The world had changed, and so had Seojin.
It had been ten years since Seojin's rebirth, ten years since he had returned to a body that was frail, weak, and vulnerable. Now, though, the boy who had once stood at the peak of power in his previous life was beginning to stir once more, both physically and mentally.
Seojin had grown, not just in height, but in strength as well. His body, once a helpless infant, had gradually developed into the form of a ten-year-old boy. Though his appearance was still young and his limbs not yet fully stretched, there was an undeniable presence about him. His eyes, dark and filled with ancient knowledge, betrayed the truth of his being—he was no ordinary child. He had lived a life before this one, a life filled with martial prowess, fierce battles, and bitter loss.
But in this life, he had chosen a different path.
His father, Han Minho, a powerful figure within the Orthodox Murim Union, had always been a figure of inspiration for Seojin. Despite Seojin's innate genius, his father had never pushed him too hard—perhaps because Seojin was still just a child, or perhaps because Minho, too, could feel the weight of what Seojin carried. But the time had come for Seojin to begin training. To start his path anew.
It was early morning when Seojin stood in the training yard, the sun just beginning to rise and casting its soft light across the courtyard. His father stood nearby, watching with a calm but expectant gaze.
"Seojin," Minho said, his voice firm yet warm, "It's time you begin to take the first steps toward realizing your potential. You've already demonstrated that you have the talent. Now, it's time to refine it."
Seojin nodded, his eyes sharp. Even at the age of ten, his intellect and instincts were beyond his years. The knowledge of martial arts, techniques he had once mastered effortlessly, was still fresh in his mind, though his body had yet to catch up. The gap between the knowledge he carried and the limitations of his body was vast, but he was determined to bridge that gap.
He lowered into a stance—one that Minho had taught him years ago, though he had never needed to use it before. The stance was simple, yet it held the potential for immense power if mastered. Seojin's movements were slow at first, his small frame not yet capable of performing the technique at full strength. But even so, there was a certain grace to his motions, an elegance in the way his body moved.
"You've done well," Minho observed, his voice filled with quiet pride. "But you must push beyond the basics. A warrior is not defined by their stance alone. It's the power behind it that matters."
And so Seojin trained. Day in and day out, he worked tirelessly, his body growing stronger, his technique becoming more refined. It was not easy. His body was still a child's, and the techniques he sought to master required power, precision, and control that a ten-year-old boy had not yet fully developed. But Seojin was different—he had lived before. He understood the value of time, of patience, and of perseverance.
His growth was steady, but his progress was undeniable. By the time he reached ten years old, he had already advanced to the Second Level Warrior realm.
The day of his breakthrough was like any other. Seojin had spent the morning in the training yard, pushing himself past his limits, as he always did. His body was sore, muscles aching from the constant strain, but his focus never wavered. He knew that the moment was coming, the moment when his body and mind would finally align.
His breathing slowed as he gathered his energy, focusing every ounce of strength into the movement. His stance shifted, his body flowing with the familiar rhythm of the techniques he had long since perfected in his past life. But now, there was something more—a surge of power, a surge that had not been present before.
Seojin's eyes snapped open. His body felt light, yet filled with an intense energy, as though a wellspring had been unlocked inside of him. His senses sharpened, the world around him coming into clearer focus. The familiar presence of his father nearby, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees—it was as though Seojin could feel everything, every subtle shift in the air, every movement around him.
He had reached the Second Level Warrior realm.
Minho stood quietly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched Seojin's breakthrough. There was no visible change in the boy's appearance, but Minho could sense the shift in the air, the power that now emanated from Seojin's small form. It was as if Seojin had crossed an invisible boundary, one that had been beyond his reach only moments ago.
"You've done it," Minho said quietly, his voice carrying both pride and approval. "You've reached the Second Level Warrior realm. But this is just the beginning. Your journey is only starting, Seojin."
Seojin nodded, his eyes still focused and calm. Though he had achieved this feat, there was no sense of triumph in his expression. His mind was already moving ahead, thinking about the next step in his development. This power was only the beginning. He had reached the Second Level Warrior realm, but there was still much more to achieve.
As Seojin's body grew and his power developed, the world around him remained largely unaware of the potential that lay dormant within him. His family continued to care for him, treating him like any other child. His older brother, Jiwon, remained as protective and caring as ever, though he did not know the true extent of Seojin's abilities.
Seojin's life continued in the warmth of his family's care, but he knew that the world was not so simple. The factions of the Murim world—the Orthodox Murim Union, the Unorthodox Murim Union, and the Demonic Faction—remained ever-present in the background, though Seojin had yet to confront them directly.
But that day would come. Seojin could feel it in the air, a shift in the winds of fate. His path was destined to cross with those of power, both allies and enemies alike. And when that day came, he would be ready.
For now, though, Seojin continued to train, to grow, and to wait. His body was still young, but his mind had already seen the future. And in that future, he would rise once more to claim his place at the top of the martial world.
But for now, there was still much to do. Much to learn.