The waves of pain receded, and the searing agony that had consumed her body gradually faded. The sensation of her body feeling like a heavy chunk of metal, the excruciating torment that had sent every nerve screaming—all of it dissipated. What remained was an astonishingly serene tranquility.
Deep within her, something sparked to life, slowly spreading throughout her body.
I'm… alive…?
Her body was still heavy, and the cold sweat trickling down her forehead was proof that the pain she had endured was real. Yet, amidst the lingering remnants of that agony, Yu-na felt it—a new force had awakened inside her, something she had never known before.
"You've awakened."
Geon-woo Lee's voice broke the silence. His calm and confident demeanor remained unwavering.
Yu-na slowly turned her head toward the voice. Her eyelids felt heavy, barely able to open, but she could faintly make out his figure.
"Did I… survive?"
"Of course. And you didn't just survive—you've become something entirely different."
Hearing his words, Yu-na attempted to move her fingers. Moments ago, they had felt like dead weights, but now, they moved effortlessly, light as a feather. She slowly opened her hand, feeling the overwhelming power surging from deep within her body.
Power. Immense power.
"Is this… the power?"
"I can't say what exactly you're feeling, Yu-na. But what I do know is that you are no longer an ordinary human."
She knew he wasn't lying. The proof was within her.
"Your body will take about two more days to fully adjust. Once you've completely awakened and adapted to your new strength, we'll begin training."
With a faint smile, Geon-woo left the hospital room. Yu-na tightened her grip.
My family's revenge. I will repay that bastard in full.
Her eyes burned with newfound determination.
***
Flame glided down the narrow corridor like a ghost. The suffocating silence enveloped him, and even his footsteps melted into the shadows. The dim red light trailing along the walls momentarily illuminated his silhouette before disappearing. This was a place few could access, which was why he took the secret passage.
A disguised door slid open, revealing his destination.
The room was not large, yet the air was thick with an oppressive weight. A massive desk stood in the center, behind which a middle-aged man sat. He seemed to be reading something but immediately looked up when Flame entered.
"You're here."
The man's voice was low and sharp. Tossing the documents onto the desk, he spoke with restrained fury.
"How much more damage do you need to cause to be satisfied?"
Flame remained still, accepting his glare with a calm response.
"I only carried out my orders. I didn't step beyond my boundaries."
"You didn't exceed them?"
The man slammed his hands onto the desk and shouted, his face twisted with rage.
"You know damn well that if I lose my position, you're nothing but a disposable weapon! Without me, you are just a tool, no matter how powerful your flames are."
He exhaled sharply and slumped back into his chair, his fists still gripping the desk.
"The one called 'The Executioner'—he's the cause of all our problems. He's interfering with our plans, threatening everything I've built. This mess must be cleaned up."
Flame stared at him impassively, though the flicker in his eyes hinted at his thoughts.
How long can this old man keep giving me orders?
Hiding his smirk, he nodded slightly.
"What do you want me to do?"
The man glared at him, then firmly declared,
"Obviously! Kill that slippery bastard. This is your last chance. Do whatever it takes. I won't tolerate failure."
Flame's fingers twitched as a faint ember flickered at his fingertips before vanishing. He nodded calmly.
"Understood. I accept the order."
The man narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him.
"If you fail again, I'll have no use for you."
"Don't worry," Flame replied, turning toward the door.
"This time, I'll end it."
As the door slowly closed behind him, Flame left the suffocating room in silence. But his eyes burned like fire. He had only one target to eliminate.
Once The Executioner is gone, you're next, old man.
A predator's grin curled his lips as a flickering flame danced at his fingertips, a glimpse of the fire within.
***
July 21, 2024.
As the sun set, the crimson glow of dusk signaled the arrival of a night of vengeance. Cheol-su laced up his shoes, inhaling deeply to steady himself. But inside, a storm raged.
From the couch, Saeya lazily stretched and asked nonchalantly,
"Are you really going alone?"
She slurped her ramen loudly as she spoke.
"Seriously? You're asking that while eating ramen?"
Cheol-su sighed, glancing at her. Saeya had been living off ramen for all three meals a day. She always had chopsticks in hand, and the bowl in front of her seemed bottomless. Even now, she continued slurping.
"Ramen's cheap. Quit nagging."
She pouted, sipping the broth.
Cheol-su tightened his shoelaces and muttered,
"This is something I must finish myself."
His voice was firm, unwavering.
"That bastard's death must come by my hands. I don't need anyone's help."
With his final preparations complete, Cheol-su stepped out the door.
His destination was singular.
The place where everything would come to an end—Inshan Harbor.
As the cold sea breeze whispered through the docks, he knew this night would mark the completion of his revenge.