Defying the odds.

The moment the referee's voice faded, Jae-Hyun disappeared.

Rin's muscles tensed as his senses sharpened. He knew exactly what kind of opponent he was facing—any lapse in concentration would mean immediate defeat.

Yet, all his focus didn't seem to be enough. Jae-Hyun's presence flickered out of existence, dissolving like a mirage in the heat. Rin's instincts screamed at him, warning him of incoming danger, but before he could react, a rush of wind brushed against his side.

He turned just in time.

Clack!

The impact rattled up his arms as Jae-Hyun's wooden sword met his. The attack was fast—almost too fast. Rin stumbled back, breath heavy, struggling to process where the strike had even come from as he was unable to see the attack nor the attacker who seemed to be invincible.

The crowd gasped, murmuring in excitement.

"Where did he go?"

"That's the Mirage Step! He's already using it!"

"The 'No Skill Kid' should just go home. He doesn't stand a chance against someone from the Hwan family."

Park Ji-Hyun, seated among the spectators, clenched her fists, jaw tightening with frustration. She could no longer stay silent. Taking a deep breath, she shouted, her voice cutting through the chatter.

"Would you all just shut up already? The match just started, and you're already writing him off. Give him a chance!"

Her defiance drew immediate attention amongst the crowd.

"Is the 'No Skill Kid' your boyfriend or something?" someone jeered.

"Who are you to tell us to keep quiet? We can support whoever we want!"

Ji-Hyun exhaled sharply, realizing arguing with the crowd was pointless. With a huff, she slumped back into her seat, crossing her arms, her frustration still evident.

Min-Soo, having observed the exchange, approached her with an easy smile. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'm Min-Soo—Rin's closest friend. Don't worry too much. I know him. He's going to win this."

Ji-Hyun glanced at him, then at Rin in the arena, her expression unreadable. She could only hope Min-Soo was right.

---

Rin didn't have time to dwell on the crowd's reactions. His focus was entirely on Jae-Hyun, who now circled him, his form flickering like a candle flame, appearing and disappearing in a blur of movement.

It was like fighting a shadow—something intangible, just beyond ones reach.

"I can't afford to fight defensively," Rin thought.

Jae-Hyun reappeared, lunging forward with another strike. This time, Rin didn't wait. He pivoted on his heel and swung—not at where Jae-Hyun was, but where he would like to be.

Clack!

A surprised grunt escaped Jae-Hyun as their weapons collided mid-air. Rin felt the shift—the hesitation in Jae-Hyun's stance. He had guessed right.

Jae-Hyun clicked his tongue, stepping back, his smirk returning, though a hint of surprise flickered behind his eyes. "Not bad," he admitted. "Maybe you're not as helpless as they say."

Rin remained silent. He couldn't afford to engage in talk. His mind worked quickly, analyzing Jae-Hyun's movements. The Mirage Step made him fast—but not untouchable. If Rin could predict his movements, this fight was far from over.

Jae-Hyun vanished again.

This time, Rin didn't rely on sight—he listened. The faint scrape of a foot against the floor could only be heard from one direction. The shift in the wind. A presence just behind him.

He turned, meeting Jae-Hyun's blade mid-swing. Their weapons clashed with force. Rin pushed back, but before he could press his advantage, Jae-Hyun flickered out of existence again.

A sharp impact struck Rin's side.

He staggered, feeling the sting radiate through his ribs. Another attack followed, then another. Jae-Hyun was relentless, striking from impossible angles, his movements unpredictable.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the fight escalated. Jae-Hyun moved like a ghost, forcing Rin onto the defensive.

"I can't win like this."

Rin gritted his teeth, adjusting his grip. He needed to change tactics—fast is whole body now at alert.

Then, an idea.

He stopped moving.

The sudden stillness threw Jae-Hyun off. His eyes narrowed as he reappeared a few feet away. "Giving up already?"

Rin remained silent, his posture relaxed, his breathing steady.

Jae-Hyun hesitated.

Then, he attacked.

The instant he flickered out of sight, Rin moved—not to block, but to intercept. He trusted his instincts, predicting the exact moment Jae-Hyun would rematerialize.

Jae-Hyun reappeared—right where Rin expected.

Rin's eyes flashed.

He swung his blade in a controlled arc, aiming for Jae-Hyun's exposed neck.

Jae-Hyun barely dodged, tilting his head at the last second. A brace—mere millimeters from a clean hit. But before he could react, Rin was already in motion.

Fast.

This time, he disappeared from Jae-Hyun's sight to his blind spot.

Jae-Hyun's eyes widened as Rin reappeared behind him, bringing his sword down in a decisive strike.

Crack!

The impact sent Jae-Hyun sprawling to the ground.

For a moment, silence filled the arena.

Then—pandemonium.

The spectators gawked, murmuring in disbelief.

"Did the 'No Skill Kid' just knock him down?"

Jae-Hyun lay still for a moment, his body aching from the strike. He groaned, using his sword for support as he pushed himself up.

A grimace crossed his face. His jaw clenched. His breath hitched.

"Did he really just knock me down?" Jae-Hyun thought.

His pride stung worse than the pain in his back. Rin—someone he had dismissed as nothing—had landed a hit on him.

For a brief moment, his knees wavered.

Then, he steadied himself.

His expression hardened. A new fire burned in his eyes.

"This is getting interesting," he muttered, his grip tightening around his sword. "Looks like I underestimated you." He exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "But that won't happen again."

Rin stood tall, his wooden sword resting at his side, a smirk playing at his lips. His stance was different now—more assured. More dangerous.

"Hope you're ready," Jae-Hyun said, his tone edged with determination.

Rin chuckled, tilting his head slightly. His confidence was unshakable now.

"Bring it on."

Their gazes locked.

The real fight was about to begin.