Scene: Taekwondo Tournament Finals – Stadium Night
The stadium buzzed under the floodlights. The crowd was on its feet, roaring with excitement.
On one side of the mat stood Lee Daehyun — sharp-eyed, proud, and carrying the hopes of his dojang and school. His stance was solid, textbook taekwondo. But his knuckles twitched with nerves.
Across from him stood the MC — expression unreadable, posture relaxed, almost bored. But his presence was overwhelming.
Whispers filled the crowd.
> "That kid… he doesn't move like a normal student."
"He hasn't been hit once this whole tournament."
The announcer's voice rang:
> "Final Match! Lee Daehyun versus Jang Minjae!"
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Round One – Testing the Waters
"Fight!"
Daehyun dashed forward immediately, aiming a rapid-fire flurry of kicks. His speed was impressive—enough to overwhelm any regular opponent.
But the MC didn't budge.
He sidestepped, blocked a roundhouse with his forearm, ducked under a spinning heel kick—and responded with a low sweep.
Daehyun jumped back just in time.
> "He's calm. Too calm."
The crowd cheered.
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Round Two – Cracks Appear
Daehyun adjusted his footwork, focusing on mid-range control. He unleashed a combination: jab, side kick, spinning roundhouse.
The MC caught his leg mid-air.
One second of silence.
Then BAM—he slammed Daehyun to the ground.
Daehyun coughed, winded, but stood up quickly.
> "You holding back?" he asked.
MC's reply was cold:
> "This is me being generous."
Daehyun's eyes lit with fury.
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Round Three – Awakening
Daehyun abandoned form. He fought with heart now. Angles, wild rhythm—less taekwondo, more street instinct.
He landed a hit—a clean punch to the MC's jaw.
The crowd gasped.
The MC's head turned with the impact.
Then slowly turned back.
A smile tugged at his lips.
> "Good."
He rushed forward—his movement blurred.
One body blow.
Then a brutal elbow to Daehyun's shoulder.
Daehyun stumbled.
A third strike—spinning back kick to the gut.
Daehyun flew back, landing hard.
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Final Exchange – No Holding Back
Daehyun forced himself up, wobbling. Blood on his lip.
MC dropped into a deep stance. His eyes sharpened—not just fighting anymore.
He was demonstrating.
He closed the gap in a flash, ducked under a punch, and unleashed a series of perfect counters:
Side-step sweep
Knee to thigh
Elbow to the collarbone
Final axe kick, stopping inches from Daehyun's face
Daehyun froze.
The referee hesitated—then raised his hand.
"Match over! Winner: Jang Minjae!"
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Scene: End of the Tournament
The crowd roared.
The MC didn't celebrate. He simply turned and walked off the mat, eyes scanning the crowd—until they locked with Areum's.
She stood quietly, her expression unreadable.
Daehyun, sitting now at the edge of the ring, looked at Areum too.
But she wasn't watching him.
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