Two Years Later
The world was still a battleground, but Kim Hansoo had become a symbol of hope. Two years after the Ironsteel Ball test, his name was whispered with reverence across the remnants of humanity. His accomplishments were unmatched—half of Asia had been liberated from Zodiac control, and the resistance had transformed into a formidable force under his leadership.
Hansoo's power had grown exponentially, fueled by the mysterious Void Energy—a devastating ability he had unlocked, once wielded by the Rat. The Void Energy allowed him to nullify enemies' energy cores, rendering even the strongest Zodiacs powerless.
In a post-apocalyptic world filled with chaos, Hansoo stood tall as a beacon of light. But with power came the burden of responsibility, and his system brought new challenges to his journey.
The System
Hansoo sat alone in his tent, the dim glow of his system interface illuminating his face. The Future Info Function was a feature he rarely used, but tonight, curiosity got the better of him.
The system displayed a stream of data:
Predicted Death Age: 36
Current Power Level: 9,800 (Void Tier)
Future Events:
Age 28: "The Fall of the Zodiac Throne."
Age 31: "The Betrayal of the Five."
Age 35: "The Final Gate Opens."
Hansoo's eyes narrowed as he read further. The system even showed personal details:
Spouse: [Data Obscured]
Children: 1 (Daughter)
Legacy: "The Creator of the New Dawn."
"Legacy, huh?" Hansoo muttered, leaning back in his chair. The predictions stirred a mix of emotions within him—pride, anxiety, and a gnawing sense of inevitability.
Hansoo's rise to legend was marked by relentless battles and unyielding determination. Over the past two years, he had:
Destroyed Zodiac Strongholds: Utilizing Void Energy, Hansoo led daring raids on Zodiac-controlled territories, liberating millions of humans. His ability to annihilate enemy energy cores made him a one-man army.
Rebuilt Civilization: Cities like Seoul and Bangkok were reborn under his guidance. He collaborated with scientists and engineers to restore technology and infrastructure, turning chaos into order.
Unified Factions: Hansoo brought together rival human groups, including former Yakuza warriors, rogue Zodiac defectors, and remnants of military forces. Even the once-rebellious King D swore allegiance to him.
As Hansoo's influence grew, so did the resistance's intelligence network. Reports surfaced of a new Zodiac leader emerging in Europe—Polind the Eternal, a being said to be impervious to Void Energy.
During a council meeting, Hansoo addressed the resistance leaders, including King D, Sung Min Ki, and others.
"We've pushed them back, but the Zodiacs are evolving," Hansoo said, his voice steady but firm. "Polind isn't just another leader. He's their strongest warrior, and we need to be ready."
Sung Min Ki, now a seasoned fighter with scars to prove it, nodded grimly. "What's the plan, then? We've got half of Asia, but Europe's a whole different beast."
Hansoo's eyes glinted with determination. "We go to them. But first, we need to strengthen ourselves further. There's one thing I haven't told you all."
The room fell silent as Hansoo continued. "The Void Energy... it's not limitless. There's a deeper power hidden within it—one that Rat used before his death. I need to master it before we face Polind."
Training in Void Energy was no small feat. Hansoo ventured into the ruins of the Ironsteel Ball, where the energy had first awakened within him. Guided by fragments of memories left by Rat, he delved into the depths of the Void, seeking its ultimate form.
For weeks, Hansoo subjected himself to grueling training, pushing his body and mind to their limits. The Void Energy began to reshape him, enhancing not only his physical abilities but also his perception of time and space.
In one breakthrough moment, Hansoo discovered how to channel Void Energy into a focused attack that could destroy even indestructible materials. He called it the Void Lance—a spear of pure energy capable of piercing through anything.
During his training, Hansoo was visited by an unexpected figure: Wu-Ji's spirit.
In a dreamlike vision, Wu-Ji appeared, his body glowing with light fragments.
"You've surpassed me, Hansoo," Wu-Ji said, his voice filled with pride. "But power alone won't be enough. The Zodiacs thrive on fear and division. You must inspire unity, not just in battle but in spirit."
Hansoo woke from the vision with a renewed sense of purpose. He realized that being a legend wasn't just about power—it was about leading humanity to believe in a future beyond survival.
Two years after his rise, Hansoo stood before a crowd of survivors in the rebuilt city of Seoul. His voice carried over the sea of faces as he delivered a speech that would be broadcast to all human territories.
"We've faced extinction, enslavement, and despair. But we're still here. We've fought back, step by step, inch by inch, and we've proven that humanity will not be broken."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices echoing through the streets.
Hansoo raised his fist. "This is not the end. This is our beginning. Together, we'll reclaim our world—and we'll show the Zodiacs that humans don't just survive. We rise!"
As the resistance prepared for their next move, Hansoo's legend continued to grow, and the fate of humanity rested on his shoulders.