"True power is not given; it is taken, molded, and wielded with purpose. Those who dare to question it are but tests of one's right to rule."
— Lee Sejong
The afternoon sun cast long shadows through the windows of Hanseong Private Academy as the scattered members of Night Shine gathered once again in the group's headquarters. The air was heavy with tension as Lee Sejong surveyed the room, each member's gaze resting on him with a mixture of curiosity, wariness, and subdued respect. Sejong stood at the head of the table, his fingers tracing the silver pin on his lapel—an emblem that had come to mean something entirely new since he'd claimed leadership.
"Night Shine," he began, his voice calm yet laced with a quiet intensity that demanded attention. "You know, I didn't come here to rule in someone else's shadow. Our days of lurking in corners, acting like a playground gang—those are over. We're going to reshape this group from the ground up. We will be something far greater than just Night Shine."
His words cut through the silence, echoing around the room, but before anyone could respond, a scoff broke through.
"And here I thought we just needed a new leader, not an emperor," Donghyun said, leaning back with a sneer. His eyes held a rebellious gleam, his disdain for Sejong's vision clear. "You think you can just waltz in here, change everything we built, and we'll all just fall in line? Night Shine isn't your kingdom."
Sejong met Donghyun's gaze unflinchingly, his expression calm. "You misunderstand, Donghyun," he said smoothly. "I'm not asking for permission. And Night Shine's 'legacy'—" he made a deliberate pause, glancing around at the room's worn décor, the scattered papers, the barely contained chaos "—isn't anything I feel particularly bound to uphold."
Donghyun's fists clenched as he straightened, his voice rough with anger. "You think you're some sort of king just because you took out Minjun? You got lucky. Night Shine isn't a crown you wear—it's a responsibility. You don't just come in here and toss everything aside."
"And yet," Sejong replied, voice soft yet cutting, "you seem to believe holding onto the old ways is the path forward. Strange for someone who didn't even manage to protect his own title." He took a step closer, his stare cold and unmoved. "Are you questioning my right to lead, Donghyun?"
Donghyun's jaw clenched, and for a moment, it seemed as if he might back down. But then, as if driven by a need to reclaim his pride, he pushed forward. "If you think you're strong enough to lead us, then prove it. Words are just air. Show us you're not all talk."
The room went silent as Sejong watched him, his expression darkening. This wasn't merely an opposition; it was a direct challenge, one Sejong couldn't ignore. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them until they were face-to-face. The room pulsed with tension.
"Donghyun," he said, voice low, "if you want to test me, I'll give you one chance. But if you fail…" His voice trailed off, letting the weight of his words sink in.
Donghyun sneered, his posture tense, fists clenched. "Fine. Let's see if you're worth the title you're so eager to claim."
Without warning, Donghyun swung his fist toward Sejong, his movements swift and full of years of training. Sejong sidestepped with a calm precision, evading the punch and letting Donghyun's momentum carry him forward. In a smooth, controlled motion, Sejong grabbed his arm and twisted, sending him stumbling. Sejong's grip tightened, his strength cutting off Donghyun's escape.
"This isn't about brute force," Sejong said, his voice carrying easily across the room. "A king's strength lies in control. And if you can't control yourself," he twisted Donghyun's arm just enough to make him wince, "then you're only as powerful as the weakest link in a chain." He released Donghyun, who staggered back, clutching his arm, fury in his eyes but fear just beneath the surface.
Sejong turned his gaze to the rest of the room, his tone unwavering. "Night Shine was built on secrecy, on shadows. But that's not what I intend for us. This group should be more than just a name whispered in the hallways. We should be the presence everyone respects—even fears. Not just a name in this school, but the one everyone knows holds power."
He let his words sink in, the silence stretching as each member took in his vision. "And as for the name—" Sejong paused, casting a glance over the silver pins they all wore. "Night Shine no longer suits us. We are not a passing shadow in the night, and we don't shine merely by the light of others."
He straightened, a glint in his eyes. "From today on, we will be known as the King's Court. Every action we take, every alliance we form, will be done with purpose. Not for chaos, but for order—my order."
A murmur rippled through the group, some whispering the name, others exchanging looks, processing this new identity.
Donghyun pushed himself to his feet, his face tight with anger but his voice subdued, as if resigned. "So that's it, huh? King's Court. And we're all supposed to just bow down and follow your every whim."
Sejong's eyes met his, unyielding. "Not my whim, Donghyun. My purpose. If you can't see that, then leave." He gestured to the door, his meaning clear. "The King's Court has no room for dissent."
For a moment, Donghyun seemed to hesitate, his pride and fear at war. Then he looked away, his shoulders dropping in silent submission.
Sejong allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "Good choice."
He addressed the rest of the room. "We will build something here that lasts, that shapes not only this school but everyone who walks through its doors. This is not just about a title or reputation. This is about creating something that commands respect." His gaze moved slowly from one face to the next, his voice calm but charged with authority. "This is the beginning of something far greater. King's Court will be a name that even those outside this school will come to know."
He left the words hanging, letting the gravity of his statement sink in. The murmurs of agreement grew, and one by one, they nodded, understanding what this shift meant, and feeling, perhaps for the first time, that they were part of something with a real, unshakeable direction.
As the meeting drew to a close, Sejong caught Donghyun's eye once more, his gaze calm but penetrating. The silent message was clear: dissent would not be tolerated. And Donghyun, though clearly unhappy, offered no further challenges.
With purpose and assurance, Sejong turned to leave, feeling the weight of his role settle over him like a cloak. This was his court now, and he would shape it in his own image.
And with each step he took, Sejong knew that he was one step closer to claiming his rightful place—not just as a king of this school, but a ruler who would make his mark on a far larger world.