice echoing in the narrow alley. ¡°30,000 Won. By Friday. Or don¡¯t even think about showing your face here again.¡± Jun-Hyuk clenched his fists, biting back the retort that burned on his tongue. He knew exactly why Choi-Seok had picked him. The eldest son of a struggling restaurant owner wasn¡¯t exactly swimming in cash, but he was just enough of a pushover to make an easy target. ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Jun-Hyuk croaked. There was no way 30,000 Won was reasonable. He barely earned 10,000 Won a week from his parents, and he had no time to work a part-time job¡ªnot when he had to help at their small family restaurant. Choi-Seok glanced at the others around him before grabbing Jun-Hyuk by the collar of his uniform. His eyes narrowed as he scowled, and Jun-Hyuk was assaulted by the rancid stench of his breath. Once again, Choi-Seok pummeled him with fists. ¡°Did I say this was a request, you fucker?¡± Choi-Seok growled. He turned to the others, sneering. ¡°Hey, I think this fucker wants a beating.¡± Jun-Hyuk barely had time to shield his head before the barrage of kicks and punches began. In that moment, he would have abandoned all the pride he had left and begged anyone for help¡ªalmost anyone. As though life were mocking him, his eyes drifted towards the end of the alley, where he spotted the one person in the world he never wanted to see him in such a pathetic state. Han Ji-Min stood frozen, her long black hair tied neatly in a bun as she stared in shock at the scene. She immediately tugged on the sleeve of her older brother, Ji-Hoon, who was standing beside her. ¡°Hey, first years! Stop making a scene and scatter!¡± Ji-Hoon shouted. In the hierarchy of their delinquent-run school, Ji-Hoon was ranked fourth overall in fighting ability. Choi-Seok and his crew didn¡¯t dare make a scene, and, one by one, they scattered in the opposite direction. But it wasn¡¯t just them. Jun-Hyuk couldn¡¯t bear to meet Ji-Min¡¯s gaze. His legs moved on their own, carrying him across the concrete, each step a desperate attempt to escape the humiliation. He didn¡¯t even realize he¡¯d left his backpack behind. He could hear her calling after him, but he couldn¡¯t bear to turn around. His glasses were gone from his face, and everything before him blurred into indistinct shapes. Is she following me? God, I hate how pathetic¡ª Jun-Hyuk¡¯s foot caught on something¡ªa crack in the pavement or maybe a loose board. He didn¡¯t know. His momentum sent him careening forward, and the impact with the wall was jarring. A sharp burst of pain spread across his forehead, and then the world tilted. Darkness encroached on his vision, but before it claimed him, he thought he felt something cold and heavy¡ªa strange pull at the center of his chest. The sound of his rapid breaths faded into a faint hum, right before blackness swallowed him whole. He had only one fleeting thought, if only he was stronger. Then he wouldn¡¯t have made such a fool out of himself. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. *** The first thing Jun-Hyuk noticed when he awoke was the scent¡ªa sweet, aromatic blend, something like cherry blossoms and tangerines, but not quite. It was unique, entirely unlike anything he had ever encountered. He forced his heavy eyelids open, a groan escaping his lips as his body protested the movement. The pain wasn¡¯t where he¡¯d expected it; it wasn¡¯t in his head from the blackout or dizziness. No, this pain was a deep, harsh throbbing emanating from his stomach, as though a blade had been driven through it. The agony radiated through his entire torso. It felt wrong¡ªdifferent from the bruises and cuts he¡¯d suffered earlier. He shifted, attempting to push himself upright, but his surroundings only deepened his confusion. The room was unfamiliar¡ªstrange, almost surreal. The walls were adorned with faded red and gold tapestries, intricately woven with images of flames soaring around a mountain top. But what disturbed him most about the unfamiliar setting was the window. Pearl-adorned blue curtains whipped peacefully in the wind, starkly contrasting the blood-red sky outside. He could also make out what appeared to be a huge, dark planet, floating ominously among scattered clouds. Jun-Hyuk might have assumed he was dead or in a coma, trapped in some bizarre dream, if not for the pain. Could he have somehow ended up in a webtoon? But no¡­ that was fiction. It didn¡¯t happen in real life. The door suddenly swung open, revealing a tall girl dressed in blue, the fabric sprinkled with gold. Her face instantly lit up the moment she saw him. In her hand, she carried a tray with a steaming cup of liquid. ¡°Feng Lei! You¡¯re awake!¡± She squealed happily, a look of relief flooding over her face. Jun-Hyuk blinked hard, trying to force clarity into the blurred edges of his vision. The name struck him like a slap. ¡°Feng what?¡± he croaked, his voice unfamiliar¡ªrougher, deeper, like it belonged to someone else. He instinctively touched his throat, his fingers trembling. ¡°What is this¡­ What¡¯s happening to me?¡± His words were barely above a whisper. His eyes darted to the girl, scanning her face for some clue, some sign that this was just an elaborate joke. But her expression wasn¡¯t mocking¡ªit was worried, almost frantic, and it only made his fear grow. She stepped closer, carefully placing the tray on the table beside him. Her gaze swept over his face, lingering on the bruises and cuts. ¡°You must¡¯ve hit your head harder than I thought during that fight. Even you couldn¡¯t have been ready for a beast like that¡­¡± She trailed off, her expression clouding for a moment. ¡°Level Four monsters aren¡¯t supposed to roam this far south. Not beyond the grand layer. What if¡­¡± She shook her head quickly, as though banishing a dark thought. Monster? Did the strange girl just say monsters? And there are levels as well? He was starting to rethink his earlier dismissal of this being a webtoon. Jun-Hyuk wanted to cry. Why was he in a world with monsters? He had just wanted to be stronger, not dead. But worse than that¡­ ¡°Why do I have a Chinese name?¡± he sputtered. ¡°I¡¯m Korean.¡± The girl shook her head sympathetically. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re trying to say, Feng Lei, but I think you¡¯re going to need more rest. You¡¯re talking nonsense. I only hope you get better soon. Our troops are struggling without you.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s mind was racing with a thousand questions¡ªwhat kind of world was this? Why was the sky blood-red? Was this some twisted prank? Maybe there was a hidden camera somewhere, because there was no way Ji-Hyuk, who couldn¡¯t even stand up to a high school bully, was going to fight any strange creatures. But all of his thoughts were silenced as a shadow passed over the window. He turned just in time to see a grotesque creature¡ªhalf wolf, half moth¡ªsoaring toward the mansion at an alarming speed. His breath caught in his throat as he realized, with terrifying clarity: This was no dream. Chapter 2: The World of the Strong Jun-Hyuk¡¯s body reacted before his mind as he jumped out of the bed. His eyes didn¡¯t trail from the grotesque creature flying towards them at terrifying speed. ¡°Lian Hua get me the Dawnfire sword, quickly before that thing makes it to the city dome.¡± Jun-Hyuk stumbled back. Was that a muscle-memory speech? What the hell was he talking about? And Lian Hua¡­ was that the girl¡¯s name? ¡°Are you sure? You just woke up?¡± Lian Hua asked. He was not sure at all. Jun-Hyuk was tempted to tell her he actually still felt really weak and would appreciate the break. But then again, he was in a really weird world, in a really weird situation. Why not use the chance to do something stupid? At least he¡¯d go out cooler than last time. ¡°I¡¯m fine. But jog my memory, what is the city dome?¡± The moment the words left his mouth, Jun-Hyuk chided himself. Why was he suddenly pretending to be brave? But there was no backing out now. Lian Hua motioned for him to follow her. ¡°I¡¯ll explain on the way. The moment the words left his mouth, Jun-Hyuk chided himself. Why was he suddenly pretending to be brave? But there was no backing out now. Lian Hua motioned for him to follow. ¡°I¡¯ll explain on the way.¡± Jun-Hyuk reluctantly obeyed, stepping out of the room and into a hall that left him momentarily breathless. The space was vast yet remarkably serene, its elegance starkly contrasting the chaos he¡¯d begun to associate with this bizarre world. Tall columns carved from a deep, jade-like stone lined the corridor, their surfaces polished to a mirror-like sheen that reflected the faint, warm glow of floating lanterns suspended mid-air. The walls were adorned with intricate murals, each depicting vivid scenes of warriors battling monstrous creatures against fiery red skies. Their expressions ranged from determination to despair, and Jun-Hyuk couldn¡¯t help but feel as though their gazes followed him. The floor beneath his feet was smooth, almost glass-like, and cool to the touch. It shimmered faintly, as if infused with threads of gold that wove into ever-shifting patterns. A faint hum seemed to emanate from the very foundation of the hall, resonating in his chest. ¡°How is this place even standing?¡± he muttered, his eyes darting to the high vaulted ceiling. Massive beams of dark wood crossed overhead, etched with swirling designs that seemed alive under the soft lantern light. The air smelled faintly of incense, a subtle sweetness that only deepened the surreal atmosphere. Lian Hua didn¡¯t seem to hear him. She didn¡¯t even flinch at the sight of the luxurious hall instead focusing on hurrying towards some unknown direction. She called over her shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you remember, but I¡¯ll just pretend I¡¯m explaining to an outsider. The city dome is a large space for survivors of the apocalypse to live in under protection. There is a layer of a technological barrier around it, though I can¡¯t explain how that works. The city dome is smacked in the middle of what used to be Beijing. The Feng family is one of five martial families responsible for protecting the dome. And in case you don¡¯t remember, you''re the only living son of the family head Feng Jian.¡± Beijing? At least it was a familiar name. ¡°What about the monsters where did they come from?¡± Jun-Hyuk asked. Lian Hua paused briefly in her brisk pace to stare at him as if he was incredulous. ¡°Not even that you remember? One day thirty years ago that huge planet appeared out of nowhere. There are constantly creatures falling from it, bent on attacking and feasting on every living thing on the planet. We divide them into levels based on their strength. But since the planet¡¯s appearance, some people have gotten unnaturally stronger. The Feng family included. Everyone calls such people, starred.¡± She stopped directly in front of a wall lined with dozens of swords and pointed towards one with the name Dawnfire inscribed into it. The blade gleamed with an otherworldly glow, its edges flickering with the faintest ember-like light, as if it were forged from the very essence of fire itself. Hesitantly, he reached out towards it. The moment he did, he felt a spark ignite inside him. Jun-Hyuk wasn¡¯t sure what changed, but it was like a memory he couldn¡¯t place had been unlocked. *** Jun-Hyuk had followed Lian Hua through an underground tunnel that led to the outside of the city. He had asked her why they were going alone and she replied simply that he always preferred to deal with threats alone. How unfortunate. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. The moment they stepped out, Jun-Hyuk was greeted by the sight of a complete wasteland. The ground before him was a desolate stretch of cracked earth, scarred by the ravages of time and neglect. Dust billowed in the air, mixing with the acrid scent of ash that clung to everything. It seemed impossible that anything once alive had flourished here. Around him, towering skyscrapers loomed like jagged bones of a forgotten city, their sleek glass facades shattered and weathered by years of decay. Some stood precariously, leaning as if fighting to remain alive, while others had collapsed, their remains scattered across the streets in ruin. The contrast between the faded glory of the metropolis and the harsh emptiness of the land below felt surreal, as if time itself had fractured. But there was no time to focus on that. Without warning, the creature dropped from the sky, landing with a thunderous thud directly in front of them. The half-wolf, half-moth monstrosity let out an ear-splitting roar that seemed to shake the very ground beneath Jun-Hyuk¡¯s feet. His heart leapt into his throat as his eyes widened, his breath catching in his chest. Up close, the beast was even more terrifying¡ªa hulking mass of fur and wings, its massive eyes glowing with an unnatural fury. Its claws scraped against the cracked earth, leaving deep gouges behind. Yet, Lian Hua remained eerily calm. As if the creature¡¯s monstrous presence didn¡¯t faze her, she smoothly unshielded her weapon. A wake of delicate cherry blossoms blossomed in the air, trailing her every movement like an afterimage¡ªher weapon drawn, graceful and deadly. With a practiced fluidity, she fell into a fighting stance, her expression unreadable. "Looks like a level three from his size. We should be able to handle him," she said, her voice steady. A level three? Jun-Hyuk¡¯s mind raced. If this was a level three, what in the world was a level four? He didn¡¯t dare imagine the horrors lurking at that rank. He turned to Lian Hua, eyes wide with disbelief. "And do martial artists have levels?" She didn¡¯t even flinch, her gaze locked on the approaching beast. "You¡¯re a level four master. I guess you could say you met your match the other day," she explained, her voice devoid of emotion. "The highest recorded is level seven, but to reach that, you need to fight a level seven monster. Most people are stuck at level two." Before Jun-Hyuk could respond, the wolf-moth charged, its powerful limbs propelling it forward with a speed that seemed unnatural for its size. A sharp gasp escaped his lips as the monster barreled toward him. Panic surged, but just as he was about to give in to fear, a vivid memory flashed before his eyes. He saw an older man¡ªpresumably Feng Lei¡¯s father¡ªdemonstrating a sword technique, his movements leaving a trail of fire in their wake. In that instant, his hand found the hilt of his sword, as if his body remembered what his mind had almost forgotten. It moved on its own, drawing him toward the oncoming beast, even as his heart screamed for him to think, to make sense of the situation. But it was too late. With one swift, fluid motion, the sword sliced through the air, a blazing arc of energy trailing behind it, and in an instant, the wolf-moth was cleaved in two. The force of the blow sent the monster¡¯s massive body toppling in opposite directions, its eerie screech ringing out in the air, cut short as its form shattered into a grotesque mess. The ground trembled as its carcass hit the earth, and for a split second, Jun-Hyuk couldn¡¯t quite believe what had just happened Lian Hua gasped. ¡°One move? Are you sure you¡¯re an injured level four?¡± Jun-Hyuk shook his head. He wasn¡¯t sure of anything¡­ except that the monster was dead. Then, from the steaming remains of the beast, a shadow began to rise¡ªtall, humanoid, and impossibly sinister. Its form shifted unnaturally, its dark figure twisting as though made of the very darkness itself. The air around it seemed to thicken with malice, and for a moment, time stood still. Neither Jun-Hyuk nor Lian Hua could react fast enough. Behind you! The words barely left his mouth when the deafening crack of a gunshot shattered the tense air. Before Jun-Hyuk could even turn to see who had fired, the shadow exploded in a violent burst of blue flames, the intense heat scorching the air around them. The eerie figure was reduced to nothing but ash in an instant, the flames swirling and crackling like a living thing. ¡°And that¡¯s why guns are better than swords,¡± a shrill voice chimed, oozing with smug satisfaction. Jun-Hyuk whipped around, heart still pounding, his eyes landing on a girl no older than him, standing with a massive gun gripped tightly in her hands. Her expression was one of mockery, her lips curled into a smirk as she surveyed the aftermath of the battle. Beside her, a man in his twenties stepped forward, his scowl deep and unwavering. His eyes narrowed at them with barely concealed disdain. ¡°This is supposed to be the army¡¯s area to patrol,¡± he growled, his voice like gravel. ¡°You sword people have your own area.¡± Jun-Hyuk opened his mouth to respond, but a wave of dizziness hit him. The pain from his stomach surged again, sharper this time, as if his insides were being torn apart. He staggered, struggling to remain upright, but his knees buckled beneath him. The last thing he heard was the man¡¯s mocking laugh before darkness overtook him, pulling him under once more. When Jun-Hyuk¡¯s eyes fluttered open again, he found himself lying on his bed, the familiar scent of freshly washed sheets filling the air, the quiet hum of his fan lulling in the background. His bedroom¡ªhis real bedroom. The soft morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. Was that all just a dream? He tried to shake the fog from his mind, sitting up slowly. His head swam, but before he could steady himself, a sharp, agonizing pain gripped his stomach, exactly like the one from the other world. He winced, clenching his fists in an attempt to will it away¡ªbut the pain didn¡¯t subside. As he steadied himself against the bed, his eyes fell on something that froze him in place. The gleaming sword, the one he had used to slay the monstrous wolf-moth, was propped against his wall¡ªimpossibly real, its blade shimmering in the dim light. His breath caught in his throat. He reached out slowly, his fingers trembling as they brushed against the cold steel. How? he thought, his mind racing. Was it still a dream? Or had he somehow been transported back to the other world... again? Chapter 3: An Unnatural Change Jun-Hyuk trudged up the stairwell of his school, each step feeling heavier than the last. A sharp migraine pulsed in his temples, the throbbing relentlessly as if his brain was trying to escape his skull. His thoughts spiraled back to the events of the last twenty-four hours, a twisted haze that seemed too unreal to comprehend. It had to have been a dream, right? After all, he had woken up in his bed just like usual. But the question gnawed at him: how had he gotten home? Maybe he had a concoction from tripping yesterday. And the sword lurking at the side of his bed¡­ well he had no reasonable explanation for that one. With a long, weary sigh, Jun-Hyuk pulled open the door at the top of the stairwell, hoping to slip by unnoticed and make it to class. He knew it was a futile wish¡ªhe was bound to run into Choi-Seok¡¯s crew. But to his dismay, who he found on the other side was far worse. ¡°Ji-Min!¡± Jun-Hyuk blurted, his voice cracking in shock. Her face, framed by the doorway, was both familiar and all too close for comfort. Of course, this was how his day was starting¡ªembarrassment and surprise colliding in the most awkward way possible. He tried to duck past her, but her grip on his sleeve stopped him dead in his tracks. Ji-Min¡¯s face lit up in a bright, disarming smile. ¡°Ah, Jun! You¡¯re alright! After you blacked out, me and your brother had to drag you home. Your parents were really grateful, but I couldn¡¯t stop worrying about you all night.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s entire body went cold. She brought me home? He wanted to sink into the floor, to vanish completely. And worse¡ªshe spoke to my parents? No wonder they¡¯d been acting strange this morning, casting him those knowing glances. He tried to muster up a response, his voice betraying him. ¡°But¡­ how do you even know where I live?¡± Ji-Min¡¯s laughter bubbled up, sweet and carefree. ¡°We¡¯ve been neighbors since elementary school, silly.¡± Jun-Hyuk slapped himself mentally. How could I forget? Of course, Ji-Min had been his neighbor for years. He could hardly remember a time when she wasn¡¯t around. It made sense now, but all he could think about was how his face must be bright red. His crush on her started back in elementary school, and somehow, it had never quite gone away. Now, standing here like an idiot, he couldn¡¯t take it. Mumbling a hasty thanks, he turned and bolted toward the classroom. He didn¡¯t even want to think about what he had just walked into. Thankfully, Ji-Min wasn¡¯t in his class. He slumped into his seat, wishing for the ground to swallow him whole, and tried to shrink into the desk, hoping to disappear from existence. But just as he thought he might be safe, a shadow loomed over him. His breath caught, and he looked up to find Choi-Seok glaring down at him, his face twisted in an arrogant sneer. ¡°I hope you haven¡¯t forgotten my 30,000 won,¡± Choi-Seok sneered, his voice dripping with malice. Jun-Hyuk had far too much on his mind to deal with Choi-Seok right now, but the last thing he wanted was to escalate a confrontation. ¡°Of course not,¡± he said, forcing a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. Choi-Seok¡¯s hand clamped down on his shoulders, the pressure biting into his skin as if it were a warning. He squeezed harder, causing Jun-Hyuk to gasp in pain. ¡°You better not have,¡± Choi-Seok hissed, his voice low and threatening. ¡°And don¡¯t forget my bread at lunch.¡± Jun-Hyuk barely managed to grunt in response, the pain from Choi-Seok¡¯s grip radiating through his body, gnawing at his nerves. But the pain was becoming too much. His frustration began to boil over¡ªhe didn¡¯t know where it came from, but it felt like something inside him snapped. Without thinking, his hand shot out, grabbing Choi-Seok¡¯s wrist. The surge of anger coursed through him as if it were electric. In an instant, his body reacted before his mind could catch up. He yanked Choi-Seok¡¯s hand off him, twisting it around until Choi-Seok was suddenly airborne, flying backward into the desks with a sickening thud. The sound of impact was followed by a guttural scream that made the entire room freeze. The class went silent, eyes wide with disbelief as Choi-Seok writhed on the floor, clutching his back. Jun-Hyuk stood there, frozen, his heart hammering in his chest, as if his own body had betrayed him. He looked down at his trembling hands, then back at Choi-Seok, whose face contorted in pain and shock.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. What the hell was that? Was he always this strong? The question echoed in his mind, but there was no time to process it. The silence around him was suffocating, and he could feel the weight of every gaze on him, waiting for him to react. In true Webtoon fashion, here¡¯s a vivid, fast-paced description of the scene with added emotional depth and internal conflict: The memory hit him like a slap¡ªthat moth-wolf¡ªits body crumpling under his sword, the smooth, effortless way his blade sliced through its monstrous form. That wasn''t a dream, was it? His mind raced, every nerve on fire as the scene in front of him began to blur. Was he really capable of this? Before Jun-Hyuk could process it, the sound of heavy footsteps brought him back to reality. Choi-Seok¡¯s four friends stormed at him, their faces twisted with rage, lips curling around angry obscenities. "You''re gonna regret this, Jun-Hyuk!" one of them barked, his voice grating against Jun-Hyuk¡¯s senses. The world seemed to slow down as the first punch came flying at him. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s instincts kicked in. He ducked, his body moving almost on its own, too fast for him to follow. A second later, his hand shot out, grabbing the attacker¡¯s arm mid-swing. He felt the muscles beneath his fingers, the bones creaking, the adrenaline pumping in his veins. His grip tightened, and with a swift twist, the guy was hurled backward, crashing into the wall with a sickening thud. What is happening? He barely had time to process his own actions before another one lunged at him, fists raised. Without thinking, Jun-Hyuk lashed out, his leg sweeping low. It connected with his opponent¡¯s knees, sending him crashing to the floor. He could almost hear the bones snap in the chaos of movement. The third guy tried to grab him from behind, but Jun-Hyuk spun, slamming his elbow into his attacker¡¯s gut. The guy gasped for air, stumbling back as Jun-Hyuk moved like a blur, his body almost too quick to follow. In the midst of the storm, his thoughts scattered. Why am I doing this? His heart pounded in his chest, the rapid beat drowning out the shouts and the chaos around him. His body was moving on its own, a relentless force that seemed to take over every time his attackers came near. His hands, once unsteady and unsure, were now precise and powerful. The final guy tried to circle him, but Jun-Hyuk''s reflexes were faster. His fist shot out, striking the man¡¯s jaw with a crack that echoed through the room. The guy crumpled, unconscious before he hit the ground. He looked down at the groaning students sprawled around him, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath. A sudden sound of clapping echoed from the back of the room. Jeong Min-Ho, the class''s top fighter, lounged casually in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Not bad, Seo Jun-Hyuk. But if you could fight like that, you should have done so sooner." Jun-Hyuk could only manage a strained nod, still gasping for air. All he wanted was to escape. Just as the tension seemed to thicken in the room, the teacher walked in. Seizing the moment, Jun-Hyuk darted for the door, not giving the teacher a chance to take in the scene. His legs moved on their own, carrying him down the hallway, away from the chaos. *** That night, Jun-Hyuk sat on his bed, his gaze locked on the glistening blade of Dawnfire. The sword, resting against his sheets, seemed to pulse with an energy that felt almost alive. His hands hovered over it as if drawn to its power, but his mind was clouded with doubt and confusion. "Can I really live in two worlds?" he murmured, rubbing his temples in an attempt to soothe the ache that had been building there all day. Every inch of his body screamed that it couldn''t be real, that the fight, the monster, the powers¡ªnone of it made sense. How could a normal guy like him suddenly have the strength to defeat Choi-Seok''s gang without even breaking a sweat? The very idea seemed impossible. Had the other world somehow made him stronger? The uncertainty gnawed at him, but the one truth he couldn''t deny was that he had to find answers¡ªanswers only sleep could provide. Clutching Dawnfire, he lay back on his bed, its weight oddly comforting in his hand. As his eyes fluttered shut, the quiet of his room felt distant, as though he were already drifting between two worlds. The pull of sleep was irresistible, and soon he surrendered to it, the sword still gripped tightly in his fingers. The moment his eyes opened again, the world around him had changed. The familiar blue walls of his bedroom were gone, replaced by the glistening red sky of a post-apocalyptic Beijing and the gold adorned manor. The familiar scent of cherry blossoms and tangerines hung in the air, and Jun-Hyuk¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he realized where he was. Above him, Lian Hua¡¯s face appeared, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. ¡°Welcome back Feng Lei.¡± Chapter 4: Brewing Trouble "And this is the training yard,¡± Lian Hua said, pointing towards the wide expanse of worn stone tiles, their surface scuffed and nicked from years of relentless practice, bordered by cherry blossom trees swaying gently in the breeze, seemingly unaffected by the chaos of this world. Lian Hua had just completed her tour of the Feng family manor, speaking to Jun-Hyuk as if he had merely forgotten his surroundings due to his supposed amnesia. In truth, this was his first time here, though he dared not reveal that to her. It was clear she had no inkling of his double life, and Jun-Hyuk intended to keep it that way, at least for now. Over the past two hours since his reawakening in post-apocalyptic China, he had absorbed everything Lian Hua shared, piecing together the rules of this strange world. If he was destined to live between two realities, he reasoned, he might as well learn everything he could. Though he hadn¡¯t yet decided what he wanted from this life, one thing was certain: here, he had a chance to be more than the weakling he had been in his old world. And this could help even become stronger in his own world. According to Lian Hua, the blood-red sky remained constant during the day, only shifting to a more natural hue at night. The city dome they lived in, protected by a sprawling electrical barrier, was home to over seventy-eight million people. Other smaller safe zones dotted the country, though survival outside the domes was rare. It had been thirty years since disaster struck, and only a select few humans had developed enhanced biological strength and superpowered abilities¡ªa phenomenon Jun-Hyuk couldn¡¯t help but link to his own sudden surge of power. ¡°What about my father? You said he was the head of the Feng family, but I haven¡¯t seen him,¡± Jun-Hyuk asked, breaking the silence as they walked. Lian Hua¡¯s expression faltered, her strained smile betraying her growing fatigue from his relentless questioning. ¡°He¡¯s currently on a mission,¡± she replied, her tone carefully measured. ¡°Several members from the five martial families have joined him to eradicate a den of sphere creatures.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s gaze flicked upward instinctively toward the black sphere hanging ominously in the sky. The creatures that emerged from it, aptly named "sphere creatures," were the harbingers of this world¡¯s destruction. The mention of them sent an involuntary chill down his spine. ¡°How long until he returns?¡± he pressed, his curiosity laced with a hint of unease. Lian Hua hesitated, the pause heavy with unspoken uncertainty. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± she finally admitted, her voice quieter now. Jun-Hyuk nodded, though her answer did little to settle his unease. The unknowns were piling up, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the answers¡ªwhen they came¡ªwould be more than he bargained for. His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden pattering of footsteps. They both swiveled around to see a young servant girl rushing toward them, her simple beige tunic fluttering as loose strands of dark hair framed her wide, panicked eyes. Behind her were two familiar figures and one unfamiliar. Jun-Hyuk recognized two of them as the older military man and girl from his first fight with a sphere creature. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, young master Feng Lei. They demanded to see you,¡± she gushed out. Jun-Hyuk nodded quickly, trying to hide his surprise for a second. He was still not used to his Chinese name. Jun-Hyuk straightened, his mind racing to mask his unease. ¡°Very well,¡± he said, his voice steady despite his uncertainty. He glanced at the trio, his eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°What brings you here with such urgency?¡± He aimed to sound authoritative, befitting his role as Feng Lei, yet the words felt foreign on his tongue, much like his new name. The man stepped forward with a wide grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. A few years older than Jun-Hyuk, his tousled dark hair and relaxed stance made him appear confident, as though he''d seen much of the world¡ªand enjoyed every moment of it. ¡°Brother Feng! It¡¯s me Zhao Wei!¡± Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The name sparked a brief flash of memory in Jun-Hyuk¡¯s mind. The Zhao family, second only in power to the first martial family, held immense influence, while his own family ranked third. Zhao Wei, the second son, was no stranger to him. If his memory served correctly, Feng Lei and Zhao Wei had always been bitter rivals¡ªantagonistic from their earliest days, their rivalry stretching back to childhood. ¡°I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t come here for just pleasantries,¡± Jun-Hyuk grunted. ¡°So just state what you want.¡± He was desperately trying to sound tougher than felt. He had to remember this wasn¡¯t his world. Here he wasn¡¯t known as a weakling, but someone to tread cautiously around. According to Lian Hua, he had always been a ticking time bomb, his temper as volatile as it was dangerous, ready to explode at any moment. Zhao Wei chuckled, the sound low and almost mocking. "Take a breath and relax, will you? I''m not here to fight. We can save that for the ranking tournament in three months." Ranking tournament? Jun-Hyuk''s mind raced, making a mental note to ask Lian Hua about it later. Zhao Wei leaned forward slightly, his smirk widening. "I just came to check on you. After that injury, it''s surprising you''re up and moving so easily¡ªespecially after fighting so soon." Jun-Hyuk met his gaze coolly. "It takes more than a level four to take me out," he replied, his voice steady and calm. Zhao Wei shrugged before turning to the two military personnel and then glancing back at him. "You know, with the leader of the first martial family, the Liang family off on that mission and my own family preoccupied, there''s a unique... opportunity for us to seize control of the city. The balance of power is delicate right now, and with the right alignment, we could ensure the Feng family has a hand in shaping the future. You wouldn¡¯t want to be left behind when everything shifts, would you?" He flashed a smooth, almost predatory grin, the words carefully measured, neither demanding nor too eager¡ªjust a suggestion with the weight of inevitability behind it. Jun-Hyuk had to blink twice to process the suddenness of his words. Barely twenty-four hours had passed since he had come to know this world and already someone was trying to drag him into a coup. Lian Hua¡¯s reaction was immediate. Her hands shot toward her sword, and she surged forward, her voice sharp with fury. "What you''re suggesting is nothing short of treason against the Dome''s order!" The older military man cleared his throat, his tone more measured but tinged with urgency. "Ms. Lian, this isn''t just about power¡ªit''s about the safety of everyone within these walls. The military¡¯s strength, bolstered by advanced weapons capable of far more destruction than any martial family, is being stifled by the restrictions placed on us by the five families. We''re kept in the dark while the families hoard resources and control." The girl from earlier, her gaze hard and unwavering, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Why should we rely on swords when we have guns at our disposal?" Jun-Hyuk felt the weight of their words, but his resolve remained firm. He had no interest in siding with Zhao Wei¡ªhe could sense the man''s ambitions stretching far beyond what he claimed. But that didn¡¯t mean the military¡¯s frustrations weren¡¯t valid. He cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m not the head of the Feng family, so I have no right to make decisions like that," he said, his words careful. "But I can certainly bring up the idea of allowing the military to play a more active role in protecting the city. If it comes to that." ¡°I¡¯m afraid that wasn¡¯t the answer we were looking for,¡± Zhao Wei replied, his tone cold and measured. Before Jun-Hyuk could fully process his words, several more soldiers materialized from the shadows, their guns trained steadily on him. The suddenness of their appearance caught him off guard, and he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how seamlessly they had blended into their surroundings, as if they had been part of the very air itself. Was it advanced technology? Or perhaps a skill or ability he didn¡¯t yet understand? The uncertainty gnawed at him. His instincts kicked in, and in a flash, his hands moved toward his sword, the weight of the cold metal comforting against his palm as his heart began to race nervously. Last time he had fought in this world it wasn¡¯t against humans. And Jun-Hyuk didn¡¯t understand how his strength worked here either. But what he did know was that he was a level four-martial arts master and that was considered extremely high in this world. But before anyone could react, a masked warrior with the Feng family¡¯s emblem emblazoned on his chest leapt down from the roof across the courtyard, his breath coming in ragged gasps. ¡°Trouble!¡± he exclaimed, his voice urgent and strained. ¡°Feng Jian¡ªyour father¡ªand the others... they¡¯ve encountered a level seven sphere creature. And they¡¯re losing... terribly!¡± Chapter 5: An Deadly Beast Jun-Hyuk ran his thumb over the intricate carvings on his sword, tracing the patterns as if they might somehow steady the storm of worry in his chest. He sat in the back of a military vehicle, speedily rumbling through the ruins outside Beijing¡¯s city dome. With the threat of a level seven sphere creature, all contention was momentarily dropped as the best of the city dome¡¯s forces were deployed as back-up. Jun-Hyuk supposed it was a familiar sense of community in the face of adversity just like on his earth. Beside him, Lian Hua stared out the window, her reflection pale and haunted in the glass. Her hands twisted together in restless knots. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been a level seven sighting in almost a decade,¡± she muttered, her voice trembling. ¡°The last one... wiped out an entire dome. Why now?¡± It was the hundredth time she¡¯d repeated the same terrified question, as though saying it aloud might somehow make it less true. Jun-Hyuk hadn¡¯t known Lian Hua long, but she¡¯d always exuded an air of poise and control, even in chaos. Seeing her unravel now only deepened his own unease. Desperate to inject some levity into the suffocating tension, he turned toward her with a feigned smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lian Hua. Everything will be fine as long as I, Feng Lei, am there.¡± This only caused her face to darken. ¡°You lost to a level four, Lei.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s forced grin faltered, but before he could muster a response, a voice cut through the tension. From the front of the vehicle, the young military girl¡ªZhao Ruyi, he¡¯d learned her name was¡ªchuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her pessimism, our guns will take out the threat in no time. She¡¯s only like that because she lost her entire family in the last level seven attack.¡± Zhao Ruyi¡¯s words sent a pang through his heart. Lian Hua had lost her entire family? That revelation hit him like a weight to the chest, adding a new layer of understanding to her constant tension and fiery demeanor. Of course she¡¯d be on edge¡ªhow could she not be, with memories like that clawing at her? Before he could process it further, Lian Hua snapped her gaze toward Zhao Ruyi, her expression sharpening into a fierce glare. ¡°Guns? You think those measly little hunks of metal are going to do anything?¡± Zhao Ruyi shook her head with a wry smile. ¡°And your swords will make a difference?¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough of that girls. We¡¯re almost there, let¡¯s focus,¡± boomed General Tao Ren. He was the one in charge of the military personnel for this expedition.General Tao Ren was a broad-shouldered man with a square jaw, piercing black eyes, and a scar running diagonally across his left cheek, he looked every bit like one would expect from an seasoned military man. He carried himself like someone who was used to being obeyed, his tone firm but even. The vehicle went silent, and with a small sigh, Jun-Hyuk turned towards the window. Outside, he could see the remnants of what was once a thriving city. The ground was now a haven for dust and debris, and crumbling skyscrapers and buildings dotted the landscape like abandoned children¡¯s toys, their jagged silhouettes casting eerie shadows in the fading light. Broken streets twisted like scars, with skeletal trees sprouting through the cracks. His mind wandered to why he was here in the first place. Was he really here as a chance to become stronger, or was this world he now found himself in simply the fate awaiting his own? He hadn¡¯t even had a chance to question the reason why he could now move back and forth between his world and this one. The black sphere in the sky loomed large in his thoughts, its oppressive presence stirring unease. He made a mental note to uncover more about its origins and the history behind the apocalypse that had reshaped this world.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. They suddenly came to a screeching halt, the tires kicking up clouds of dust that billowed into the suffocatingly still air. Around them, several other military vehicles followed suit, their engines growling to a stop. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s breath hitched as he looked ahead¡ªand he immediately saw why. A massive creature loomed in the chaos, eerily similar in appearance to the wolf-moth he had fought yesterday. However, this one was far more grotesque, its hybrid body twisted with sickening detail. Thick, matted fur covered its humanoid frame, giving way to massive, membranous wings that twitched menacingly behind it. Its elongated face was part lupine snarl, part insectoid horror, with bulging compound eyes that glowed faintly in the dim light. He supposed the hybrid appearance of a wolf and moth was the signature theme of the sphere creatures, though this monstrosity seemed like an even darker exaggeration of the concept. Originally, when Jun-Hyuk had first heard that this world was plagued by monsters, he¡¯d imagined a vast variety of forms, with each new level marked by some distinct and terrifying design. But seeing this twisted abomination, he realized that wasn''t the case¡ªand briefly, he blamed his overactive imagination, too influenced by reading one too many webtoons. This was also the first time Jun-Hyuk had seen Feng Lei¡¯s father¡ªtechnically his father in this world¡ªin person. But it wasn¡¯t hard to pick him out from the crowd of warriors battling the beast. He was a tall man with flowing black hair, his presence as commanding as the flames trailing his sword with every fierce swing. The fire surged with his movements, roaring to life like a vengeful dragon. That same fighting style told Jun-Hyuk all he needed to know: this was undeniably Feng Lei¡¯s father. Around him, thirteen other warriors fought valiantly, their weapons clashing against the creature with little effect. Among them, Jun-Hyuk guessed that two were Zhao Wei¡¯s father and older brother, their expressions grim and sweat-slicked. But it was painfully clear that they were losing. Most of the men were already covered in bruises and blood, their strikes growing sluggish. To make matters worse, every wound they managed to carve into the beast¡¯s grotesque flesh closed almost immediately, sealing itself as if taunting them. The humanoid wolf-moth let out a deep, guttural laugh, its unnervingly wide grin revealing rows of jagged teeth. Its derision turned violent in the blink of an eye¡ªit snatched up a warrior with one massive clawed hand and, without hesitation, bit the man cleanly in half. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s stomach churned as the monster roared triumphantly, its voice like a thousand discordant screeches layered together. It towered over them all, easily the size of six adult men stacked atop one another, its wings spreading out wide enough to block the sky. The ground beneath it seemed to tremble with every step, as though even the earth itself recoiled from its presence. Chapter 6 Bonus: Back on Earth with Han Ji-Min The crisp scent of early morning rain lingered in the air as Ji-Min stepped onto the quiet street outside her house. It was the start of the weekend, and she could think of a million better ways to spend her time than trudging the long road to her high school. Still, for her brother Ji-Hoon''s sake, she chose to endure it. ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to come to the meeting, right?¡± Ji-Hoon said, falling into step beside her. At nearly two feet taller than her, he towered over her like a mountain. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of unease in his expression. Half of him, it seemed, would have preferred her to stay home. After all, a meeting with Cheongmyeong High School¡¯s top fighters¡ªknown as its most infamous delinquents¡ªwas hardly the place for a first-year girl. Yet, Ji-Min was now the group¡¯s treasurer. It wasn¡¯t the kind of role anyone would expect her to take, but if it kept her close to her brother, she wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. As they passed Jun-Hyuk¡¯s home, Ji-Min¡¯s eyes lingered on the window she knew belonged to his bedroom. The curtains were drawn tight, an unyielding barrier between him and the world outside. Her classmates had whispered about his fight with Choi-Seok yesterday. Anyone else might have clucked their tongues at the violence, but Ji-Min felt something else entirely. Pride. A flicker of hope. A piece of her had shattered every time she¡¯d walked by this house and seen him¡ªa shadow of the boy he used to be¡ªsilently enduring the cruel jeers and fists of others. She still remembered their childhood, the days when Jun-Hyuk had been her protector. Back in elementary school, he was the boy everyone knew as a strong fighter, the one who stood tall and fearless. She had been the shy, quiet kid with trembling hands, and he had been her hero. But then came the accident. That horrible, life-altering crash in middle school that stole more than just his memories. It took his spark, his courage, the essence of the boy she had once looked up to. Ji-Min had watched helplessly as he retreated into himself, his once unshakable confidence replaced by hesitation and pain. Now, hearing that he¡¯d stood his ground yesterday, something stirred in her chest. Could it mean his memories were coming back? Could the Jun-Hyuk she once knew¡ªthe fearless boy who made her believe she could be brave too¡ªbe finding his way back? Ji-Min¡¯s heart ached with the weight of it all, a bittersweet mix of longing and hope. All she could do was pray that the fight wasn¡¯t just a momentary flicker but the beginning of a brighter flame reigniting within him. Her thoughts were so consumed by Jun-Hyuk that the world around her blurred into insignificance. It wasn¡¯t until Ji-Hoon nudged the door open, and a wave of stale air tinged with the faint scent of sweat and old chalk enveloped her, that she realized they had arrived. The back room, dimly lit by a flickering fluorescent bulb, greeted them with its mismatched chairs and scuffed wooden table, scarred from years of restless hands and discarded pencils. Posters from school events long past clung to the walls in peeling, yellowed patches. Ji-Min blinked, trying to ground herself in the present. The heavy door creaked shut behind them, the room¡¯s stale air sinking into her lungs as Ji-Min adjusted to the dimness. Her fingers instinctively grazed the edges of the old, scratched table, the faint scent of chalk dust and sweat still hanging in the corners. The group was already gathered, the chatter falling into a hush as she and Ji-Hoon entered. Jang Hyun-Woo, their school¡¯s first ranked, his towering presence hard to ignore, sat at the head of the table. His intense eyes scanned the room, giving off the feeling of a predator circling its prey, his body language unapologetically commanding. Beside him, Kang Min-Soo, the second ranked, whose silence carried its own weight, leaned back in his chair, arms folded, his expression unreadable but sharp. Han Ji-Hoon, Ji-Min''s older brother, occupied the seat next to Min-Soo, his hands resting on the table, fingers tapping lightly in rhythm with his thoughts.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "The money¡¯s flowing well," Jang Hyun-Woo spoke first, his voice a low rumble that commanded attention. "But we need to expand¡ªuse the influence we¡¯ve been building to secure the future. The loan sharks are operating smoothly, but it''s not enough." "Agreed," Min-Soo said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We¡¯re doing fine, but we need to get into more than just lending. We need more leverage. More control." His sharp eyes flickered to the others. "It¡¯s not just about cash anymore." Ji-Hoon shifted in his seat, his mind clearly on something else, but he kept his face impassive as always. "You¡¯re right, but getting more control means dealing with the outside threats." Everyone in the room fell silent at the mention of threats, each person¡¯s gaze flickering toward the door, as if expecting someone to burst in at any moment. "It¡¯s Baekho," Jin-Woo finally spoke up, his tone flat but heavy with meaning. "They¡¯ve been forcing our students into their underground fighting ring. I¡¯ve heard from a few¡­ they¡¯re pressuring anyone who looks like they have potential." The room tensed. Jang Hyun-Woo¡¯s eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping once on the table. "Baekho¡¯s been making moves," he muttered, a barely contained growl in his voice. "But we don¡¯t want to provoke them." Tae-Jun, ever the wildcard, broke the silence with a scoff. "You¡¯re all too cautious. They¡¯re dragging our students into their filthy ring, and you¡¯re worried about starting a war?" Woo-Young¡¯s cold, calculating gaze slid to Tae-Jun, then back to the rest. "War means more than just bruises. It¡¯ll cost us, and it¡¯ll cost our people." Jin-Woo nodded in agreement, his gaze steady. "The students involved in these rings¡ªsome of them are already indebted to the loan sharks. We make a move, and it could backfire." "Not to mention, there are whispers that their top fighter... is even more dangerous than we thought," Min-Ho said quietly, his voice as soft as ever but laden with danger. "The last thing we want is to find ourselves in a fight we can¡¯t win." Ji-Hoon gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white, his jaw clenched tight. "So, we do nothing?" The room fell into another silence, heavy and thick. They were all thinking the same thing¡ªBaekho was a beast with far too many claws. But no one wanted to take the first strike. Finally, a voice, small but sharp, broke through the tension. "Why don¡¯t we let Jun-Hyuk handle it?" Min-Ho suggested, his gaze cool and calculating as he looked around the table. "If he¡¯s really the one they say he is¡­ it¡¯ll give him a chance to prove himself. He can deal with their top fighter¡ªget rid of the ring without us having to do anything." A long pause followed. "Isn¡¯t that a bit much for a first-year?" Woo-Young said, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Maybe. But if he can handle Choi-Seok¡¯s crew, he can handle this," Min-Ho pressed. "If he wins, we won¡¯t retaliate for the mess with Choi-Seok. It¡¯s his shot." Ji-Hoon¡¯s eyes flicked to Ji-Min for a brief moment before locking onto Min-Ho, his jaw working. "You¡¯re suggesting we throw him into the lion¡¯s den?" "Sometimes," Min-Ho said with a cold smile, "you have to let the lion prove its worth." The silence that followed was filled with anticipation, all eyes now on Ji-Hoon, the leader of their group. Slowly, he nodded. "Fine. We¡¯ll let him handle it. But if he fails, it¡¯s on him." As the others murmured their agreement, Ji-Min felt her heart leap in her chest. Her brother had given Jun-Hyuk a chance¡ªa real chance to fight back. Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table, uncertainty mingling with hope as she wondered what her brother was truly thinking. It wasn¡¯t just Jun-Hyuk¡¯s fate on the line. It was everyone¡¯s. Chapter 7: Flames and Monsters The battlefield was chaos. Screams and the clash of weapons reverberated through the ruined landscape as warriors fought desperately against the monstrous level 7 sphere creature. Or wolf-moth as Jun-Hyuk liked to call it. The beast¡¯s inhuman laugh echoed in the air, drowning out the orders barked by General Tao Ren, who stood at the forefront of the fight. His rifle barked repeatedly, blue flashes of light ricocheting off the beast¡¯s hide like pebbles thrown at steel. Sweat dripped from his furrowed brow as he cursed under his breath, switching to a heavier weapon from the vehicle. However, the effects were only slightly better. The stronger blue flashes only cut a small hole out of the beast that disappeared nearly three seconds later. To the left, Zhao Wei¡¯s father and older brother fought side by side, their movements a synchronized dance of desperation. Their spears glinted as they struck in tandem, aiming for the creature¡¯s joints, but their efforts barely slowed it down. The beast¡¯s grotesque wings twitched, sending a gust of wind that knocked them both off balance. Further back, Liang Zhen, the leader of the Liang family, engaged the creature with a distinct sword style that left trails of bright green energy in its wake. His strikes were precise, each one accompanied by an almost musical hum as the green aura sizzled against the creature¡¯s flesh. But even his impressive technique faltered against the beast¡¯s overwhelming strength. A brutal swipe of its claw sent Liang Zhen staggering backward, his sword narrowly deflecting a blow that would have ended him. His breathing was ragged, but his determination burned in his eyes as he prepared for another charge. A few meters away, Feng Lei¡¯s father was a sight to behold. His black hair whipped in the wind, his movements a blur as he unleashed fiery arcs with his sword. Each swing left a trail of golden flames that momentarily illuminated the battlefield, but even his attacks seemed to have little lasting effect. The beast¡¯s regenerative abilities rendered every strike futile, its wounds sealing almost as quickly as they were made. He gritted his teeth, muttering under his breath, ¡°We need more time... Just hold on.¡± The air reeked of blood and scorched earth. Warriors fell one by one, their cries cut short as the beast¡¯s claws or jaws found them. Lian Hua darted between the fallen, her sword moving with a desperate elegance as she tried to keep the creature¡¯s attention away from the injured. Zhao Ruyi stood beside her, reloading her firearm with shaky hands, her usual bravado replaced by grim determination. Jun-Hyuk stood at the edge of the chaos, his knuckles white as he gripped DawnFire¡¯s hilt. He watched the scene unfold, his chest tightening with guilt and frustration. These people, these warriors, were pouring their lives into holding the line, and yet the creature showed no signs of slowing. His mind screamed at him to act, to do something¡ªanything¡ªbut doubt clawed at him. The beast let out another triumphant roar, its wings snapping out to send another gust that sent several warriors sprawling. Feng Lei¡¯s father staggered, his flames dimming for the briefest moment. That was all the beast needed. It lunged, claws outstretched. What could a weakling like him do? No. He needed to remember he wasn¡¯t weak anymore. He needed to act like the warrior everyone knew him to be. ¡°NO!¡± The cry ripped from Jun-Hyuk¡¯s throat before he even realized it. His body moved on instinct, and he charged forward, drawing DawnFire in one swift motion. The blade caught the fading light, its intricate carvings glowing faintly as if responding to his resolve. The beast¡¯s claws descended, aiming for Feng Lei¡¯s father, but Jun-Hyuk intercepted the blow, raising DawnFire in a desperate block. The impact rattled his arms, nearly driving him to his knees, but he held firm. Sparks flew as the blade clashed against the creature¡¯s claws, the sheer force sending a shockwave through the air.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°What are you doing, boy?!¡± Feng Lei¡¯s father roared, his tone a mixture of anger and surprise. ¡°Buying time!¡± Jun-Hyuk gritted out, his muscles screaming in protest as he pushed back against the beast. It snarled, its glowing eyes narrowing as it redirected its attention to him. The creature swiped again, faster than before. Jun-Hyuk barely dodged, rolling to the side as the claws tore through the ground where he¡¯d stood. He retaliated with a strike, the blade of DawnFire slicing into the beast¡¯s arm. Flames erupted from the cut, burning hotter than he¡¯d expected. The beast howled in pain, momentarily stunned. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Not yet. The creature recovered almost instantly, its injuries sealing before his eyes. It lashed out with a clawed hand, catching Jun-Hyuk across the chest and sending him flying. He hit the ground hard, the air leaving his lungs in a painful gasp. DawnFire slipped from his grasp, landing several feet away. As the beast advanced, Jun-Hyuk¡¯s vision blurred. Pain radiated through his body, but once again a distant scene tugged at his mind. Feng Lei¡¯s memories. A young boy in a large courtyard surrounded by blossoming spring leaves, desperately trying to recreate the perfect image of his father¡¯s sword movements. ¡°Focus, Lei,¡± his father¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, calm yet firm. ¡°The sword is an extension of you. Feel the fire, let it guide you. Control it, or it will control you.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s eyes snapped open. The fire. DawnFire wasn¡¯t just a sword; it was a part of him now, a conduit for something greater. He reached for it, his hand closing around the hilt just as the beast lunged. This time, he didn¡¯t retreat. He stood, planting his feet firmly as he brought the blade up. Flames roared to life along its edge, brighter and hotter than before. The heat washed over him, but it didn¡¯t burn. Instead, it invigorated him, filling him with a renewed sense of purpose. The beast¡¯s claws descended, but Jun-Hyuk moved faster. He stepped into the attack, his movements fluid and precise. His body seemed to act on its own, guided by the muscle memory of Feng Lei¡¯s training. The flames around DawnFire surged, wrapping around him like a fiery aura. ¡°Dawn¡¯s Inferno!¡± The name escaped his lips without thought as he swung the blade in a wide arc. The flames erupted outward, a blazing torrent that engulfed the beast. The ground beneath it cracked and burned, the intense heat forcing everyone else to shield their faces. For a moment, there was silence. Then the beast let out a deafening roar, its charred body collapsing to the ground. The flames began to die down, leaving only the blackened remains of what had once been an unstoppable monster. Jun-Hyuk stood frozen, his chest heaving as he stared at his sword in disbelief. The others were equally stunned, their expressions a mixture of awe and confusion. Even Feng Lei¡¯s father looked at him with newfound respect. But the moment of victory was short-lived. A low growl rumbled through the air, sending chills down their spines. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s eyes snapped back to the beast¡¯s remains just as they began to shift. The charred flesh cracked and peeled away, revealing fresh, unscathed skin beneath. The beast rose once more, its glowing eyes burning brighter than ever. And this time, it looked angrier. Chapter 8: Theres a System? All of Jun-Hyuk¡¯s carefully crafted bravado crumbled at the sight of the wolf-moth regenerating with alarming speed. The creature rose onto its hind legs, towering over the battlefield. Its grotesque form gleamed in the flickering light, and drool poured furiously from its gaping maw, pooling on the ground below. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s grip on his sword tightened, but despite his effort to appear steady, the blade trembled in his hand. Feng Jian leaped to his feet, his movements precise and resolute, followed closely by Liang Zhen, who adjusted his glowing green sword. Feng Jian turned and placed a firm hand on Jun-Hyuk¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You did well, son. Now let us Starred Level Fives handle this,¡± he said, his voice calm yet heavy with the weight of the impossible task ahead. Jun-Hyuk blinked twice in shock. The dome¡¯s strongest fighters were only Level Fives? His stomach sank as realization struck¡ªthis meant the wolf-moth, a Level Seven, outclassed them all. He spun toward Lian Hua, who was hunched over, chest heaving as she helped the last of the injured into the safety of the military vehicles. ¡°Lian Hua!¡± he called, his voice cracking. ¡°What happened to the last Level Seven? Who defeated it?¡± She bit her lip, her face pale and drawn, and shook her head slowly. ¡°No one. There was a loud screech, and then... it was like the creature was being called by someone. It stopped fighting and fled back to the black sphere.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s gaze darted back to the chaos ahead. Sparks of fire and flashes of green energy danced wildly as Feng Jian and Liang Zhen clashed with the beast, their combined might barely scratching the creature¡¯s hide. It swatted at them with ruthless efficiency, as if toying with its prey. Zhao Wei¡¯s father rushed to join the fray, his spear spinning in a desperate attempt to pierce its joints. But even with their combined efforts, it was clear¡ªthey were losing. The wolf-moth wasn¡¯t just holding its ground; it was growing stronger. ¡°How are Sphere creatures usually defeated?¡± Jun-Hyuk demanded, panic edging his voice. There had to be a method, a weak spot he could exploit. But his mind offered nothing useful from his fragmented knowledge. ¡°We cut them in half,¡± Lian Hua replied, her voice strained. ¡°The weaker their level, the easier they are to kill. But as you saw with the Level Four last time, they sometimes develop a strange humanoid form when we split them.¡± She paused, her face clouding with dread. ¡°As for the army, they aim for the chest and blow them up. But that only works if we can hold them down long enough.¡± Jun-Hyuk stared at her, his mind racing as the creature let out a guttural roar, shaking the very ground beneath their feet. Time was slipping away, and so were their chances of survival. If cutting in half¡­ and blowing up the chest both can defeat them¡­ then maybe¡­.their weak spot is somewhere in the chest. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s heart thundered in his chest as the realization struck him. There was no more time to analyze or second-guess. The battlefield around him was descending into chaos, and the wolf-moth was only growing stronger with every passing moment. Tightening his grip on the sword, he sprang forward with renewed determination. With a great leap, Jun-Hyuk propelled himself into the air, drawing on every ounce of energy he¡¯d spent years training to channel into his blade. But this time, he tried something different. As he soared closer to the massive beast, he focused all of that energy that the Starred people of this world used for their sword techniques, not into his sword, but into the tip of his fingers. The wolf-moth¡¯s grotesque, glowing eyes locked onto him, and it let out a guttural snarl, swiping at him with claws as sharp as steel. Jun-Hyuk twisted mid-air, narrowly dodging the deadly strike, and landed directly on the beast¡¯s chest. His palm slammed against its hide, and for a split second, there was silence. Then the world erupted. A massive explosion tore through the battlefield, a blinding surge of energy erupting from Jun-Hyuk¡¯s hand. The sheer force hurled him backward through the air as chunks of the Level Seven creature were blown apart, raining down across the scorched ground. A deafening cheer erupted from the survivors below, breaking the tense silence that followed.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Jun-Hyuk landed hard, skidding across the dirt. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, his body trembling from the sudden expenditure of energy. Before he could process what had just happened, a strong hand gripped his arm and hauled him to his feet. ¡°You really did it,¡± Liang Zhen said, his tone low and steady, though his sharp eyes betrayed the shock he felt. The head of the Liang family rarely gave praise, but this time he inclined his head slightly, a gesture of genuine respect. ¡°That was¡­ unconventional, but effective.¡± Feng Jian approached as well, brushing dirt from his robes. His expression was unreadable for a moment before he gave a faint nod. ¡°You¡¯ve come far, Jun-Hyuk. I didn¡¯t think you had something like that in you.¡± His voice carried no fanfare¡ªjust the simple, honest words of a father acknowledging his son¡¯s growth. Jun-Hyuk heard their words, but they barely registered. His focus was fixed on something no one else could see. Floating before him was a glowing, translucent window, the faint hum of its presence making his heart pound. He blinked hard, half expecting it to vanish like a trick of his tired mind, but it stayed right there. [Congratulations! You have passed the tutorial and leveled up to Level Seven.][The real mission begins now.] [WARNING: User has exceeded the twelve-hour limit. Transferring back to the original world.] ¡°Wait, what?!¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s voice rose in panic as he stumbled back a step. The battlefield around him began to warp, the shouts of the other warriors fading into muffled echoes. His hands clawed at the air, but there was nothing to hold onto, nothing to stop what was happening. ¡°No, no, no!¡± he shouted, his pulse racing as the ground beneath him cracked like fragile glass. Light and darkness spiraled together, swallowing the chaos of the battlefield, until all that remained was the void. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s mind raced. Was this real? Was he losing his mind? And what did it mean that the "real mission" was only just beginning? Before he could form another thought, the world dissolved completely, leaving him in silence. *** Jun-Hyuk jolted upright, his breath catching in his throat. The quiet of his room enveloped him, a stark contrast to the chaos that had consumed him moments before. His eyes darted to the glowing numbers on his bedside clock. 10 p.m. On a Saturday. He blinked in disbelief. He¡¯d slept through the entire day? His head throbbed painfully, each pulse dragging him back to the memory of the fight¡ªthe creature¡¯s grotesque form, the explosion, the cheers. It all felt so vivid, so real. ¡°Was I dreaming? Or hallucinating?¡± he muttered, his voice hoarse in the stillness. But then his eyes landed on the sword resting against the side of his bed. The faint scratches on the hilt and the dried stains along the blade told him otherwise. He wasn¡¯t crazy. Or at least, not entirely. Jun-Hyuk ran a hand through his disheveled hair and exhaled deeply. He didn¡¯t have the energy to untangle the mess of thoughts swirling in his head. Whatever was going on, thinking wasn¡¯t going to solve it. His stomach growled loudly, cutting through the silence and reminding him of a more pressing issue. Dragging himself off the bed, Jun-Hyuk shuffled out of his room and down the hall. As he passed the living room, he spotted his ten-year-old sister, Jin-Ah, lounging on the couch, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the television. She was engrossed in a cartoon, her legs swinging lazily over the armrest. Without looking away from the screen, she called out, ¡°Dinner¡¯s in the fridge, oppa.¡± Jun-Hyuk paused, leaning against the doorway. ¡°Thanks, Jin-Ah,¡± he said, his voice flat. ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± she replied, her tone distracted as the cartoon erupted into loud, dramatic sound effects. He continued into the kitchen and opened the cooler. The faint chill of the fridge washed over him as he scanned its contents. His eyes landed on a neatly wrapped plate labeled with his name in Jin-Ah¡¯s messy handwriting. Pulling it out, he unwrapped the foil to reveal a generous serving of kongnamul-bap¡ªsteamed rice topped with seasoned soybean sprouts, sesame oil, and soy sauce. The simple, familiar smell instantly made his mouth water. Jun-Hyuk grabbed a pair of chopsticks and a glass of water, then settled at the table. As he ate, his mind wandered back to the events of the day¡ªor whatever it was. The images of the glowing window, the system messages, and the transfer back to his room replayed over and over in his head. ¡°What does it all mean?¡± he muttered, poking absently at the sprouts with his chopsticks. He glanced toward the living room, where Jin-Ah¡¯s laughter drifted in from the TV. For now, he decided he''d focus on the food in front of him. The answers¡ªif they existed¡ªwould have to wait. And then, just as Jun-Hyuk thought he could finally breathe, another screen materialized before his eyes, glowing ominously: [Join this world¡¯s server to complete a mission and gain points in the next.] Chapter 9: Path of the Strongest With a gray hoodie pulled loosely over his head, Jun-Hyuk jogged down the quiet street. The faint chill of the Sunday morning nipped at his skin, the early sunlight casting long shadows on the pavement. A few joggers passed him by, earbuds in and oblivious to the world around them, while the smell of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery. Normally, Jun-Hyuk would have rather been live-streamed picking up trash off the road than heading to meet Jeong Min-Ho, the class¡¯s top delinquent. But today wasn¡¯t a normal day¡ªnot after everything that had happened. He didn¡¯t even know why he was going to see Min-Ho, only that his newfound system had popped up another mission window, offering him a measly ten points for doing so. Ten points for putting himself in the company of someone who was likely already scheming how to use him? Fantastic. He sighed, his breath forming a small puff in the cool air, and mentally conjured up the image of the floating window. It appeared instantly, shimmering faintly in his field of vision.
[Welcome, player, to Path of The Strongest] [Rank: 4/5 ][Strength: Level 7 out of 100] [Agility: Level 7 out of 100] [Skills: 3/100 Unlocked]
Jun-Hyuk frowned as he ran, his feet pounding rhythmically against the sidewalk. He was still trying to process what it all meant. Why was he ranked 4/5? Did that mean there were four other players somewhere out there? If so, where were they¡ªand what were they doing right now? A pang of unease settled in his chest, but he shoved it down. He couldn¡¯t afford to overthink things. What surprised him the most was the Taekwondo stat being his highest. Memories of dusty dojang floors and stiff white uniforms flashed in his mind¡ªfragmented, blurry moments of his elementary and middle school days. Had he been good at it? He honestly couldn¡¯t remember. It felt more like a past life than something that belonged to him now. Another thing weighing on him¡ªbesides his frustration with the system¡ªwas his utter exhaustion. Jun-Hyuk hadn¡¯t gotten a wink of sleep last night, and not because he didn¡¯t want to. He physically couldn¡¯t. The system had made it clear that the window to the other world was accessed through sleep, but since he¡¯d apparently maxed out his twelve-hour limit in one go, he now had to wait a full twenty-four hours before he could sleep again. ¡°Ridiculous,¡± he muttered under his breath. His legs carried him down the street as he rounded a corner, nearing the old basketball court where Min-Ho and his friends liked to hang out. The chain-link fence was rusty and bent in places, a sign of years of neglect. Empty soda cans and crumpled chip bags littered the pavement, and the faint echo of someone dribbling a basketball carried in the air. Jun-Hyuk slowed his pace, adjusting the hoodie over his head to hide his face better. He clenched his fists, tension coiling in his muscles as he spotted Min-Ho lounging on one of the benches. The delinquent¡¯s sharp eyes darted to him immediately, a smirk tugging at his lips as he leaned back lazily, arms spread out like a king on his throne. ¡°Well, well,¡± Min-Ho called out, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°If it isn¡¯t Mr. Weak to Strong himself.¡± Jun-Hyuk forced his jaw to unclench, his feet dragging him forward despite the irritation curling in his gut. He was already regretting this decision. Today was shaping up to be a very long day. Noticing his expression, Min-Ho chuckled, the sound low and smug. ¡°Relax, I¡¯m not hating. In fact, you¡¯re actually just the person I wanted to see.¡± Jun-Hyuk arched an eyebrow, determined to keep his response cool and detached. ¡°And why¡¯s that?¡± Min-Ho grinned, the kind of grin that set Jun-Hyuk¡¯s nerves on edge. Slowly, he slid off the bench, stretching his arms as if he had all the time in the world. ¡°Well, Jun-Hyuk, you know how Cheongmyeong thrives on order and ranks, right? And even though Choi-Seok was pretty low on the food chain, he was still higher than you. More importantly, he was useful.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Your point?¡± Min-Ho took a step closer, the playful smirk on his face hardening ever so slightly. ¡°The point is, if you don¡¯t want to face backlash from the higher ranks, you¡¯re going to have to prove yourself useful. And lucky for you, I¡¯ve got just the thing.¡± Jun-Hyuk didn¡¯t respond, but his sharp gaze told Min-Ho to get to the point. ¡°Our rival school, Baekho, has been running an underground fight club. Not only have they been encroaching on our territory,¡± Min-Ho said, his tone dropping, ¡°but they¡¯ve also been forcing some of our students to participate.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The words hung heavy in the air, and for the first time, Jun-Hyuk felt a flicker of genuine concern creep into his mind. He crossed his arms, his tone careful. ¡°And you want me to do what, exactly?¡± Min-Ho shrugged. ¡°Just teach them a little lesson and disrupt their business.¡± [Mission complete! +10 points ] [New mission: Defeat and take over Baekho¡¯s Golden Claw Betting Ring. Completion= 70 points] *** The afternoon sun hung low, casting an amber glow over the abandoned gymnasium Baekho used for their underground fights. The moment Jun-Hyuk stepped through the rusted double doors, his senses were bombarded. The air was thick with the stench of sweat and the faint metallic tang of blood. The muffled roar of the crowd became a cacophony as he walked in, his sneakers crunching against a floor littered with discarded water bottles and crumpled betting slips. Students in Baekho''s school uniform¡ªa sleek black blazer with silver trim and their emblem embroidered over the heart¡ªpacked the bleachers and crowded around the makeshift ring at the center of the room. Some were perched on railings, others standing on chairs, all shouting and jeering as two fighters slugged it out inside the ring. The ring itself was nothing more than a roped-off square of worn mats, stained with dark patches that Jun-Hyuk didn¡¯t want to think about. Jun-Hyuk swallowed hard, his throat dry despite the oppressive humidity of the room. His palms were slick with sweat, and he shoved them into the pockets of his hoodie to hide the trembling. He didn¡¯t want to be here¡ªnot in this den of chaos¡ªbut the promise of 70 points loomed in his mind, tugging him forward like a puppet on a string. He gritted his teeth. He had to do this. Besides, he wasn¡¯t weak anymore. Compared to huge wolf-moth monsters, some seventeen year old kids were nothing. And he had a new skill. The crowd surged as one of the fighters landed a brutal punch, sending his opponent sprawling to the ground. A deafening roar erupted, with students shoving each other to get a better view. Money exchanged hands as bets were settled, and the loser was dragged out of the ring, barely conscious. Jun-Hyuk forced his way through the crowd, his heart pounding like a war drum. The voices around him were a blur¡ªmocking laughter, taunts, and cries of excitement. He felt like he was drowning in noise, every step heavier than the last. When he reached the edge of the ring, he paused, his eyes locking onto the figure sitting on a metal folding chair at the back of the gym. The man in charge. Kang Dae-Hyun. Even from a distance, Dae-Hyun radiated intimidation. His broad shoulders strained against the white button-down he wore beneath his Baekho blazer, the top buttons undone to reveal a hint of a jagged scar running across his chest. His arms were crossed, muscles rippling as he leaned back with an air of complete authority. His face was sharp, with a square jaw and a crooked nose that looked like it had been broken¡ªand reset¡ªmore than once. His dark eyes glinted like polished obsidian, cold and calculating, as they swept over the room. His hair was cropped short, giving him a military-like presence, and a faint smirk played at his lips as he watched the chaos unfold around him. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s stomach twisted, but he clenched his fists, shoving the fear down as best he could. This guy is nothing compared to a wolf-moth, he reminded himself. He waited for the cheers to die down, stepping over the ropes and into the ring. The crowd noticed immediately, their attention snapping to him like a pack of wolves sensing new prey. The noise dulled for a moment, replaced by murmurs and whispers. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Is he crazy?¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like much¡­¡± Jun-Hyuk ignored the comments, planting his feet firmly in the center of the ring. He sucked in a shaky breath, then bellowed, his voice louder than he thought possible, ¡°I want to fight the person in charge!¡± A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by an uproar of disbelief and laughter. Dae-Hyun¡¯s smirk widened, but he didn¡¯t move. He stayed seated, his piercing gaze locking onto Jun-Hyuk like a predator sizing up its prey. Jun-Hyuk pointed directly at him, his hand trembling despite his best efforts to keep it steady. ¡°If I win, this betting ring belongs to me!¡± The gym fell into a stunned silence, broken only by a few scattered laughs and murmurs. Dae-Hyun slowly rose to his feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. His presence seemed to grow, the air around him heavy with menace as he made his way toward the ring. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, no one daring to get in his way. When he stepped into the ring, the difference between them was glaring. Dae-Hyun towered over Jun-Hyuk, his frame casting a long shadow. He cracked his knuckles, the sound like gunshots in the tense silence. His voice was low and gravelly, yet it carried across the room with ease. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, I¡¯ll give you that,¡± Dae-Hyun said, his eyes narrowing as he sized Jun-Hyuk up. ¡°But guts alone won¡¯t save you.¡± The crowd roared in anticipation, chanting Dae-Hyun¡¯s name as he rolled his shoulders, loosening up. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s heart felt like it was about to burst out of his chest, but he forced himself to meet Dae-Hyun¡¯s gaze, refusing to back down. ¡°I don¡¯t need saving,¡± Jun-Hyuk said, his voice firm despite the nerves threatening to consume him. ¡°I just need to win.¡± Dae-Hyun chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that sent chills down Jun-Hyuk¡¯s spine. ¡°Bold words for a dead man.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s fists clenched at his sides as he stared up at Dae-Hyun, refusing to let the towering figure intimidate him. The crowd''s chants faded into the background, drowned out by the pounding of his heartbeat and the quiet hum of determination coursing through him. He thought of the stats he had worked to unlock, the skills he had earned in the other world. Flaming Inferno. Energy Manipulation. Taekwondo. The memory of cutting down wolf-moth monsters flashed in his mind, and he forced himself to breathe steadily. Jun-Hyuk raised his chin, his gaze steady as he met Dae-Hyun¡¯s cold, calculating eyes. ¡°You¡¯re strong, but I didn¡¯t come here to lose,¡± he said, his voice carrying over the jeering crowd. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can handle someone who¡¯s trained to fight monsters.¡± Dae-Hyun¡¯s smirk faltered for just a fraction of a second, his expression hardening into something more serious. The crowd roared louder, but Jun-Hyuk barely noticed. His mind was already racing, calculating his first move, ready to prove that this fight wasn¡¯t going to end the way anyone expected. Chapter 10: Claiming Territory The first punch came in fast. Jun-Hyuk managed to deflect just in time. The gym erupted into a frenzy as students scrambled to place their bets. Jun-Hyuk blocked out the noise, focusing solely on the man in front of him. He could feel the weight of everyone¡¯s eyes on him, the pressure mounting with every second. [Mission Reminder: Defeat and take over Baekho¡¯s Golden Claw Betting Ring. Completion = 70 points.] The system¡¯s notification blinked in the corner of his vision, a small but potent reminder of what was at stake. He¡¯d never faced an opponent like Dae-Hyun before, but he wasn¡¯t the same person he¡¯d been just days ago. After all, he had now faced monsters much stronger than anyone in this room could even imagine. Dae-Hyun moved fast, a blur of speed that caught Jun-Hyuk off guard. The older boy¡¯s fist shot out like a cannonball, aimed directly at Jun-Hyuk¡¯s face. But Jun-Hyuk¡¯s body reacted before his mind could catch up, his enhanced agility kicking in. He sidestepped the punch with inches to spare, the air displaced by the force brushing against his cheek. The crowd gasped in surprise, and Dae-Hyun¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Not bad.¡± Jun-Hyuk didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he closed the distance between them, his movements fluid and precise. His first strike¡ªa low kick aimed at Dae-Hyun¡¯s knee¡ªconnected with a satisfying thud, but Dae-Hyun barely flinched. He countered with a sweeping hook that Jun-Hyuk ducked under, his instincts screaming at him to stay on the move. The fight became a blur of motion. Dae-Hyun¡¯s strikes were heavy and relentless, each one powerful enough to end the match if it landed cleanly. But Jun-Hyuk¡¯s agility and reflexes kept him just out of reach, his movements almost dance-like as he weaved around the attacks. [Skill Activated: Taekwondo ¨C Level 10] Jun-Hyuk felt a surge of confidence as his training kicked in. He dropped low, spinning into a sweeping kick that caught Dae-Hyun¡¯s ankle. This time, the older boy stumbled, his balance momentarily thrown off. Seizing the opportunity, Jun-Hyuk followed up with a high kick aimed at Dae-Hyun¡¯s jaw. The crowd roared as the kick connected, the impact echoing through the gym. Dae-Hyun staggered back, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. ¡°You¡¯ve got some bite after all,¡± Dae-Hyun growled, wiping the blood away with the back of his hand. His smirk returned, more feral than before. ¡°But it¡¯s gonna take more than that to take me down.¡± Jun-Hyuk didn¡¯t bother with a reply. His muscles tensed, coiled like a spring, ready to strike again. He had been about to deliver another kick when a better idea flickered into his mind¡ªa way to finish this with style. Why not end it the same way he took down the wolf-moth? A faint, almost mischievous smile curved his lips as he surged forward with a sudden burst of speed. His aggressive advance caught Dae-Hyun off guard; the slight widening of his opponent¡¯s eyes betrayed his surprise. But that was nothing compared to the shock that followed.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Jun-Hyuk slammed his palm into Dae-Hyun¡¯s chest with a sharp, decisive motion. A low, fiery glow pulsed from his fingertips, a fragment of the flaming energy he usually reserved for his blade. The force ignited in an instant, sending Dae-Hyun hurtling backward as though a storm had erupted inside him. A raw, guttural yell tore from Dae-Hyun¡¯s throat as he hit the ground with a heavy thud. He tried to push himself up, arms trembling under his weight, but his legs refused to cooperate. His movements were frantic yet futile, like a puppet with its strings cut. Jun-Hyuk stood over him, steady and unshaken, the faint traces of energy still shimmering around his fingers. The fight was over. The outcome was clear. Dae-Hyun had lost, and Jun-Hyuk had claimed victory. Jun-Hyuk straightened, rolling his shoulders back as his gaze swept over the crowd of students, now frozen in tense silence. Just days ago, he never would have dared to imagine himself saying what came next. ¡°This betting ring now belongs to Cheongmyeong,¡± he declared, his voice cutting through the still air with authority. ¡°From now on, you¡¯ll report to me¡ªSeo Jun-Hyuk. If anyone has a problem with that,¡± he paused, letting the weight of his words settle, ¡°you¡¯re welcome to settle it with me in the ring. We¡¯ll let our fists do the talking.¡± The familiar blue light of the system window glimmered in front of him. [Mission passed +70 points. Total points= 80][Congratulations on completing your first official mission and taking over the Golden Claw Betting Ring. However the strongest cannot report to anyone. Therefore your second mission is to form your own crew, separate from Cheongmyeong.] [Recruit your former bully Choi-Seok to join your crew for 50 points] Jun-Hyuk blinked at the glowing system window, his eyes narrowing as he reread the message. Once, twice. A faint twitch pulled at his brow, the kind of irritation that simmered just beneath the surface. Seriously? he thought, the words practically echoing in his mind. Take over the betting ring, and now this? He leaned back slightly, his arms crossing over his chest as he stared at the screen, disbelief mingling with annoyance. "Separate from Cheongmyeong? Form my own crew? What am I, some kind of gang lord now?" he muttered under his breath. And then there was the kicker. He gritted his teeth as his eyes flicked to the next line. Recruit Choi-Seok? His jaw tightened. Of all people, the system wanted him to bring that guy¡ªhis former tormentor, the smug bastard who made his life miserable¡ªnot just into his crew, but as a key step in this insane mission. Jun-Hyuk let out a slow, exasperated breath. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± he muttered. He almost wanted to laugh at how ridiculous it all sounded, but the system wasn¡¯t exactly known for giving him a choice. Fine, he thought grudgingly, but if this backfires, I¡¯m blaming you, system. But that would have to wait until tomorrow. For now, it was time to head home, catch some much-needed sleep... and, of course, dive back into the next world. He could only hope it wouldn¡¯t throw any more nightmarish horrors his way. Then again, hope and reality rarely see eye to eye. And something told him this wasn¡¯t going to be one of those rare times. Chapter 11: Flickers of War with Lian Hua Lian Hua sat in the back of the military vehicle, the rhythmic hum of its engine a strange but welcome balm to her frayed nerves. The faint scent of oil and steel hung in the air, mingling with the muted glow of the setting sun filtering through the reinforced windows. She leaned her head back, her thoughts spinning like the wheels beneath them. In front of her, Feng Lei¡ªJun-Hyuk, though she didn¡¯t know him by that name¡ªwas sprawled out, fast asleep. His head tilted slightly to one side, arms crossed loosely over his chest, he looked completely at ease, as though they weren¡¯t riding away from the aftermath of a battle that would go down in history. His steady breathing, the gentle rise and fall of his chest, almost made it seem like they were on an ordinary drive through the countryside¡ªnot fleeing from the site of a level seven sphere¡¯s defeat, a feat never accomplished before. She was still struggling to process how he¡¯d done it. Feng Lei had always been a skilled fighter¡ªshe¡¯d known that much. But this? This was something else entirely. Just a few days ago, he¡¯d been overpowered by a level four sphere creature, barely surviving the encounter. And now, here he was, defeating a level seven like it was the most natural thing in the world. It didn¡¯t add up. But it wasn¡¯t just his newfound strength that unsettled her. There was something different about him, something she couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on. The Feng Lei she remembered was cocky and brimming with unshakable confidence, a fighter who carried himself like he was invincible. Back then, he barely even acknowledged her existence, let alone treated her as an equal. Now, though¡­ now he seemed almost humble. Thoughtful, even. She caught herself glancing at him as he slept, his peaceful expression a stark contrast to the man she¡¯d once known. Maybe it was the amnesia, erasing the layers of bravado he used to wear like armor. Or maybe it was something deeper, something the battles and near-death experiences had unearthed in him. Whatever the reason, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Feng Lei didn¡¯t just see her anymore¡ªhe respected her. He treated her like a comrade, maybe even a friend. The thought was as comforting as it was unnerving, leaving her to wonder just how much more he would change¡ªand whether she would still recognize him when it was all over.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°He sure does like falling asleep after fights,¡± Zhao Ruyi muttered from her seat beside Lian Hua, her voice tinged with mild amusement. Her glowing blue gun, a marvel of futuristic weaponry, rested casually across her lap. The faint, eerie glow it emitted bathed her fingers in an otherworldly light, making the weapon look more alive than it should. Lian Hua tried not to stare at it for too long. That thing always gave her the creeps¡ªa weapon capable of mass destruction, all with the press of a single button. The thought sent a chill crawling up her spine. It was too clean, too absolute. There was no nuance, no room for mercy. That¡¯s why she preferred swords. Swords had intention. With a blade, you could choose whether to wound, to warn, or to kill. It was a tool of precision, of human judgment, not the cold, detached obliteration that the military''s weapons represented. Lian Hua caught the sharp turn of Zhao Ruyi¡¯s head as she looked her way, her expression sly. ¡°Now that the threat is over, the martial families will have to deal with us¡ªthe military,¡± Ruyi said, her voice laced with a cool confidence. A smirk danced at the corners of her lips. Lian Hua blinked, her brow furrowing. ¡°Really? You¡¯re still planning to overthrow the rule of the five martial families?¡± ¡°Not me,¡± Ruyi replied with a nonchalant shrug. ¡°That¡¯s Commander Tian Zhenyu¡¯s mission. But don¡¯t get it twisted¡ªall of us in the military stand firmly behind him.¡± Lian Hua felt her throat go dry, and she licked her lips in a futile attempt to ease the growing tension swirling inside her. The five martial families weren¡¯t just going to relinquish their hold on power. Not willingly. The only way the military could take control of the city dome was through force, and that meant one thing: war. A bloody, devastating war that would leave no one truly victorious¡ªonly ruins, bodies, and grief. Her thoughts flickered to the battle they had just survived, to the monstrous level seven sphere. At a time when unity was more vital than ever, the city was teetering on the edge of civil collapse. ¡°What about the possibility of an arrangement, like Feng Lei suggested?¡± Lian Hua asked, her voice tinged with both hope and desperation. Ruyi chuckled, the sound dark and humorless. ¡°That¡¯s not up to me, and even if it were, it¡¯s already too late for that. The moment we left, the military had already set their first plan into motion.¡± A prickle of dread crept up Lian Hua¡¯s spine. Her gaze shifted out the window, her heart hammering against her ribs. In the distance, the sprawling outline of the city dome loomed against the darkening horizon. But what caught her attention¡ªand turned her blood cold¡ªwas the thick column of black smoke rising from somewhere within its walls. Her stomach twisted as realization dawned, heavy and unforgiving. War had already begun. Chapter 12: A Happy Surprise Jun-Hyuk lay sprawled on his bed, the soft hum of the ceiling fan doing little to calm the restless energy thrumming through his veins. His eyes stayed glued to the glowing red numbers of the digital clock on his nightstand: 9:45 p.m. The minutes seemed to crawl, the passing of each second dragging like an eternity. Fifteen minutes left. Just fifteen agonizingly slow minutes until he could re-enter post-apocalyptic China. The room was dim, illuminated only by the faint golden light leaking through his bedroom curtains. The world outside was quiet, the muffled sounds of distant cars and the occasional chirp of a cricket barely registering in his mind. His focus was elsewhere. Jun-Hyuk didn¡¯t know why he felt so jittery, his heart racing as if he were standing on the edge of some grand revelation. He shouldn¡¯t feel this excited about stepping into a world teeming with grotesque creatures hell-bent on annihilation. Yet, a grin tugged at the corners of his lips, his pulse quickening with anticipation. Maybe it was the thrill of gaining strength in the real world. Maybe it was the rush of danger, the adrenaline of walking a knife¡¯s edge between survival and death. Or maybe it was just the intoxicating high of victory. Only hours ago, he¡¯d found himself in the middle of a fighting ring full of kids who would normally scare him stiff. But not this time. This time, he didn¡¯t just hold his own¡ªhe crushed their top fighter and stood tall, claiming ownership of the ring in a way that left no room for argument. The memory replayed in his mind like a vivid dream, each punch and calculated move flooding him with a heady sense of power. And now? Now there were more possibilities. More skills to gain. More challenges to conquer. The thought made his chest tighten with excitement. Then there was the points. Eighty of them. Points he couldn¡¯t touch until he stepped back into that broken, chaotic world. The mere thought of them made his fingers itch. He wanted to dive in, to feel the gritty air of post-apocalyptic China in his lungs, to hear the distant growls of beasts lurking in the shadows, to face the unknown head-on. The clock shifted to 9:46 p.m. Jun-Hyuk exhaled sharply, his muscles tense and ready, as if his body already knew it was on the verge of plunging into another world. Fifteen minutes suddenly felt like a lifetime. It felt like an eternity and a heartbeat all at once. Then, the low buzz of his phone cut through the quiet, and he reflexively glanced at the screen. At first, he didn¡¯t process the name on the notification, his mind still tangled in thoughts of post-apocalyptic creatures and fighting for survival. But then it hit him like a shockwave. Han Ji-Min. His heart stopped mid-beat. Han Ji-Min?! The name seemed to glow on the screen, brighter than it had any right to be. His breath caught in his throat as if he¡¯d forgotten how to inhale. Han Ji-Min¡ªthe girl he¡¯d secretly liked since they were kids, the girl whose laugh he could pick out in a crowded room, the girl he¡¯d never had the courage to speak to outside of group projects or polite greetings¡ªhad just messaged him. Jun-Hyuk blinked at the screen, half-expecting the name to disappear, convinced it had to be some sort of mistake. When it didn¡¯t, his stomach flipped so violently it felt like it might leap into his throat. He ran a hand through his hair, fingers trembling, as his mind scrambled to catch up with reality. He hesitated, staring at the notification as if it might vanish if he breathed too hard. Slowly, he tapped on the message, every nerve in his body on high alert. The words filled his screen:If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Hey Jun, are you ok? I heard you got involved in Baekho¡¯s fighting ring. Be safe. Baekho kids can be vicious, and the higher-ups might come for you now that you¡¯ve interrupted their cash cow. His heart thudded in his chest, loud enough that it drowned out everything else. She was worried about him. Her, Han Ji-Min, the girl he had admired from afar, cared enough to check on him. A soft, almost disbelieving smile tugged at his lips, and for a moment, he forgot about the danger she had warned him about. He didn¡¯t even think to question how she¡¯d learn about that. She had messaged him. Han Ji-Min. And for just a moment, amidst the chaos of his double life and the looming dangers ahead, Jun-Hyuk let himself savor the small, impossible joy of her words. Jun-Hyuk stared at the message, his thumbs hovering uncertainly over the keyboard. His mind raced, and his stomach churned as if it were filled with a thousand fluttering birds. What do I say? A reply to Han Ji-Min, the girl he¡¯d secretly admired for years, wasn¡¯t something he could rush. Every possible response he typed in his head sounded wrong. Too casual? Too serious? Too awkward? "Thanks for worrying about me." No, that felt too formal. "I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry about it." Too dismissive. "I¡¯m fine. How about you?" Was that too much? Would she think he was prying? His palms were damp, and the clock on his phone ticked forward mercilessly. He exhaled shakily, rubbing his hands over his face in frustration. Why couldn¡¯t this be as simple as taking on a level seven creature? Come on, Jun-Hyuk. Get it together. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he settled on something short but sincere. He typed the words carefully, rereading them a dozen times before convincing himself to hit send. "I¡¯m fine. Thanks for worrying about me." The message delivered, and he stared at the screen, half-expecting an immediate reply. None came, but he barely had time to linger. A sharp beep from his clock snapped him out of his thoughts. 10:00 p.m. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s breath caught as the moment he¡¯d been waiting for arrived. He stood abruptly, his gaze flickering to the sword mounted on his wall. Dawnfire. Its sleek, obsidian blade shimmered faintly in the low light, a faint crimson glow emanating from its edge like a whisper of the flames it could summon. Without hesitation, he grabbed the weapon, the familiar weight grounding him as he gripped the hilt tightly. He glanced back at his bed. His heart pounded as anticipation coursed through his veins. Jun-Hyuk took one last breath before throwing himself onto the mattress. The world shifted around him as his vision went dark. When he opened his eyes, the familiar sight of post-apocalyptic China greeted him. He was in a moving vehicle, its engine humming steadily beneath him. The world outside was painted in the perpetual, haunting red of the sky¡ªa fiery crimson that seemed to stretch endlessly, casting an eerie glow over the barren wasteland below. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s stomach lurched, not from the motion of the vehicle but from the scene unfolding outside the window. He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. A standoff. Several military officers stood rigid, their glowing blue guns raised in a show of force. The weapons pulsed with an otherworldly energy, a stark contrast to the desolate surroundings. Opposite them were members of the martial families, their ornate, traditional armor clashing with the futuristic appearance of the soldiers. The tension between the two groups was palpable, crackling in the air like a static charge before a storm. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s fingers tightened around Dawnfire¡¯s hilt, his pulse quickening. What did he miss while he was asleep? Chapter 13: Blood Red War [Welcome back to the path to the strongest.] [First Mission: De-escalate the tension between the military and the five martial families before war breaks out. You¡¯ll need all hands on deck for what¡¯s coming.] The glowing text hovered in Jun-Hyuk¡¯s vision like a warning bell, stark and impossible to ignore. As the mission briefing faded, his eyes snapped to the unfolding chaos ahead. Soldiers in sleek uniforms, glowing blue guns aimed, stood locked in a tense standoff with members of the five martial families. Their traditional armor, ornate and battle-worn, seemed like relics of another era, yet their presence commanded respect, even in this post-apocalyptic wasteland. Jun-Hyuk blinked, struggling to process how quickly alliances had crumbled. The last time he was here, these same people had fought together against the level seven sphere creature, their combined strength barely enough to survive. Now, every strained breath in the air reeked of hostility, like the smallest spark would ignite war. His gaze swept the scene. There was Lian Hua, standing resolutely at his father Feng Jian¡¯s side, her expression a mask of icy determination. He searched for the soldiers who had fought beside them, wondering where their solidarity had gone. How could allies turn on each other so quickly? It was almost too much for Jun-Hyuk¡¯s high school mind to comprehend. Then his focus flicked back to the mission screen, the words echoing in his head: "All hands on deck." What did that mean? And more importantly, what the hell is coming? A booming voice cut through his thoughts like a hammer striking stone. ¡°I¡¯m commanding all heads of the martial families to surrender peacefully,¡± declared Tian Zhenyu, the military commander. His words carried an unyielding authority, as if surrender was not a request but an inevitability. ¡°The military has taken full control of the dome city. We will protect the citizens as we see fit.¡± Liang Zheng, head of the first martial family, laughed¡ªa dry, bitter sound that carried no warmth. ¡°Disappointing, Zhenyu. After all the support we gave you, after propping you up to lead the military, this is how you repay us?¡± His voice dripped with disdain, cutting through the tension like a blade. Zhenyu¡¯s expression didn¡¯t falter. ¡°And I¡¯m grateful for that support,¡± he replied, his tone almost mockingly calm. ¡°Which is why I¡¯m offering you this chance to surrender peacefully. I suggest you take it.¡± Zhao Fang, the fiery head of the Zhao family, stepped forward. His movements were deliberate, every step a warning. ¡°You must know,¡± he growled, ¡°we will never bow without a fight.¡± Zhenyu¡¯s gaze shifted to him, his expression unreadable but dangerous. ¡°Ah, Zhao Fang. I had hoped you¡¯d be as cooperative as your son and consider lending a hand.¡± The effect was immediate. Zhao Fang¡¯s hand flew to the hilt of his sword, his voice a sharp growl. ¡°What did you say about my son? He would never betray the Zhao family willingly.¡± Jun-Hyuk¡ªor more accurately, his alter ego Feng Lei¡ªknew better. Zhao Wei had a reputation for being slippery, loyal only to himself. From what Jun-Hyuk had seen, betrayal seemed to be second nature to him. Jun-Hyuk exhaled, gripping the hilt of Dawnfire tightly. Every instinct screamed at him to act, to say something¡ªanything¡ªthat might stop this from spiraling into disaster. He swung the vehicle door open and stepped into the cold, biting air. The chill sent a shiver down his spine, but it wasn¡¯t just the temperature. His skin prickled, his every sense suddenly heightened. He tilted his head back to the blood-red sky above, its ominous glow bathing the wasteland in a sinister hue. And there it was¡ªthe source of all their problems¡ªthe floating black sphere, pulsing faintly like a beating heart.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. For a moment, all the petty arguments and power struggles seemed trivial. Whatever disaster loomed on the horizon, it was tied to that sphere. His mind raced back to the mission screen¡¯s cryptic warning. All hands on deck. What does that mean? Jun-Hyuk¡¯s stomach churned with unease. Whatever was coming, it wouldn¡¯t wait for them to settle their differences. If they didn¡¯t find a way to de-escalate, they¡¯d all be too busy fighting each other to face the real enemy. ¡°Why not treat the military like a 6th martial family with all the accompanying benefits.¡± The words barely left his mouth before all eyes snapped to him. The weight of their stares felt crushing, and Jun-Hyuk could feel the heat rising to his ears. His heart thundered in his chest, but he forced himself to stand tall. He had no choice but to fake confidence now. ¡°This is such a petty issue to fight over,¡± he continued, swallowing hard. ¡°We¡¯re risking the safety of the entire dome city for what? A civil war? All while level-seven creatures are appearing? Honestly, it¡¯s stupid.¡± Zhao Fang¡¯s scoff rang out like a slap. ¡°The military, a martial family? Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡± Jun-Hyuk opened his mouth to respond, but his father, Feng Jian, stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. ¡°It could work. And perhaps we shouldn¡¯t be so quick to dismiss the only recorded level-seven-starred fighter.¡± Jun-Hyuk froze. His breath hitched in his throat as the weight of those words settled over him. Level-seven-starred fighter. He hadn¡¯t even considered that in this moment. Him. He was the strongest recorded fighter in this world. And yet¡­ his stomach churned uneasily. Becoming a level-seven fighter was just the tutorial, a footnote in what was to come. He knew what the system had said. If this was the starting point, then what kind of nightmare lay ahead? He¡¯d barely scratched the surface of the challenges to come, and already, he was stronger than everyone else here. A chill ran down his spine, but it wasn¡¯t from the cold air. The moment was broken by a sudden, low whooshing sound. It came from the horizon, like an unnatural wind cutting through the stillness. It grew louder, sharper, until the sound seemed to fill the air. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s head snapped up. His heart twisted as his eyes locked on the source¡ªa swarm of massive wolf-moths sailing straight toward them, their wings shimmering like oil slicks under the blood-red sky. A hundred, maybe more. And every single one of them glowed with the unmistakable aura of a level-seven creature. Gasps erupted around him. Lian Hua¡¯s sharp intake of breath, Zhao Fang¡¯s muttered curse, even Tian Zhenyu¡¯s confident stance faltered. For a split second, no one moved. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s grip tightened on Dawnfire. His chest heaved as he forced himself to breathe. There was no time to argue, no time to second-guess. ¡°Forget the civil war,¡± he said, his voice steady and loud enough to cut through the growing panic. ¡°If we don¡¯t work together, none of us are surviving this.¡± The wolf-moths closed the distance, their glowing eyes like burning embers, and the ground beneath them began to tremble as if the earth itself was bracing for the battle to come. But no one was listening to Jun-Hyuk. His words were swallowed by the mounting chaos, drowned beneath the roar of panic. Someone in the crowd shouted, ¡°Every man for himself!¡± and that single cry was enough to shatter whatever fragile unity remained. It was like a dam breaking. The martial families, who had moments ago stood proud and defiant, now scrambled like frightened animals, their retreat a chaotic storm of movement. Warriors who had once faced down fearsome creatures with unshakable resolve now tripped over each other in their desperation to reach the safety of the dome. The air was filled with frantic shouts, the clatter of weapons hastily sheathed, and the sound of boots pounding against the earth. Jun-Hyuk stood frozen amidst the frenzy, his eyes locked on the approaching swarm. The wolf-moths were closer now, their monstrous forms growing larger with every beat of their wings. He could feel the air vibrating with their sheer power, a suffocating pulse that seemed to steal the strength from his legs. ¡°Jun-Hyuk!¡± His father¡¯s voice cut through the fog of his thoughts, sharp and commanding. Feng Jian grabbed his arm, his grip firm and unyielding. ¡°If we stay here, we¡¯re all dead! Retreat for now!¡± Jun-Hyuk turned to look at his father, his mind torn between the instinct to flee and the urge to stand his ground. But before he could respond, the first wolf-moth let out an earsplitting screech, its glowing eyes locking onto him like a predator marking its prey. And in that moment, Jun-Hyuk knew¡ªrunning might not even be an option. Chapter 14: The Barrrier Jun-Hyuk stood at the entrance to the dome, the city¡¯s metallic walls rising high above him, the sleek, shimmering surface reflecting the pale light of the blood-red sky. The air smelled faintly of ozone, the hum of energy swirling around the protective barrier that separated them from the chaos of the outside world. The fight was over for now, but there was no rest. Not yet. The military and the martial families scattered, their hurried movements a blur of urgency, and he overheard his father mentioning something about an urgent meeting among the leaders. The air felt thick with tension, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He wasn¡¯t involved in that, so for now, all he could do was absorb the terrifying reality of the situation¡ªits gravity sinking into his bones with each passing second. A chilling thought suddenly struck him, sharp and intrusive: If I die in this world, would I still be alive in the next? The uncertainty clawed at him, as the world around him seemed to distort, its very foundations trembling beneath the heavy truth of that question. Jun-Hyuk had a family in the real world¡ªhis father, mother, and little sister¡ªand there was no way he was going to let himself die without first asking Han Ji-Min out. He adjusted the belt of his outfit, feeling the weight of the moment settling in. He didn¡¯t want to think about it, but the tension between the military and the martial families still hung thick in the air, and the weight of his mission loomed, too heavy to ignore. Beside him, Lian Hua stared out toward the distant horizon, her eyes narrowed, watching the creatures in the distance. The wolf-moths, those grotesque, terrifying hybrids, swarmed in the air, their wings a blur of grotesque shapes as they neared the dome. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s stomach twisted at the sight of them. These creatures weren¡¯t meant for this world¡ªthey belonged in nightmares, not the harsh reality outside their city¡¯s fragile walls. He watched as they lunged toward the shimmering force field that separated the city from the wasteland. With every strike, their bodies crackled with a violent energy, but the barrier held, the field flashing with blue-white light as each blow was absorbed, rendered useless. It was a comforting sight¡ªyet, Jun-Hyuk couldn¡¯t shake the sense of impending doom. ¡°Do you think it¡¯ll hold?¡± Jun-Hyuk¡¯s voice was quieter than he intended, as if he were afraid to disturb the delicate balance of safety around them. Lian Hua shifted beside him, her expression unreadable, but the way her eyes flicked toward the barrier told him all he needed to know. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted, her voice low, laced with an edge of uncertainty. ¡°It¡¯s holding for now, but...¡± Her words trailed off, and she glanced over at him, a shadow passing over her face. ¡°The energy fluctuations have been increasing. It might not last long.¡± He watched the creatures claw at the barrier again, their glowing eyes burning with a ravenous hunger. ¡°But they¡¯re not getting through, right?¡± Jun-Hyuk asked, a flicker of hope crossing his mind. He clung to the idea that maybe, just maybe, they could be safe here long enough to figure things out. But would the system even give him a chance to figure them out? Or would it trust him out there. Jun-Hyuk hadn¡¯t even gotten a chance to look at what his eighty points could buy him, but something told him now wasn¡¯t the time.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lian Hua repeated, more firmly this time. ¡°These things¡ªthey adapt. And if the barrier weakens... we might not have much time.¡± A long, tense silence stretched between them as they both watched the creatures above. The thought of the wolf-moths breaking through felt like an impending disaster waiting to unfold, but Jun-Hyuk couldn¡¯t deny the larger question gnawing at him¡ªthe one that had been simmering ever since he set foot back in this city. ¡°What if... what if we never have enough time?¡± His words were almost a whisper, barely audible over the hum of the dome''s protective shield. He wasn¡¯t just talking about the creatures outside; he was talking about everything. The growing conflict, the shifting alliances, and the gnawing feeling that, no matter how much they prepared, something darker loomed just beyond their reach. Lian Hua¡¯s gaze softened for a fraction of a second before she met his eyes. ¡°We can¡¯t think like that. We¡¯ve faced worse, Jun-Hyuk. We¡¯ve made it this far. And if we stand together, maybe... maybe that will be enough.¡± He wanted to believe her, truly. But the doubt that had taken root in his chest seemed impossible to shake off. Especially because he knew what she said was a lie. The biggest threat she¡¯s ever seen was the level seven sphere creature that orphaned her. This wasn¡¯t one, but a hundred angry level sevens. Maybe they were upset because he had killed one of their own earlier. He let out a quiet sigh and shook his head, the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. He didn¡¯t know what came next, or if they¡¯d be able to survive long enough to find a way forward. For now, all they could do was wait. And fight, when the time came. Jun-Hyuk glanced around at the desolate streets, his first real look at the place where most people lived in this world. Scattered fruit carts lay abandoned, their once-bright displays now wilted and neglected. Vendors'' stalls stood empty, their goods left behind in the rush to flee. Shops were shuttered tight, the air heavy with the silence of a city on edge. Yet, if he looked closely, he could spot the faintest movement¡ªcurtains shifting slightly in windows as people peered cautiously from the safety of their homes, eyes wide with fear as they checked to see if the horrors lurking outside had crept their way in. The familiar blue window suddenly flashed into his vision, making him nearly choke on an invisible drink. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Lian Hua¡¯s concerned voice broke through the haze of his shock, but his eyes were fixed on the screen only he could see. [Player Seo Jun-Hyuk, do you wish to surpass your current rank of 5/5? For every level-seven sphere creature you defeat by yourself, you will gain 100 points. There are also three level eights currently outside the dome, each worth 500 points. This is a limited-time offer and will expire in the next 2 hours.] His heart skipped a beat. This system wanted to kill him! Two hours? He was supposed to step into that world of nightmares and fight alone? The thought was madness. Points were never worth your life. Jun-Hyuk knew that much. And yet, despite the terror gripping him, there was something about the temptation of strength that kept pulling him forward. Even a coward like him couldn¡¯t fully resist. Maybe, just maybe, if he lost, he''d still wake up in the real world... [Warning: If you die in this world, you will be really dead. Please approach dangers with caution.] Never mind. Of course, the dangers were real¡ªterrifyingly real. But still... maybe he could manage to take down two or three and rush back to safety. The rational part of his mind screamed that it was lunacy; after all, he had barely killed one creature on his own. But for some reason, common sense seemed to slip through his fingers like sand. With his heart pounding in his chest, he took a step toward the gate. Whatever happened next, he only hoped the points would be worth it. Chapter 15: All for Points ¡°Where are you going?¡± Lian Hua¡¯s voice cracked with urgency as she hurried after Jun-Hyuk, her footsteps barely audible over the rising chaos. He didn¡¯t stop. He didn¡¯t even slow down. She reached for his arm, but he shrugged her off with a nonchalant flick, though the way his fingers twitched betrayed his nerves. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± he said, forcing a smirk that was probably more convincing in his head than in reality. ¡°I¡¯m totally not being an idiot right now. Just taking a nice, relaxing stroll into the jaws of death for fun.¡± Lian Hua stared at him as if he had grown another head. ¡°What? You¡¯re not actually planning on¡ª¡± One look at his face was enough to shut her up. The seriousness in his eyes sent a cold chill down her spine. He wasn¡¯t joking. Jun-Hyuk exhaled and tried again, this time with a grin that felt paper-thin. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in two hours.¡± He tapped Dawnfire¡¯s hilt at his waist. ¡°Or sooner if I get scared shitless.¡± Before she could protest, he turned and marched through the city dome¡¯s protective barrier, stepping into the open wasteland beyond. The moment the air changed around him¡ªthe safety of the city giving way to the eerie, blood-red sky of the outside world¡ªhe felt it. That creeping sensation of vulnerability. Like the world was holding its breath, waiting for him to mess up. And then came the growl. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s bravado cracked as he locked eyes with five of the creatures¡ªwolf-like snouts, moth-like wings, their fur matted with something dark and sticky that he really hoped wasn¡¯t human blood. Their eyes glowed a sickly gold, their massive bodies shifting as they took slow, predatory steps forward. ¡°Oh.¡± He swallowed hard. ¡°Five at once.¡± His voice was barely above a whisper, but the words tasted bitter. Wasn¡¯t it just yesterday that the top martial families¡ªwarriors who had spent their entire lives honing their craft¡ªhad nearly gotten their asses handed to them by one of these things? And now here he was. Alone. With five. ¡°Great,¡± he muttered. ¡°Just fantastic.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. One of the creatures inched closer, saliva dripping from its fangs, and before Jun-Hyuk could think twice, his body acted on sheer survival instinct. Activate Level 7 Energy Manipulation. A surge of power rushed to his fingertips, and in the next heartbeat, a burst of orange energy erupted from his palm. The blast hit one of the creatures dead in the chest. Its agonized howl was cut short as it burst into flames, the body collapsing into ash. Jun-Hyuk blinked. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ one hundred points?¡± He let out a breathless chuckle. ¡°That was easier than I thought.¡± The remaining four creatures flinched, their glowing eyes darting between their fallen pack member and him. He could feel their hesitation. They weren¡¯t expecting that. Good. Sliding Dawnfire back into its hilt, Jun-Hyuk raised both hands and fired again¡ªtwo simultaneous blasts, one from each palm. The attacks connected, and two more creatures fell, their bodies reduced to smoldering heaps. Adrenaline surged through his veins. He was actually doing this! He could¡ª A shadow passed overhead. Jun-Hyuk¡¯s blood ran cold. The sky above him was moving. It took him half a second too long to register the sound¡ªhundreds of wings buzzing, like an oncoming storm. And then he saw them. A swarm. A horde. A death sentence. Fifty. At least fifty of them, circling above him, their soulless eyes locked onto their next meal. His stomach flipped. ¡°Oh¡­ shit.¡± So much for confidence. This was officially the moment to panic. Jun-Hyuk forced himself to think, his mind scrambling for solutions. If there was ever a time to see what his accumulated points could get him, now was that time. [Skill Menu Opened.] The shimmering blue window flickered to life in front of him, listing his current balance: ¡ª 50 points to level up a skill. ¡ª 200 points to buy a new one. His heart pounded. He had more than enough. Upgrade Energy Manipulation. Immediately. The screen asked for confirmation. ¡°YES,¡± he gritted out, his thumb practically punching the floating button. A new surge of energy coursed through him as his ability jumped from 7/100 ¡ú 11/100. The creatures above let out an ear-splitting screech. And then, all at once, they dove. Jun-Hyuk barely had time to react before the first set of claws slashed toward his face.