It was a crisp spring morning in Seoul, the sun casting its golden rays over the bustling city. Kim Hansoo adjusted the straps of his school bag as he stepped off the subway, the familiar hum of morning chatter filling the air. The 17-year-old high school senior had a sharp gaze and an air of quiet determination.
Today was a big day. The annual Student Player Tournament was just around the corner, and Hansoo had spent months preparing. As the younger brother of the legendary Sung Min-Ki, expectations weighed heavily on his shoulders.
"Don't forget to pick up the groceries," his mom's voice reminded him over the phone.
"I got it, Mom," Hansoo replied, slipping his phone back into his pocket. He passed by a bookstore on his way to school and paused, his eyes catching sight of a prominent display in the window.
"To Be MAD: The Unwritten Rules of Survival" by Prime Minister Gok.
Hansoo had heard about the book—it was all anyone could talk about lately. Gok's memoir about his journey from a troubled youth to a national hero had become a bestseller overnight.
"Guess I'll grab a copy," Hansoo muttered, stepping inside.
High School Life
The hallways of Hansoo's school were lively with the energy of teenagers. Friends greeted each other, and a few groups clustered near the bulletin board, scanning the list of participants for the Student Player Tournament.
Hansoo walked past, keeping a low profile. His name was on that list, but he didn't care much for the spotlight.
"Yo, Hansoo!" a voice called out.
Turning, Hansoo spotted his best friend, Jang Dojin, jogging toward him. The two bumped fists, a silent camaraderie between them.
"You ready for the tournament?" Dojin asked, grinning.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Hansoo replied. "What about you?"
Dojin shrugged. "I'm just here to support you, man. Everyone knows you're the star this year. That power of yours? Unstoppable."
Hansoo smirked but didn't respond. His power, "Chrono Shift," allowed him to manipulate time in short bursts—a skill that required precision and focus.
During lunch, Hansoo sat with his small group of friends, the topic naturally veering toward the upcoming tournament.
"So, Hansoo," one of his friends asked, "what's your strategy? Gonna pull off one of those time-freeze moves and ace the finals?"
Hansoo laughed, shaking his head. "It's not that simple. Controlling time isn't like flipping a switch. If I push too hard, it backfires."
Dojin leaned in, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "I heard the top schools are sending their best players this year. The competition's going to be insane."
"Let them bring their best," Hansoo said calmly, but there was a flicker of determination in his eyes.
A Glimpse of Greatness
After school, Hansoo walked home with his newly purchased copy of "To Be MAD." He flipped through the pages, skimming passages about Gok's philosophies and battles.
One quote stood out:
"Madness isn't about losing control. It's about embracing the chaos and finding clarity in the storm."
Hansoo stopped in his tracks, staring at the words. He'd grown up hearing stories about Gok and the others—legends who had saved the world. But this was the first time he truly understood the mindset behind their actions.
"Maybe being a little mad isn't such a bad thing," he murmured.
Late-Night Training
Later that evening, Hansoo stood in the middle of an empty park, practicing his moves. With a deep breath, he activated Chrono Shift. Time slowed to a crawl, the world around him moving in slow motion.
He launched a flurry of punches, each one precise and deliberate, before time snapped back to normal. Hansoo staggered slightly, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Not bad," a voice said behind him.
Hansoo turned to see Dojin leaning against a tree, smirking.
"You're getting better," Dojin said. "But you're still holding back."
Hansoo sighed. "It's not about holding back. I just don't want to burn out before the tournament."
Dojin shrugged. "Fair enough. But don't forget—you're not just representing yourself out there. You've got a legacy to uphold."
Hansoo nodded, determination flickering in his eyes.
Foreshadowing
As Hansoo walked home that night, he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was on the horizon. The streets were quiet, the city lights casting long shadows.
In the distance, a faint silhouette watched him from a rooftop. The figure's presence was almost imperceptible, but Hansoo's instincts told him he wasn't alone.
"Let's see if you're ready, Kim Hansoo," the figure murmured before vanishing into the night.