A loud crunch resounded through the jungle. Nearby deer, peacefully grazing, bolted in terror. Rabbits, busy foraging, fled for their lives. Every creature within earshot responded with the same primal fear.
Something terrifying—something unnatural—was happening.
And in the midst of it all stood a man, bare-chested.
His muscles rippled with each breath. Scars, old and deep, marred his torso as he stood before a shattered stone.
A massive boulder lay in ruins, reduced to countless fragments.
Its killer? A fist.
Taesoo Ma slowly unclenched his hand, still humming with the power that had demolished the stone.
So this is how it feels, he thought, eyes narrowing. This is how it feels to break through the wall…
A grin broke across his face. His hulking frame finally shifted from its spot.
"It's about time I head back," he muttered, the steam from his breath swirling into the cool air. "I wonder how many days have passed."
He moved, following a trail he'd carved himself through the dense forest. The wind twisted around his form, branches bowing in silence. Trees stood still—as if in fear.
Two minutes later, the man emerged from the edge of the jungle. He paused, looking back at the distant hill that had been his home for who knew how long.
Then he turned to the sky. The sun shone fiercely above, its golden rays illuminating his hardened frame.
Behind Ansan Public School, at the playground
"Boss, you're here?"
A lanky young man—likely number nine in the group—perked up at the sight of him.
Taesoo Ma had never formed a gang. Yet people followed him, willingly, instinctively.
He nodded toward the youth. "I've finished my training. How's Ansan?"
The subordinate nodded, both nervous and proud. "Same old troublemakers, but nothing serious. We took care of them."
Taesoo nodded in return. "What about the money?"
The youth's chest swelled with pride. "The plan's on track, sir. We're close to hitting the benchmark you set, Leader."
Seems everything's moving just as Apollo intended… Taesoo thought, before turning back. "Anything else?"
The man hesitated, eyes flicking with uncertainty. "There's one thing… though it might just be a rumor."
Taesoo raised an eyebrow. "Tell me."
"There's talk of someone going around hunting the Kings of different regions. No confirmed defeats yet, though."
"I see," Taesoo said calmly.
If he's targeting Kings, he'll come for me too… Good.
He smirked inwardly. I've been craving a proper fight.
He scanned the playground. Kids his age were playing under the blistering sun, engaged in sports and laughter. That was, until his gaze caught on him—a stranger who stood out like a storm in summer.
Even if it were pitch-black night, Taesoo would have noticed him.
The man's physique was monstrous, nearly matching Taesoo in height and build. Long hair framed a sharp face, and his piercing gaze locked directly onto the King of Ansan.
Taesoo could sense the sheer intent radiating from him—it was unmistakable.
The stranger approached in silence, closing the distance in mere seconds.
"Are you the King of Ansan?" he asked.
Taesoo nodded, his left hand still buried in his pocket.
The man returned the nod. "Good," he muttered. A scar beneath his eye twitched. "Get ready to be destroyed."
The next instant, he vanished in a whoosh—to ordinary eyes, at least. But not to Taesoo.
He tracked the motion clearly. The man had leapt into the air, spinning like a turret, his elbow aimed downward in a devastating arc.
Taesoo's eyes narrowed.
Strength mastery…
That gleam—red and sharp—gave it away.
Was he afraid?
Not in the slightest. His heart thundered with excitement. Adrenaline surged through his veins as a wide smile crossed his face.
What better thrill for the King of Ansan than a worthy opponent?
His right hand shot forward, packed with terrifying strength. A red gleam reflected in his eyes as their limbs collided—Taesoo's fist meeting the descending elbow in a brutal crash.
BOOM.
Bones met their equals. Wind exploded outward in a chaotic shockwave.
Jinrang—the attacker—froze, his eyes wide.
How is he… this strong?
He barely had time to react before he was hurled into the ground with monstrous force.
He crashed with a thunderous boom, rolling across the ground. Fingers dug into the dirt to anchor him, barely halting his slide.
Another strong one…
He glanced down. His coat now had a hole near the elbow.
Another King I can't take lightly.
After achieving mastery in a battle against Jinyoung Go—the King of Seonam—he thought he'd finally reached a level to rival the best.
I thought defeating the others would be easier… but they're only getting stronger.
Yet his eyes remained unwavering. Jinrang stared up at the towering form of Taesoo Ma.
I can't let him hurt them.
He bit his lip, drawing blood, and clenched his fists. He stood tall once again.
I can't lose.
In a blur, he appeared at Taesoo's flank, elbow slamming into the King's ribs with brutal force.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
Each strike echoed like thunder, reverberating through the earth. Anyone close enough to the ground could feel the tremors.
Taesoo coughed blood. The barrage continued—unceasing, calculated, relentless.
Jinrang didn't flinch.
I have to win.
He locked onto Taesoo's shoulder joint, prepared his next strike.
But just before impact—
CRACK.
A colossal fist crashed into his stomach. His body recoiled violently, folding in on itself as shockwaves rippled across his torso.
BOOM.
.....
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