A PAST THAT CHANGE

The helicopter descended, its rotors cutting through the night air as it landed back at the camp.

Kai stepped out, his step pressing against the solid ground.

His eyes scanned the scene before him.

The camp remained the same as when he first arrived.

People laughed, lived, and carried on without fear.

Givem them a chance of living.

Waiting.

Watching.

Kai clenched his fist.

At the landing site, Jiwook stood, waiting for them.

"Good work, soldier," he said with a nod.

Kai, feeling awkward, stiffly raised his hand in a salute.

"Y-Yes, umm… s-sir."

Jiwook chuckled.

Then, his expression turned serious. "Report."

Kai's face darkened.

The mission was meant to be a rescue.

But—

"The men. They…—." His voice was barely a whisper.

Jiwook placed a firm hand on Kai's shoulder.

"They died with honor."

Kai exhaled, his jaw tight. Then—he nodded.

Jiwook gave him a small, knowing smile before turning to the other soldiers.

"Get the supplies they brought back. We'll need them."

Then, looking back at Kai and Yuna, he said, "Go rest. A healthy body is important for tomorrow."

Kai saluted again.

From beside him, Yuna chuckled.

"What's with you? Are you from the military or what?" she laughed.

Kai scratched the back of his head, awkwardly smiling. "He seems like a good captain, doesn't he?"

Yuna nodded, her smile softer this time.

"Yeah… i guess."

With that, the two of them walked off, exhaustion settling into their bones.

Laughter mixed with the weight of what they had seen.

And for now—just for a moment—they let themselves breathe.

The day was calm.

Laughter filled the air as the soldier carrying loot and resources.

Children played,

A rare moment of peace.

Until—

She arrived.

A woman walked through the camp gates, her presence alone turning heads.

She wore a tight-fitting jacket over a slim dress, paired with fitted jeans and heels.

Her long, flowing hair shimmered like silk, moving with every step.

Her face—flawless, captivating.

The kind of beauty that felt unreal.

Men stared in awe.

Even children stopped playing, their mouths agape.

Some husbands—daring to look—got a sharp slap from their wives.

The woman noticed the attention.

She smiled elegantly and gave a gentle wave.

Gasps echoed.

"An angel…?" someone muttered.

She walked forward, ignoring the whispers.

Her destination—

Jiwook's tent.

Inside, Jiwook sat at his desk, arms crossed.

As soon as she entered, he sighed.

"Miss. Jihae Shia."

She smirked.

"Still so formal, 002? You're no fun."

She moved closer, her fingertips teasingly tracing toward his hand.

But before she could touch him—

Jiwook pulled away.

"I go by name now, my name is kang jiwook".

His eyes were sharp.

"That cheap trick of yours won't work on me."

Jihae chuckled, her red eyes flickering.

"…Jiwook huh."

She gracefully sat on the chair across from him, exuding elegance.

But Jiwook's patience was thin.

"What those bastard want now?"

His hand radiated a faint, glow aura.

Jihae simply smiled.

Jiwook knew what she wanted.

"I'm just here to see my beloved little sister."

Jiwook's expression darkened.

"Don't take me for a fool."

Silence.

Jihae's smile never faded.

But her eyes began glowing crimson.

Her fingernails lightly tapped against each other—

A metallic, razor-sharp sound.

Then, she spoke.

"You think you little flame can surpass me 002?."

Jiwook scoffed.

"Just consider thing have change 003 ."

The tension thickened.

Jihae's aura intensified, her presence overpowering.

She leaned forward.

"You getting high now huh, Jiwook?"

Jiwook smirked.

"I am...,Damn Bitch."

The two prepared to clash—

Until—

The tent flap burst open.

Their auras instantly disappeared.

Yuna rushed in, smiling brightly.

"Big Sis! You came!"

She ran into Jihae's arms.

Jihae's expression instantly softened, hugging her tightly.

"Yuna… You've grown big now."

Yuna grinned.

"I am for suree!"

Jihae chuckled, patting her head.

"You so cute."

Yuna's smile faded slightly.*

"what you doing here sis?"

Jihae's smile remained.

"its just business work."

She hugged Yuna, a single tear slipping down her cheek.

Then, wiping it away, she stood.

"I'll bring you a gift next time."

Yuna pouted.

"You're already leaving?"

Jihae nodded.

"Big sis is busy."

Yuna sighed.

"Okay…"

Jihae turned toward the exit.

But before leaving, she glanced back at Jiwook.

Her smile faded into something cold, dangerous.

In a whisper, she murmured—

"I'll Fucking tear your head off."

Jiwook, sitting back in his chair, just exhaled.

"Damn Bitch…"

As Yuna turned to him, she asked—

"Jiwook… What kind of deal you do with her?"

Jiwook flicked his cigarette.

"You're still a kid. Don't ask dumb questions. Go play somewhere else."

Yuna pouted.

"Ugh! I hate you, Jiwook!"

She stomped off.

Jiwook sighed, rubbing his temples.

As Jihae moved through the camp.

She walked past Kai, her gaze briefly lingering on him.

Consider kai an awakened, yet… ordinary.

Nothing remarkable.

Kai, on the other hand, felt something different.

The moment he saw her, a strange feeling settled in his chest.

She was strong.

He could sense it.

Their eyes met for a brief moment.

Jihae smiled.

Kai hesitated, wanting to say something—to ask her who she was.

But—

"Kai!"

Yuna's voice cut through his thoughts.

He turned around, looking over his shoulder at her.

When he turned back—

Jihae was gone.

Vanished.

Like she was never there.

Yuna walked up beside him, raising an eyebrow.

"Who were you talking to?" she asked.

Kai stared at the empty space where Jihae once stood.

"…I'm not sure," he muttered.

Somewhere far away—

In a darkened room, Three people sat around a large table.Hearing the voiced out from hidden radio.

The man in a black coat sighed.

"So… 002 thinks he can fight us now?"

Another man— bearded, and with glowing blue eyes —leaned forward.

Sure he was, after all he was the best created on those hell."

The three figure—a man with red, bloodthirsty eyes, dread-punk purple hair, and a wicked grin—chuckled.

"He just need a lesson"

The bearded man frowned.

"And how sure you can do that Jang hoon."

Jang Hoon's smile faded.

His knife sank into the wooden table.

"Let me show you bastard, how to control a fucking dog."

He stood and walked away,Leaving the room.

A moment later—

The table collapsed in half.

The wood rotted and melted away.

A poisonous effect.

The black-coated man clicked his tongue.

"That Bastard..That man was known for the great killing mercenaries...."

———

Yuna stood tall, her posture sharp, her presence commanding.

As her radio buzz the voice she knew

"You sure don't want be here huh kai"

"To bad for sure ,Baek wanted me to follow him thoo."

"yeah go away with that old man~"with hatred yuna try to mocking.

kai chuckled

"Hey be safe Yuna"kai said with soft voice.

"sure i am, kai"Yuna smirked

the radio got buzz off, therefore yuna scanned the area.

The zone was a ruined cityscape—abandoned, crumbling, and swarming with danger. It was a place where monsters that lurked in the dark corners of shattered buildings.

Yuna moved like a storm.

A pack of Beast Venom Tiger lunged from the shadows, their fangs dripping with venom. She didn't hesitate. Steel flashed. Blood sprayed. Before they even realized what had happened, their heads rolled onto the ground, severed cleanly.

She wiped the blood from her katana, exhaling.

She barely had time to breathe before—

Clap. Clap. Clap.

A slow, mocking applause rang out from the debis.

"Ohhh, what a show~" a deep, amused voice sneered. "But tell me… how long can you keep standing?"

Yuna's fingers tightened on her katana.

Emerging from the ruins, Jang Hoon,from IronFang,

"Let's play."

Then, in an instant,he rushed forward.

BOOOOOOM!

The ground ruptured beneath his speed, the sheer force of his charge shattering the walls around them.

Before Yuna could react—

A fist smashed into her stomach.

CRACK!

Her ribs shattered instantly.

Blood erupted from her mouth.

She rocketed backward, slamming into a building with such force that the entire structure collapsed around her.

Dust. Smoke. Silence.

But before she could even think—

PAIN.

A searing, unbearable agony ripped through her veins.

Her fingers twitched uncontrollably.

Her vision blurred.

Poison.

A fast-acting, nerve-shredding venom.

She collapsed, her body trembling violently, her breaths coming in ragged gasps.

Hoon strolled towards her, holding a small glass vial filled with a glowing antidote.

"Ohhh, you're shaking already?" he chuckled, squatting beside her. "Aww~ do you need this?" He waved the vial in front of her, just inches from her face.

Yuna's shaking hand reached forward.

But then—

CRACK!

Hoon's boot slammed into her wrist, breaking it instantly.

"Oops," he mocked. "My bad."

THUD!

He stomped her face into the dirt.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

He kept stomping.

Her face smashed into the ground repeatedly, her blood staining the dirt.

Yet—she didn't scream.

Hoon clicked his tongue.

"Tch. Still acting tough?"

He grabbed her hair, yanking her up, forcing her to look at him.

"Maybe I should break you more."

WHAM!

He kneed her jaw, shattering it.

Her head snapped back, blood flying from her mouth.

Hoon grinned wider.

"You know, I was planning to keep you alive,i want your fucking brother kneel like a dog to me," he said, licking his lips. "But now? I might just tear you apart piece by piece instead."

He dropped the antidote in front of her.

"Come on~" he taunted. "Crawl for it."

Yuna's trembling fingers dug into the dirt as she forced herself to move.

Her vision darkened.

Her body convulsed.

But she kept moving.

Hoon smirked.

But then—

SHIIINK!

A silver glow erupted.

Hoon's smirk vanished.

Yuna's aura ignited like an inferno.

Before he could react—

SHE VANISHED.

Then—

FWOOOOOSH!

She reappeared behind him.

Her katana gleamed.

SLASH!

A clean, razor-thin cut appeared across his chest.

Hoon blinked.

Then—

BLOOD EXPLODED.

"A-AAGGHHHHHHHHH!!!"

He stumbled back, clutching his chest.

Yuna stood still—her eyes closed.

Her aura raged violently, crackling like lightning.

She didn't need to see.

She could feel his every movement.

She vanished again.

Hoon's heartbeat thundered in his ears.

"Where the fuck—?!"

SHIIIIINK!

Her blade sliced off his right arm.

Blood sprayed like a fountain.

Hoon's screams tore through the air.

He fell to his knees, his face twisting in agony.

"P-please…" he whimpered.

Yuna raised her blade—

But before she could deliver the final strike

Her body convulsed violently.

The poison ripped through her muscles.

She collapsed again.

Hoon's pain vanished—replaced by sadistic glee.

He grabbed her by the face, lifting her off the ground.

"Ohhh, look at you," he sneered. "Completely helpless."

His fingers dug into her jaw.

"But… but you cut off my hand…"

His eyes turned rabid.

"HOW DO YOU THINK YOU SHOULD REPAY ME?!"

WHAM!

He slammed her face into the dirt.

WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!

Over.

And over.

And over.

Blood splattered everywhere.

Her body twitched violently.

Hoon grinned madly.

He raised his foot.

"Say goodnight, bitch."

BOOOOM!

A black blur CRASHED into him, sending him flying.

Before he could react—

A clawed hand ripped through his chest.

Hoon's eyes widened in horror.

Blood erupted from his mouth.

He turned his head.

Standing before him, her hand buried deep in his chest—

—was Jihae.

"You touched my sister?"

Her voice was pure death.

She ripped her hand out.

Hoon collapsed, coughing blood.

Jihae grabbed his skull.

Then—

BAM! BAM! BAM!

She smashed his face into the ground repeatedly, shattering his nose, breaking his teeth, caving in his skull.

Yet—he laughed.

A mistake.

Jihae clawed out his left eye.

SCHLK!

Hoon screamed like an animal.

Then—

She activated Nightmare of Horror.

Inside his mind—

He saw his own hands strangling his mother.

He heard her screams, her pleas.

Then—he saw himself.

A second Jang Hoon, standing in front of him, holding his mother's severed head.

"WHY DID YOU KILL ME?!"

Hoon's mind snapped.

Back in reality—

He clawed his own face apart, laughing, crying, begging for mercy.

Jihae slowly raised her clawed hand.

SHIIINK.

A clean decapitation.

Hoon's head rolled across the ground.

His laughing stopped.

Jihae turned, rushing to Yuna.

Holding her tightly, she whispered, "You're safe now."

Yuna trembled, tears falling.

"Big… sis…"

Jihae clenched her jaw.

"Those Bastard."

The battlefield was silent, except for the soft rustling of the wind against the blood-soaked ruins. Jihae cradled Yuna in her arms, her fingers trembling as she held her sister close. The antidote was working, but Yuna was still weak, her breath shallow.

Jihae looked down at Hoon's decapitated corpse, his head lying a few feet away, the expression of horror frozen on his face. His lifeless eyes were still wide, as if he was still trapped in that final, nightmarish moment before Jihae's claws ended his miserable existence.

But she wasn't satisfied.

Her grip on Yuna tightened as she whispered, "They did this to you... and they will pay."

Yuna weakly grasped Jihae's wrist. "Big sis..." Her voice was fragile, like she was convincing herself more than asking.

Jihae didn't answer.

She stood up, carrying Yuna effortlessly in her arms, her body drenched in the blood of her enemy.

"I will," Jihae said, her voice cold and sharp. "I will Fucking off them all."

The news of Jang Hoon's death sending shockwaves through the Ironfang Association. Fear gripped its members—not because they had lost a valuable asset, but because of the monster they had provoked.

In a dimly lit, a bearded man slammed his fist on the table, his face contorted in rage.

"That bastard! I knew it" he growled, his knuckles turning white.

The room fell into silence.

Then he spoke again.

"Gather all our forces.I want her head. Do whatever it takes. If we let her roam free… she will wipe us out."

From the shadows of the abandon city, from hidden radio frequencies, the command echoed:

"This is an order. Kill 003."

The Mercenaries who heard it froze. Some swallowed hard. Others checked their weapons, hesitating.

They weren't afraid of failing.

They were afraid of succeeding.

Because anyone who dared to challenge the 003… would face something worse than death.

Jihae carried Yuna through the camp entrance, her steps steady but heavy, as if she were carrying more than just her sister's wounded body.

"We're here, Yuna. You're safe now," she whispered.

Inside the medical tent,Doctor Sofia noticed them immediately and rushed over.

"Put her on the bed!" she ordered.

Jihae carefully placed Yuna down.

"What happened to her?" Sofia asked, examining the wounds.

Jihae crossed her arms. "She was reckless."

Sofia frowned but didn't push for more details. Instead, she went straight to work, pulling out medical to stabilize Yuna.

Yuna, still weak, grabbed Jihae's wrist.

"Big sis…"

Jihae looked down at her, her eyes soft for just a moment.

Then they turned cold again.

She pulled her hand away.

"I'll be back."

Then she turned and walked out of the tent, her figure disappearing into the night.

And as the darkness swallowed her, the mercenaries of the Ironfang Association were already moving.

They know… they weren't hunting her

She was hunting them.

——

Inside his tent, Jiwook sat slumped over his desk, utterly exhausted.Reports were piled high, mission logs scattered everywhere,and endless problems.

He sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

"They say, 'Enjoy the food.' Yeah right… where's my break?"

Deciding to take a short moment for himself, he reached for the one thing that kept him sane—his ramen.

But the second his fingers touched the desk, he froze.

It was gone.

Jiwook blinked. Then he frantically searched the desk, shoving papers aside.

"Where the hell—? Who dared to—?!"

Then he saw it.

A small folded note, placed right where his ramen should have been.

His eye twitched.

"...Don't tell me…"

Slowly, he picked up the note and unfolded it.

The second he read the words, his face turned pale

"Fuck you bastard,Also, this ramen taste like shit,please get something edible, dumbass

P.S. – J.

003"

with little middle finger at end.

The tent shook from the sheer force of his next words.

"DAMN BASTARD BIIIIIIIIITCH!!!"

Outside, everyone froze.

The new recruits who had just completed a mission immediately turned around and went back into the field.

The guards patrolling nearby suddenly found something very interesting to look at in the distance.

The awakened standing outside his tent, who had been ready to report their success, slowly backed away and disappeared.

No one.

Absolutely no one wanted to be anywhere near Jiwook right now.

And far away, somewhere in the shadows, Jihae smirked.