The gymnasium buzzed with energy. Parents, students, and teachers filled the bleachers. School banners waved. The annual Taekwondo Tournament had officially begun.
Announcers called names. Sparring mats were set. One by one, contestants stepped into the ring.
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Match 3: Raon vs. Park Junho (6th Grade, National Bronze Medalist)
Whispers erupted as Raon stepped onto the mat.
"Isn't that the genius kid?"
"He's never even joined the club."
"Isn't Junho ranked in the city?"
Junho grinned, cracking his neck. "Sorry, kid. This ain't the library."
Raon said nothing. His expression blank.
Behind his silence, calculations ticked rapidly.
> [Opponent Profile:
Name: Park Junho
Height: 158cm | Style: Classic TKD
Strength: High
Speed: Moderate
Tendency: Right-feint to left roundhouse]
> [Estimated Risk: 2/10]
[Execution Plan: Dissect & Humiliate]
---
The bell rang.
Junho moved first—fast, controlled steps. A jab kick to test the waters.
Raon stepped to the side—not dodging, but repositioning.
Junho threw a feint, then launched a clean roundhouse to the ribs.
Raon leaned just out of range. His eyes didn't even blink.
Junho blinked. "You fast…"
Then he charged—combination of mid kicks and a spinning back.
Raon stepped in.
Elbow blocked the kick—shoulder lowered.
He slammed Junho's leg into the mat, using his momentum against him.
Gasps from the crowd.
Junho barely rolled back up—his pride now bruised.
He growled and charged again.
Raon countered with a brutal side kick—not to the chest, but to Junho's hip joint.
Junho collapsed.
Referee raised a hand. "Point Raon!"
---
The match resumed—Junho was slower now. Limping.
Raon took one step forward—and then two.
Junho threw a desperate spinning hook kick—his signature finisher.
Raon ducked under.
Swept Junho's other leg.
CRASH.
Silence.
Then cheers.
---
Final score: 5–0. Raon wins.
He turned without a word, stepping off the mat as Junho was helped up.
---
In the stands, Areum clapped, wide-eyed.
Daehyun didn't blink.
His hand gripped the railing so hard his knuckles went white.
"...That wasn't just taekwondo," he muttered.
---
Behind the stage, Raon adjusted his wristband.
> [Observation: Audience approval +40%
Areum Affection: Increased
Daehyun Instability: Triggered]
Raon smirked.
"Now let's see how far this cracks."
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