The Aftermath of Zoick's AwakeningZoick, breathing heavily, stumbles into the lab, his body still aching from the transformation. He drops onto a bench, gripping his arm as waves of pain surge through him.
Dr. Kwan, adjusting his glasses, steps forward with intrigue. "That's... unbelievable. You finally unleashed the power within you."
Dr. Shine and Dr. Lee, still in shock, exchange glances. "Sir, you— you actually did it. That wasn't just strength... that was something else entirely."
Zoick winces, his muscles spasming. "But my body... it feels like it's tearing apart from the inside."
Dr. Kwan nods knowingly. "It's expected. You used your full potential for the first time. Your body wasn't ready, so the transformation enlarged your frame unnaturally. But don't worry, the hormones will adjust, and you'll heal."
Outside, Rakhad crouches near the monstrous corpses, his fingers tracing the deep slashes Zoick left behind. His eyes narrow. "What... kind of creature was he fighting?"
Suddenly—
The Nightmare of Sang JaeyA sharp beep echoes from the lab's monitor. Alarms blare. Sang Jaey's vitals spike into dangerous levels. His body, still unconscious, convulses violently. His arms tremble, his breathing turns erratic.
Dr. Shine gasps. "His stress levels are off the charts! His body— it's reacting to something!"
Dr. Kwan rushes forward, trying to stabilize the readings. "This isn't normal... He's in distress but there's no external cause!"
Inside Sang's mind— darkness. Pitch black.
A voice echoes through the void.
"Why are you running?"
Sang turns frantically, searching for the source. But there's nothing. Just an endless abyss.
His voice shakes. "Who... who are you?! Why is this happening to me?! I just wanted a normal life! Why— why am I being dragged into all this?!"
The glowing eyes pierce through the darkness. "You don't need to run. You were never meant to run. You are a warrior."
Sang's fists clench. "Shut up! I never asked for this! I don't want to be a warrior or whatever you say I am!"
A deep chuckle rumbles through the void. "You don't understand... but soon, you will."
Then— silence. The eyes vanish. The presence disappears.
Sang feels a wave of nausea, his head throbbing. He collapses onto his knees in the black abyss.
Outside his mind, his real body begins bleeding— his nose, mouth, and even his eyes.
The scientists freeze. "Blood—! He's bleeding from his eyes!"
Dr. Kwan grabs a cloth, frantically wiping Sang's face. "This is bad... But why? What triggered this?!"
The room is filled with panic.
Then—
Rakhad's DisbeliefRakhad leans against the doorway, watching the scene unfold. His expression remains unreadable.
"Why are you all acting like he's some kind of god?"
Dr. Shine turns toward him. "Who... are you?"
Rakhad crosses his arms. "Rakhad. From Kyoden. Now answer me— why are you taking care of him like he's something special?"
Zoick exhales sharply, locking eyes with Rakhad. "If you want to understand, you need to prepare yourself for what you're about to hear."
Rakhad shrugs. "Alright, then. Enlighten me."
A World-Wide PhenomenonBefore Zoick can continue, the news broadcast interrupts the tense atmosphere.
"Breaking News: A mysterious clip has gone viral across the world. In the footage, two inhuman beings are seen battling in mid-air, showcasing powers beyond comprehension. Experts believe this battle resembles those from ancient legends— a war between celestial beings."
The lab falls silent.
The footage shifts— a newly discovered ancient stone depicting the same battle. Experts are struggling to decipher its meaning.
Rakhad's eyes narrow. "Tch... the world is losing its mind over something like this?"
Dr. Kwan, voice steady, responds. "Five days ago, a powerful being arrived on Earth. You know about it, don't you?"
Rakhad scoffs. "Yeah, that creature. But it wasn't even that strong. I doubt it was a real threat."
Zoick leans in. "Is that what you think?"
Rakhad shrugs. "Anyone could've beaten it."
Zoick smirks. "Oh, is that so? Then tell me— why do you think the entire world trembled that day?"
Rakhad's expression falters. "You mean...?"
Zoick nods. "Yes. The one who defeated that creature— the one whose power made the entire planet kneel— was him."He points at Sang.
Rakhad's cocky expression fades for the first time.
"No way... that's impossible."
Zoick's gaze darkens. "Not only that... I saw him die. He was stabbed, his body was broken. He should have been gone. But then... he came back."
Rakhad stares at Sang, his interest finally piqued. "Hah... so he really is something, after all."
The Sky Splits OpenSuddenly—
A thunderous explosion shakes the lab. The sky outside rips apart as a colossal portal tears through the clouds.
A monstrous figure descends, his presence alone suffocating the air. His muscular frame, his fearsome aura, his burning red eyes— everything about him screams devastation.
The world stops.
Everyone in the lab freezes, their hearts pounding in their chests.
The being smirks, his voice dripping with amusement.
"Ahhh... finally. I was getting bored waiting. Time for some real entertainment."