The sunlight filtered through the academy courtyard, illuminating the crowd that had gathered, their whispers and excited murmurs filling the air. At the center of it all, Jin-Su stood facing his opponent, the now knows as the bully, Kang-Woo. The tension was thick as the students surrounded the makeshift arena, eagerly awaiting the fight.
Suddenly, a commanding voice silenced the crowd. The Student Union Leader, a tall figure with an authoritative stance, stepped forward. Her expression was firm, radiating the power and discipline she was known for. With a single clap of her hands, the stone stage beneath them began to shift, lowering a few feet into the ground. The arena reshaped, forming sturdy barriers and a marked-off boundary. The transformation was smooth but imposing, as if the stage itself understood the gravity of what was to unfold.
The leader's voice carried through the arena, calm yet unyielding. "Both participants have consented to this match," she declared. "As such, this duel will be conducted under academy regulations. Here are the rules." She paused, letting her words sink in, before continuing.
"Rule one: No lethal force. This is a battle for skill and strength, not bloodshed." She glanced at Kang-Woo, then Jin-Su, her gaze sharp and assessing.
"Rule two: Should a participant yield or become incapacitated, the match will end immediately. There will be no attacks on an opponent who is unable to defend themselves."
The crowd buzzed in anticipation, each student riveted by her words.
"Rule three: Magic and any form of power manipulation are allowed but must be contained within the arena. Any spillover of energy that threatens spectators or academy property will result in immediate disqualification."
With one last look at each of them, she gave a nod. "If you understand the rules, prepare yourselves. This duel will test not only your abilities but your discipline and control. Show us what you're capable of."
The crowd grew silent again, all eyes fixed on Jin-Su and Kang-Woo. The duel was about to begin.
She clapped her hands again.
The ground had become a makeshift coliseum, its central stage sinking just a few feet below ground level, encircled by high barriers that glowed faintly with enchantments. The crowd of students filled in eagerly, their faces lit with anticipation as they jostled for a view of the impending match between Jin-Su and Kang-Woo. Overhead, nearly invisible drones hovered, their sleek forms reflecting faint traces of light as they tracked the scene, capturing every move, every strike, every expression.
The Student Union Leader, standing firmly at the edge of the arena, surveyed the crowd with a commanding presence. Her gaze swept over Jin-Su and Kang-Woo, studying them as she announced the rules, her voice calm yet unyielding.
Around them, the crowd murmured with excitement, eyes flicking between Jin-Su and Kang-Woo. Some students exchanged bets, their faces alight with anticipation, while others whispered in hushed tones about the brutal reputation of the bully and the quiet new student who had dared to stand up to him.
"I bet my entire months savings on Jin-Su" X 2 Said both Mina and Min-Ho. Together at the same time to the bookie. They both looked at each other.
"I-I bet my earlier months saving on this as well!"-Mina
…
…
"I bet my earlier two months savings on Jin-Su!"
"Show us what you're capable of," the Student Union Leader said, her voice firm. "Show them that you're worthy of being here."
As Jin-Su looked around, he spotted Min-Ho's familiar face in the crowd. His roommate wore an encouraging smile, one filled with the warmth Jin-Su hadn't realized he'd missed until now. It was a look that conveyed unwavering support, a confidence that Jin-Su couldn't take for granted.
"Give him everything you've got, alright?" Min-Ho's voice carried over the crowd's noise, steady and full of assurance.
Jin-Su gave him a grateful nod, a rare, genuine smile breaking through his usual calm expression. "Thanks, Min-Ho," he replied, feeling a surge of renewed determination. The weight of his choices and the coming duel suddenly felt lighter.
Next to Min-Ho, Mina pushed forward, her eyes blazing with fierce determination. "Jin-Su!" she called, cupping her hands around her mouth to be heard. "You better beat the crap out of him!"
Jin-Su nodded once more, his calm exterior hiding the flash of focus that now settled over him. But the encouragement didn't end there. From the senior students, some of whom he recognized from his previous timeline, they were watching closely. He knew one of those seniors in the past. She wasn't there though. A few scribbled hastily in notebooks, recording each movement and analyzing the posture of the two combatants with calculating precision, while others whispered amongst themselves, their keen gazes evaluating both Jin-Su and Kang-Woo.
A mix of curiosity and doubt flickered among the students watching. They murmured in clusters, exchanging observations from the previous encounter, each with their own version of what had happened.
"I saw the whole thing—Jin-Su barely moved! He dodged everything like it was nothing," one student whispered, a tone of admiration in his voice. "Not a scratch on him."
"Yeah, but it looked like he was just defending the whole time," another chimed in, skeptical. "If they hadn't been interrupted, I bet Kang-Woo would've eventually overpowered him."
Another student shook his head, leaning forward to whisper. "No way. Jin-Su was completely in control. He was reading every one of Kang-Woo's moves—barely even looked like he was breaking a sweat."
"Maybe," someone else muttered, "but Kang-Woo was getting stronger the longer the fight went on. I think he was just warming up."
"Professor Moon stopped them right when things were heating up. No one really knows who would've won," another replied. "But you could tell both of them were just getting started."
From a few rows back, a senior student narrowed his eyes, his attention fixed on the two competitors below. "The way Jin-Su handled himself—completely unfazed, dodging every single attack… That's not just skill. He's hiding something."
Whispers echoed around the crowd, each student eager to weigh in, to predict the outcome of the duel now unfolding before them. There was a mixture of doubt, admiration, and curiosity as they watched, ready to see if their theories would play out as expected.
The Student Union Leader lifted her hand, signaling them to take their positions. Jin-Su took a step forward, eyes locked onto Kang-Woo, who smirked, his knuckles cracking ominously as he prepared for the fight. The stage was set.
At the edge of the arena, the Student Union Leader raised her hand and then snapped once, a sharp sound that signaled the start of the duel.
The instant the Student Union Leader snapped her fingers, Kang-Woo exploded forward with a wild, reckless energy, screaming a deafening roar. His gauntlets raised and his eyes locked on Jin-Su. His face twisted into a menacing grin as he charged, unfazed by any thoughts of defense. Every movement radiated raw power, a force that felt unstoppable.
Alright, then, you want to come close? Jin-Su thought, already forming his strategy.
He is already a purple trimmed student with a multicoloured insignia. There is no way for him to get out of the publics eyes anymore. They already know that he is talented and has the spotlight completely on him
"I have soooo many tricks to show you." He thought realizing that he can let a bit more loose then the last time.
He planted his feet, summoning his Spirit Bear, which materialized beside him with a low rumble. The massive creature's blue fur crackled with electricity, and it fixed Kang-Woo with a fierce gaze, waiting for Jin-Su's command. Without hesitation, Jin-Su began his assault, conjuring fireballs and bolts of ice, walls of stone, and gusts of wind, each spell directed at keeping Kang-Woo at a distance. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable as they watched the spells and lightning arc across the arena.
"He just used tier 3 Spirit summoning class spells! I can't even do that, and he is using multiple types of tier 3 Magic based elemental spells at the same time??
"Look at the sizes of those spells! Those are peak tier 3 as well!!
"He is also positioning and slinging spells just perfectly enough to not hit his own spirit summon. He is using Martial movement to position himself too."
"Are we sure he is a fresher?"
"Where did he come from??"
Exclaimed many of the viewers.
The most shocked in the crowed however, was Min-Ho. "I was living with someone this strong for the last 12 hours? We even slept together!"
Mina hears this. Let's say she took the meaning of Min-Hos murmur in a different way.
Those who were doubting the Multicoloured insignia given to Jin-Su are now satisfied seeing the fight.
But Kang-Woo didn't slow down. He barreled through Jin-Su's spells without hesitation, allowing the magic to hit him directly. Each burst of fire and wall of ice only seemed to fuel him further. He took every hit head-on, charging through the explosions and freezing bursts as though they were nothing more than minor inconveniences. His grin widened, his fists glowing with an intense, red energy as he pressed forward, step by relentless step.
The Spirit Bear lunged at Kang-Woo, lightning crackling as it swiped its massive paw at him. Kang-Woo met it with a solid punch, his fist colliding with the bear's paw in a shockwave of power and electricity. But unlike most fighters, he didn't flinch. He stood his ground, absorbing the bear's strikes, his rage only growing as he struck back with more force.
The crowd was in awe, their voices rising as they analyzed each movement. "He's not even trying to dodge!" one student muttered, his tone a mix of admiration and disbelief. "It's like he's feeding off the hits!"
Another student shook her head. "But Jin-Su's controlling the distance. He's not giving Kang-Woo a chance to land anything solid!"
"He's still taking too much damage," a senior remarked, his gaze focused on Kang-Woo. "If this keeps up, Kang-Woo might overpower him… eventually."
Suddenly, Kang-Woo's face twisted, his features contorting into a mask of pure rage. He let out a guttural roar, shaking off the remnants of Jin-Su's latest spells. His fists clenched, the red energy around them intensifying, and his eyes became wild, unfocused. The Kang-Woo in front of Jin-Su now was no longer calculated; he was pure, unrestrained fury.
With another deafening roar, Kang-Woo turned all his attention to the Spirit Bear, ignoring every spell Jin-Su cast at him. He charged at the bear, each punch landing with a bone-crushing impact. The bear swiped back, its claws sparking with electricity, but Kang-Woo took each blow head-on, his roar growing louder with each hit.
Jin-Su cast fireballs, ice shards, and earthen walls, but none of it deterred Kang-Woo. He was utterly consumed by his rage, every hit against the Spirit Bear only seeming to drive him further into a berserk frenzy. The bear fought valiantly, its roars filling the arena as it attempted to fend Kang-Woo off, but Jin-Su could see the toll the hits were taking.
Finally, with a furious shout, Kang-Woo delivered a massive punch to the bear's chest, and the Spirit Bear faltered, the lightning in its eyes dimming before it dissipated into wisps of energy. The crowd gasped as Kang-Woo let out another triumphant roar, his chest heaving, his gaze wild as he turned back to Jin-Su.
The crowd goes wild.
"He destroyed a tier 3 spirit summon with his fits?"
"Don't forget the amount of things he was bieng hit by!"
Undeterred, Jin-Su took a deep breath, assessing the situation. Kang-Woo was stronger than ever, but his attacks had lost any semblance of strategy; he was fighting like a raging storm, all power and no precision. Alright, it's time to get closer.
He summoned a new Spirit—a massive turtle with scales of green and bronze, its shell gleaming as it took form beside him. The Spirit Turtle's presence filled the arena, its heavy, grounding aura a sharp contrast to the Spirit Bear's wild energy. Jin-Su knew it wouldn't be as fast, but it would provide the defense he needed.
As Kang-Woo charged once more, Jin-Su dashed forward as well, using his agility to close the distance. With a muttered incantation, he called forth two blades from the ground, forged from the earth itself. The metal gleamed in his hands, and he infused them with a paralysis enchantment, the blades crackling faintly with energy. He cant use too much power in these paralysis or it might cripple Kang-Woo for good.
He moved swiftly, striking at Kang-Woo from multiple angles, each attack aiming to stagger and disrupt him. The Spirit Turtle intercepted Kang-Woo's punches, its sturdy shell absorbing the hits, cracks form on the shell but they repair just as fast however, it is keeping Kang-Woo occupied. Jin-Su darted in and out of range, his movements quick and precise, his blades slashing and paralyzing on contact.
The crowd went wild, their cheers and shouts echoing across the arena. Some were in awe of Jin-Su's speed, while others marveled at Kang-Woo's resilience, his ability to withstand every hit without flinching. The students jotted down notes, their voices a mixture of admiration and analysis.
"He's staggering him! Look at those movements—Jin-Su's striking fast, throwing him off-balance!" one student shouted, barely audible over the roar of the crowd.
"Kang-Woo's just taking it all!" another exclaimed. "How is he even standing?!"
With each slash, Jin-Su felt the paralysis enchantment doing its work, but Kang-Woo seemed almost immune to it, only the smallest effect, his rage pushing him forward. The Spirit Turtle held its ground, deflecting and absorbing the brunt of Kang-Woo's attacks, allowing Jin-Su to continue his assault.
The fight reached a fever pitch, Jin-Su's blades flashing as he darted around, each move precise, each hit calculated. Kang-Woo was a force of nature, but Jin-Su was relentless, using every ounce of his skill and magic to hold his ground.
The air crackled with tension, the crowd standing on edge as the fight reached its climax. Jin-Su watched Kang-Woo carefully, noting the deep scratches, bloodied knuckles, and tattered uniform. Kang-Woo's fists dripped with his own blood, but his eyes burned with a terrifying, unyielding rage. Every step he took left a mark on the ground, each swing of his fists a raw display of power.
Jin-Su, on the other hand, remained calm, his uniform covered in nothing but dust, his stance precise and measured. This is the difference, he thought, his gaze steady. Cold, calculated control against reckless fury. He couldn't help but compare this Kang-Woo to the one he knew from the future. In that timeline, the blessing of the Goddess of Perseverance had tempered Kang-Woo's rage, granting him control over his strength. With her guidance, he had been able to think strategically, to build his power without sacrificing his body to this endless, mindless rage.
Now, Jin-Su saw a different Kang-Woo—the raw potential without discipline, strength without strategy. The power was there, but it was untamed, a chaotic force that burned brighter but not longer.
With a sudden burst of energy, Jin-Su launched forward, his blades flashing as he struck at Kang-Woo. He focused on precision, aiming for weak points, pressing each advantage. The Spirit Turtle fought alongside him, its green and bronze form massive and steady as it took on the brunt of Kang-Woo's assaults, giving Jin-Su opportunities to strike. Jin-Su seized one of these openings and delivered a powerful hit, his blade striking Kang-Woo's shoulder with a force that stunned him. For a fraction of a second, Kang-Woo's power faltered, his gaze going blank, the red aura dissipating momentarily.
But then, something shifted.
Kang-Woo's body began to radiate a new power, a divine essence blending with his rage. His red aura ignited around him, covering his entire body, now laced with golden streaks of energy that sparked and crackled, an awe-inspiring blend of rage and divinity. His fists, wrapped in heavy gauntlets, glowed with not only sparks but also a faint golden hue.
The crowd fell silent, captivated by the sight, the intensity of the golden sparks adding an almost regal quality to Kang-Woo's aura. There was something about him—something larger-than-life, glorious, mesmerizing.
"What is that???"
"Looks like some kind of unique skill??"
"No! I think it's just his regeneration at work."
"Since when did martials get golden light as regeneration? Isn't it a liquidly red?"
"GUYS WHO CARES! HE IS GETTING STRONGER MAN!!!! MY LIFESAVINGS IS ON THAT GUY! HE BETTER BE GETTING STRONGER"
Jin-Su's Spirit Turtle took a defensive stance between him and Kang-Woo, but with one quick, brutal punch, Kang-Woo shattered the turtle's defenses, hitting it straight in the jaw. The turtle's form shattered in an instant then the pieces dissolved, the magic dissipating into wisps of energy.
Kang-Woo turned, his movements slower, more deliberate, his eyes fixed on Jin-Su. He stalked forward, each step calculated, no longer wild and uncontrolled but menacing, almost predatory—like a force of nature, unstoppable, unyielding. He looked like something out of myth, a warrior blessed by the divine, his gaze locked onto Jin-Su with single-minded focus.
Jin-Su braced himself, his mind racing through tactics. Alright, it's time to go all in.
He fired off a series of elemental spells, one after the other. Fireballs, earth spikes, arcs of lightning—but each one only left marks on Kang-Woo, doing little more than slowing him down. The golden aura seemed to absorb the magic, and Kang-Woo barely flinched as he walked forward, relentless.
The crowd was silent, utterly captivated by the sight.
Jin-Su took a deep breath, focusing his energy. He couldn't overpower Kang-Woo in brute strength, but he could outthink him. Moving swiftly, he circled around, staying just out of Kang-Woo's reach, summoning vines from the ground to restrict his movement for even a moment. He planted his feet and struck out with his blades, his movements calculated and precise, aiming for weak spots. Kang-Woo swung back, but Jin-Su dodged, his movements fluid, agile, darting in and out like a shadow.
Kang-Woo growled, swinging his fist in a wide arc, the vines did nothing for blocking movement, but Jin-Su ducked under it, delivering a swift cut across his side. Kang-Woo staggered slightly, but he pressed forward, his fists smashing into the ground where Jin-Su had been just a moment before, sending chunks of stone flying.
Jin-Su thought, Watch and Adapt, his primary fighting mindset, keeping his distance, his movements fast and strategic. Every strike was a setup, every dodge a calculated maneuver. He used the environment to his advantage, sliding under Kang-Woo's swings, positioning himself so that Kang-Woo's strikes hit only air or stone. He moved with purpose, keeping Kang-Woo on edge, testing his patience, wearing him down.
But Kang-Woo wasn't finished. With a roar, he swung both fists down, smashing the ground with a powerful shockwave that sent Jin-Su sprawling. For a moment, Kang-Woo loomed over him, his fists raised, ready to deliver a finishing blow.
Jin-Su rolled to the side, his mind working at lightning speed. He conjured a stone pillar beneath Kang-Woo, knocking him off balance, and followed it up with a burst of fire aimed at his chest. Kang-Woo took the hit, his face contorting with rage, but he pushed through, his fists glowing with renewed energy as he lunged at Jin-Su.
The two clashed again, Jin-Su's speed and strategy against Kang-Woo's sheer power. Jin-Su moved with precision, his blades flashing as he struck, each hit aimed at weakening Kang-Woo's defenses. Kang-Woo swung back, his fists landing with enough force to crack the ground, but Jin-Su was always a step ahead, dodging and countering, his movements fluid and controlled.
Kang-Woo landed a powerful blow against Jin-Su's shoulder, sending him skidding back, from the force, his uniform scarred, no longer pristine due to the impact. But Jin-Su didn't feel any damage at all. His stats are just abnormally high. If it was any regular student, thhey could've died right then and there. Throwing out his thoughts, he charged forward, his blades infused with energy, striking at Kang-Woo with renewed intensity. His strikes were relentless, each one pushing Kang-Woo further back, each move a calculated attack that exploited Kang-Woo's weaknesses.
The crowd watched in awe, the silence almost reverent as the two warriors clashed, the air thick with tension.
In a final, powerful move, Jin-Su surged forward, his blades charged with the energy of his paralysis enchantment, crackling like lightning. With fluid precision, he struck out, his twin blades slashing across Kang-Woo's torso in a swift, calculated arc. The impact sent shockwaves through the arena, the energy coursing through Kang-Woo's body and forcing him to stagger, his movement freezing just for a moment.
Kang-Woo's head snapped up, his eyes blazing, refusing to yield. His aura flared, a brilliant red and gold inferno, and with a raw, guttural roar, he swung his fist with renewed strength, aiming to break through Jin-Su's guard in one last show of defiance.
But Jin-Su was ready. He leaned in, sidestepping with razor-sharp agility, and as Kang-Woo's fist shot past him, Jin-Su seized the opening, spinning low and sweeping Kang-Woo's legs with a swift, forceful kick. Kang-Woo flips, hitting the ground hard, his golden-streaked aura flaring one last time before flickering out, leaving only his heavy, ragged breaths filling the silence. All the damage caught up to him.
Jin-Su held his stance, his blades raised as he looked down at Kang-Woo with a steady, respectful gaze. Kang-Woo's shoulders heaved, his fists clenched, every muscle in his body straining as he tried to rise once more, his spirit refusing to admit defeat. But his strength finally gave out, his body slumping in exhaustion as he knelt, and passed out. His gaze fierce even after passing out.
The crowd watched, utterly silent, transfixed by the spectacle, by the raw determination etched across Kang-Woo's face and the composed, unshaken resolve in Jin-Su's eyes.
The Student Union Leader stepped forward, her voice reverberating through the courtyard. "The match is over. Jin-Su is the winner."
The crowed blasts into cheers.
For a split second, there was complete silence. Then the crowd erupted.
"YES! I'm rich!" one student cheered, throwing his fists into the air. Others groaned and held their heads in disbelief.
"No… my life savings!" a defeated voice wailed nearby.
In the crowd, Min-Ho grinned as he exchanged a quick look with Mina, "I knew it," he muttered, a hint of pride in his tone. "I had a good feeling." As the cheers echoed around them, he clenched his fists, feeling a surge of motivation. Jin-Su's incredible… If he's this strong, I have to catch up!
Mina, meanwhile, watched Jin-Su with wide eyes, her heart racing. Her expression softened, the world around her got quiet, and she found herself captivated by his calm stance and unwavering strength. So strong… so composed… He's everything I could dream of.
Many of the seniors in the crowd didn't cheer or jeer, but only thought of the consequences of what just happened in front of them.
Somewhere, a man in his 40s breaks a glass he was drinking from.
Kang-Woo lay there, unconscious, his massive frame sprawled on the ground before Jin-Su. His body was covered in deep scars, burns, and bruises, but a faint golden glow had begun to shimmer across his skin, slowly knitting the wounds closed. Jin-Su watched as the thin veil of divinity healed him with unnatural speed, mending the evidence of their brutal clash.
Two staff members approached, cautiously at first, trying to lift Kang-Woo's heavy frame. They quickly signaled for more assistance, and two more joined, finally able to lift him and carry him out of the arena, his golden aura flickering faintly with each step.
Jin-Su stood there, watching them carry Kang-Woo away. That's one "ally" in my pocket.