"Crimson Deal"

The next day, the atmosphere at school was tenser than usual. Rumors about Seung Min confronting Jin Seok yesterday had already spread among the students.

In class, Jae Hoon leaned back in his chair with a lazy expression. "So, what exactly happened yesterday?"

Dae Hyun raised an eyebrow while twirling a pen in his fingers. "You think he's actually going to tell us?"

Jin Ho, sitting beside them, let out a quiet sigh. "One thing's for sure—Seung Min has completely caught Jin Seok's attention now."

Seung Min remained silent, his eyes focused on the notebook in front of him. He looked calm, but his mind was still replaying yesterday's conversation.

"Do you really think you can just walk away from this game?"

Jin Seok's words still echoed in his head.

Damn.

He didn't care about this stupid game, but the fact that Jin Seok had started paying attention to him was another problem entirely.

The classroom door swung open, and the tension immediately shifted as Shin Kyung walked in. All eyes turned to him.

Without hesitation, he strode straight to Seung Min's desk and stared down at him. "Jin Seok is giving you until the end of today," he said coldly. "If you don't show up, you'll be forced to play—whether you like it or not."

Some students started whispering while Jae Hoon and Dae Hyun exchanged wary glances.

Seung Min let out a sigh and finally closed his notebook. "Tell Jin Seok, I'll come if I feel like it."

Shin Kyung narrowed his eyes. "Don't make this harder than it has to be, Seung Min."

Seung Min met his gaze, expressionless. "Do you think I care?"

The tension in the room grew heavier.

Shin Kyung stared at him for a few more seconds before exhaling and walking away without another word.

As soon as the door closed, Dae Hyun grinned. "You're making them even more pissed off."

Jae Hoon chuckled. "I enjoy watching them get frustrated."

Jin Ho simply shook his head. "But this isn't a joke. If you really go against them, Seung Min, they won't let it slide."

Seung Min leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "I know."

He had already drawn the line. There was no turning back now.

And deep down, he knew… the real game had just begun.

During the lunch break, Yoon Ha Rin and Lee So Mi sat together in the cafeteria, speaking in hushed voices. The atmosphere was somewhat tense, but they tried to ignore the growing concern lingering between them, especially regarding Seung Min.

"I still don't understand why Seung Min got involved in all of this," Ha Rin murmured, absentmindedly playing with her food using her chopsticks.

Lee So Mi let out a deep sigh, resting her chin on one hand. "Because he's stubborn. He refuses to play by their rules. But that only makes things worse."

Before they could continue, Jae Hoon, Dae Hyun, and Jin Ho approached their table.

"You guys look serious," Jae Hoon commented as he sat down beside So Mi.

Dae Hyun leaned forward. "We're all thinking the same thing, right? Seung Min is being reckless. He should've just ignored them."

Jin Ho shook his head. "Ignoring them won't work. Jin Seok is the type who enjoys dragging others into his mess. Once he sets his sights on you, there's no way out."

Lee So Mi let out a small sigh, worry evident in her expression. "Then what should we do?"

Before anyone could answer, her gaze suddenly locked onto something outside in the schoolyard.

Her grip on her drink tightened. "Seung Min...?"

The others immediately followed her line of sight.

Outside, Seung Min was walking toward Jin Seok, flanked by Do Jin Tae Hwan and Ki Seok.

Jin Seok stood there with his signature smirk, hands in his pockets, as if he had been expecting this meeting.

Lee So Mi immediately stood up, her chair scraping against the floor.

Without thinking, she strode toward them, her voice firm as she called out, "Why did you go? This will only make things worse!"

Seung Min stopped in his tracks. Slowly, he turned to face So Mi.

Before he could respond, Jae Hoon, Dae Hyun, and Jin Ho rushed after her, calling his name urgently.

"Seung Min!" Jae Hoon's voice was sharp with urgency.

Lee So Mi's expression turned desperate. "Hajima… don't do this."

From a distance, Shin Kyung was watching the situation unfold, his gaze fixed on his younger sister, Yoon Ha Rin.

Sensing her brother's presence, Ha Rin instinctively took a step back.

Shin Kyung's voice was calm but firm. "Let's go."

There was no room for argument.

Without another word, they turned and walked away, leaving the others standing there, uncertainty hanging in the air.

On top of the auditorium, the wind blew gently, carrying a cold breeze that contrasted with the tension between them. Seung Min stood facing Jin Seok, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions—disappointment, anger, and sympathy.

Jin Seok remained calm, his expression unreadable. He was never the type to seek trouble, especially not with Seung Min. But the situation he was in was not something he could simply walk away from.

"Why did you come back, Seung Min?" Jin Seok asked, his voice sounding more concerned than hostile.

Seung Min lowered his gaze slightly, clenching his fists tightly. Then, in a quiet but resolute voice, he murmured to himself,

"I will save this kid's life… and destroy this game. And the game is over."

When he lifted his head again, his eyes burned with determination. Jin Seok looked at him with a conflicted expression—as if he wanted to stop him, but at the same time, he knew exactly who Seung Min was.

"My father won't let you go that easily," Jin Seok said in a low tone. There was a hint of guilt in his eyes, though he didn't show any weakness.

Seung Min exhaled. "I know... But I also know this isn't what you want. You're trapped, Jin Seok."

Jin Seok remained silent. Seung Min's words struck him deeply.

They stood there in silence, both realizing that this confrontation wasn't just about the game—it was about a friendship that had long been tainted by something far greater than them.

This game had gone on for too long. And Seung Min was determined to end it.

Jin Seok stared at Seung Min in silence before letting out a long sigh. He stepped closer, his voice quieter than before.

"You know I never wanted this to happen, right?" he said, his eyes filled with the weight of the past. "But I don't have a choice."

Seung Min shook his head. "There's always a choice, Jin Seok. You're just afraid to face reality."

Jin Seok let out a bitter smile. "Reality? The reality is that I'm not just some ordinary kid, Seung Min. I can't live like I used to. This isn't just about me… It's about my father, my family. If I go against them, I lose everything."

Seung Min looked at his old friend, frustration burning in his eyes. "You've already lost more than that, Jin Seok. You've lost yourself."

Silence settled between them, the only sound being the wind brushing against the rooftop.

Jin Seok seemed deep in thought, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "So, what's your plan? Fight them alone? Destroy this game? You know they won't just sit back and watch."

Seung Min met his gaze firmly. "I'm not alone."

Jin Seok narrowed his eyes, finally realizing the determination in Seung Min's expression. For the first time, he understood that his old friend wouldn't back down.

"I'm going to save that kid… and I'm going to end this game," Seung Min said with unwavering resolve. "If you still consider me a friend, don't stand in my way."

Jin Seok stared at him for a long moment before exhaling softly. He closed his eyes briefly, then said, "I can't help you… But I won't stop you either."

Seung Min remained silent, reading Jin Seok's expression.

"Go before they get here," Jin Seok continued. "I'll buy you as much time as I can."

Seung Min gazed at him for a second before giving a single nod. Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Jin Seok stayed where he was, watching Seung Min's back disappear into the distance before whispering, almost too softly to hear,

"Be careful, Seung Min."

As Seung Min hurried down the hallway, he suddenly stopped when he saw Shin Kyung standing in his path. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, neither of them spoke. The tension between them was heavy, but Shin Kyung was the first to break the silence.

"If you really want to destroy this game," Shin Kyung said calmly, "the key lies with Jin Seok's father."

Seung Min narrowed his eyes. "Jin Seok's father…?"

Shin Kyung didn't elaborate. Instead, he pulled out a small folded paper and handed it to Seung Min. "This is the address and the secret base of Lee Joo Hyun."

Seung Min hesitated before taking the paper, his mind racing with thoughts. He looked up, but before he could say anything, Shin Kyung had already turned away and walked into the building without another word.

Unbeknownst to them, Min Joon had been watching the entire exchange from a distance. His sharp eyes darkened as he processed what had just happened. Without wasting any time, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

The call connected, and a deep voice answered.

"Prepare the team," Min Joon ordered coldly. "Shin Kyung is your next target."

The voice on the other end replied, "Understood. We'll handle it."

Min Joon ended the call, his lips curling into a smirk. His fingers tightened around his phone as he whispered to himself,

"Let's see how long you can survive, Shin Kyung."

Seung Min walked away, his grip tightening around the piece of paper Shin Kyung had given him. His steps were quick and determined, filled with newfound resolve.

Meanwhile, Min Joon entered the auditorium at a leisurely pace, his sharp gaze scanning the room. Inside, Jin Seok sat calmly, his expression unreadable, as if nothing could disturb his composure.

Min Joon approached him and spoke in a low but firm voice. "There's a traitor here."

Jin Seok didn't react immediately. He simply looked at Min Joon with an impassive gaze before shifting his eyes around the room. After a brief pause, he asked in a calm, authoritative tone, "Who?"

Min Joon smirked. With a slow, deliberate motion, he raised the lighter in his hand, flicked it on, and lit his cigarette before pointing the flame in a certain direction.

Jin Seok followed the indication and his eyes landed on Shin Kyung in the distance. However, instead of reacting with anger, he merely turned back to Min Joon, his expression still unreadable.

Silence filled the space. Jin Seok didn't act immediately, and that only made Min Joon narrow his eyes in displeasure.

Jin Seok stared straight ahead, deep in thought. He knew what Shin Kyung had done, but he also understood that there was a reason behind it. It wasn't just Seung Min he wanted to protect, but also his younger sister, Lee So Mi.

Noticing his hesitation, Min Joon scoffed in frustration. "Are you really going to let this slide?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Jin Seok let out a slow breath before speaking in an eerily calm yet firm voice. "Stay out of this, Min Joon. If you interfere again, everything will fall apart."

Min Joon fell silent, his jaw tightening. He knew that wasn't an empty threat. Jin Seok, despite his usual calm demeanor, was not someone to be taken lightly.

But Min Joon was not the type to back down easily. He merely smirked before exhaling a puff of smoke and turning away with a relaxed stride, leaving behind an air of tension hanging in the room.

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Students began pouring out of the building, their chatter filling the air as they walked toward the gates.

Seung Min walked at a steady pace alongside Jin Ho, Jae Hoon, and Dae Hyun. They were discussing the events of the day in hushed tones, their expressions serious. Behind them, Lee So Mi walked alongside Yoon Ha Rin, the two girls lost in their own conversation.

The atmosphere was heavy, but no one spoke about it directly. It was as if they all knew something was brewing beneath the surface—something that couldn't be ignored much longer.

Then, suddenly, the sound of something dropping broke through the noise of the crowd. A small object fell onto the pavement with a faint metallic clink.

Lee So Mi instinctively turned her head toward the sound, just in time to see someone crouching down to pick it up.

It was Jin Seok.

He straightened up, the fallen object—a silver bracelet—held between his fingers. Without hesitation, he walked toward Lee So Mi, his steps unhurried yet deliberate. The crowd of students unconsciously made way for him, sensing the quiet authority he carried.

Stopping in front of her, he held out the bracelet. "This is yours, right?"

Lee So Mi blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She hesitated before reaching out and taking it from his hand. "…Thank you."

Jin Seok gave a small nod but didn't move away immediately. His gaze lingered on her for a second longer, as if debating whether to say something more.

Then, from the side, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and Shin Kyung stepped out, his presence commanding as always.

He exchanged a brief glance with Jin Seok before his gaze shifted toward Yoon Ha Rin, who had remained silent the entire time. His eyes lingered on her, unreadable, as if trying to gauge something from her expression.

Yoon Ha Rin instinctively stiffened under his gaze. She wasn't sure why, but there was always something unsettling about Shin Kyung's silent scrutiny.

Jin Seok finally stepped back, his expression unreadable as he turned toward Shin Kyung. Without another word, the two of them got into the waiting car.

As the door shut behind them, the vehicle smoothly pulled away from the school, disappearing into the streets.

Lee So Mi exhaled slowly, feeling the tension leave her shoulders.

Yoon Ha Rin, however, couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen—something that none of them could stop.

That night, after finishing his shower, Seung Min stepped out of the bathroom with his hair still damp. Jin Ho and Dae Hyun, who were sitting in the room, exchanged glances before Dae Hyun finally asked, "Seung Min, you seem strange today. Are you hiding something?"

Seung Min dried his hair with a towel, then smiled casually. "Strange how? I'm still the handsome and amazing Seung Min," he joked, laughing lightly, trying to divert their attention.

Jin Ho squinted his eyes, not buying it. "Seriously, you're not planning anything weird, right?"

Seung Min raised his hands in mock surrender. "Nothing at all. I just want a good night's sleep."

Dae Hyun sighed and patted Jin Ho's shoulder. "Come on, let's go downstairs. I want to watch something before bed."

Jin Ho gave Seung Min one last suspicious glance before following Dae Hyun out of the room.

As soon as they left, the smile on Seung Min's face disappeared. Quickly, he changed into a black hoodie, loose jeans, and a face covering that reached up to his nose.

Silently, he walked over to the window, opened it carefully, and climbed out with practiced ease. After ensuring no one was watching, he jumped down, landing lightly before swiftly making his way through the yard. With one quick movement, he leaped over the fence and disappeared into the night.

His right hand clenched the piece of paper tightly—the address Shin Kyung had given him. He knew this was dangerous, but he couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

Meanwhile,In a dark alley, Shin Kyung ran, his breath heavy. Several large men chased after him, their footsteps echoing between the old buildings.

Shin Kyung jumped over a pile of wooden crates, sprinting toward a wider street. But his pursuers weren't giving up that easily. They were getting closer.

Quickly, Shin Kyung pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Jin Seok, call them off!" he said, his voice sharp.

Elsewhere, Jin Seok, who had been lounging on a couch, immediately sat up straight. "What?"

"Someone sent people to kill me!"

Jin Seok's expression darkened. He stood up and gave a cold command to his men. "Stop them. Now."

Minutes later, the pursuers received a call. They came to an abrupt halt, looking at each other in confusion.

"Why are we stopping?" one of them asked.

"Jin Seok ordered us to back off," another answered, his expression tense.

"Wait, wasn't it Min Joon who told us to go after him?"

"Yeah, but… we thought Min Joon was acting on Jin Seok's orders."

At that moment, Jin Seok arrived, and a wave of fury washed over him. His eyes locked onto Min Joon, who stood there with his usual smirk, unfazed.

SMACK!

Jin Seok slapped Min Joon across the face, the sound echoing in the silent room.

The entire place fell into a tense stillness.

Min Joon touched his cheek, now red from the impact, yet his smirk remained.

Jin Seok's gaze was ice-cold. "Don't act without my permission again, or I'll deal with you myself."

Seung Min finally arrived in front of the massive building. From the outside, it looked like an ordinary office complex, but he knew it held something far more dangerous.

Carefully, he approached the entrance. Two guards stood at the front, their postures rigid and their expressions sharp with suspicion. Seung Min quickly realized that he couldn't just walk in without raising alarms.

Taking a deep breath, he swiftly removed his face covering. If he attempted to sneak in with his face hidden, they would immediately grow suspicious.

Adjusting his stance, he put on a calm expression and walked forward with confidence.

One of the guards eyed him warily. "Who are you?"

Seung Min gave a small, relaxed smile, keeping his composure. "I was told to come here. It's about something important."

The other guard studied him closely. "Who sent you?"

Seung Min knew he couldn't hesitate. Quickly, he mentioned a name that would grant him access without resistance. "Lee Joo Hyun."

At the mention of that name, the guards exchanged glances. Neither of them dared to question him further.

"Go in," one of them finally said, sliding the door aside to let Seung Min pass.

He took a quiet breath before stepping inside. He had managed to get past them, but he knew this was only the beginning.

As he entered the building, a long, dimly lit hallway stretched before him. The air felt noticeably colder, and the sound of his footsteps echoed through the corridor. He gripped the address note tightly, keeping himself focused.

He had to find what he was looking for before anyone realized his true intentions.

Meanwhile, Lee So Mi, Dae Hyun, and Jin Ho gathered near the entrance, preparing for what lay ahead. This time, Yoon Ha Rin insisted on joining them. She was determined to help her brother, Shin Kyung, escape from Lee Joo Hyun's grasp.

"I have to do this," Ha Rin said firmly, her eyes filled with determination. "I can't just stand by while my brother suffers."

Dae Hyun sighed, scratching the back of his head. "This is dangerous, Ha Rin. Are you sure?"

Ha Rin nodded without hesitation. "I'm sure."

Jin Ho smirked. "Well, I guess we don't have a choice, then."

The four of them squeezed into a taxi, trying to fit in the tight space. Dae Hyun ended up awkwardly sandwiched between So Mi and Ha Rin, while Jin Ho sat uncomfortably with his knees pressed against the back of the driver's seat.

"This is way too cramped," Jin Ho grumbled, shifting slightly.

"Quit complaining," So Mi chuckled. "At least we're all here."

Ha Rin tried to adjust her position but accidentally bumped into Dae Hyun, causing him to let out a surprised yelp.

"Yah, watch it!" he exclaimed.

"Sorry, sorry!" Ha Rin giggled, making the situation even funnier.

Meanwhile, just outside the taxi, the low rumble of a motorcycle engine filled the air.

Jae Hoon, riding Seung Min's sleek sports bike, pulled up alongside them. He revved the engine, smirking as he looked at them through the tinted taxi window.

Jin Ho glanced outside and rolled his eyes. "Show-off."

Jae Hoon simply grinned before speeding off ahead of them, leading the way toward their destination.

The group shared a nervous but excited glance. This was going to be a night they wouldn't forget.

Back to Seung Min, who was walking through the underground facility, he peeked through a gap and overheard a conversation between several enslaved students. His expression darkened as he listened to their whispers about the upcoming event.

Just then, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Seung Min quickly hid in the shadows, his heart pounding.

It was Lee Joo Hyun, accompanied by his subordinates. Behind him were several students ranked as "kings," including Do Jin Tae Hwan, Ki Seok, and Shin Kyung.

A large screen flickered on, displaying a tournament bracket. Lee Joo Hyun's voice echoed through the room.

"This is a competition. Whoever succeeds will be granted direct entry into a prestigious university—no entrance exams, no qualifications needed."

Seung Min clenched his fists, his jaw tightening in frustration.

"What a load of nonsense," he muttered under his breath. "He's just exploiting them."

As the match was about to begin, Seung Min calmly walked forward, deliberately stepping into the middle of the arena. His presence alone was enough to make the surrounding students murmur in confusion. He held his phone in one hand, the screen displaying the Death Card game. His expression was unreadable, but his voice was firm as he spoke.

"This game ends tonight," Seung Min declared, his eyes scanning the crowd.

The students ranked as 'Kings,' including Do Jin Tae Hwan, Ki Seok, and Shin Kyung, exchanged glances. Even Lee Joo Hyun, who had been standing at the sidelines with his subordinates, raised an eyebrow in mild amusement.

From the way Seung Min carried himself, it was clear that he had no intention of following the rules of the so-called tournament. He wasn't here to compete. He was here to end everything.

Meanwhile, outside the massive building, Lee So Mi, Dae Hyun, Jin Ho, and Yoon Ha Rin were standing in front of the entrance, their eyes locked on the two guards blocking their way.

"This isn't going to be easy," Jin Ho muttered under his breath.

Dae Hyun exhaled sharply. "If Seung Min is really inside, we have no choice but to get through them."

Yoon Ha Rin clenched her fists, determination flashing in her eyes. "We have to help my brother too. Shin Kyung can't stay trapped in this hell any longer."

Just as they were about to figure out their next move, the roar of a powerful engine echoed through the dimly lit street.

A sleek black motorcycle sped toward them, stopping just a few feet away. The rider, clad in a dark jacket, pulled off his helmet, revealing Jae Hoon's familiar face.

"You guys look like you need a ride... or maybe some backup?" Jae Hoon smirked, his gaze flickering toward the guards.

Lee So Mi sighed in relief. "You're late."

Jae Hoon swung his leg off the bike. "Better late than never. Now, let's get inside."

The group tensed, bracing themselves for what was about to come. Inside the building, Seung Min stood his ground, ready to face whatever was thrown at him. The real game was just beginning.

Previously, Jae Hoon had obtained the card from an unknown source, someone who seemed to know everything about the deadly game. The card wasn't just an ordinary one—it held encrypted data, a secret key to something deeper within the game's system. Jae Hoon had been investigating it for days, trying to decipher its true purpose.

Back to Seung Min, he stepped forward, calmly walking toward the center of the battlefield as the match was about to begin. His fingers tightly gripped his phone, where the Death Card game interface was displayed. With a cold gaze, he declared, "This ends tonight."

Lee Joo Hyun, who stood at the VIP section with his subordinates, raised an eyebrow at Seung Min's sudden interference. Around him, the top-ranked students, including Do Jin Tae Hwan, Ki Seok, and Shin Kyung, were waiting for their turn. The prize? A guaranteed spot at an elite university without having to take the entrance exam. But Seung Min saw through the deception.

"What a joke... He's just exploiting them," Seung Min muttered under his breath, eyes burning with determination.

Meanwhile, outside the building, Lee So Mi, Dae Hyun, Jin Ho, and Yoon Ha Rin were standing in front of the heavily guarded entrance, trying to figure out a way inside. The guards were alert, their expressions unreadable. Any wrong move, and they would be caught.

Just then, a familiar engine roar approached.

Jae Hoon arrived, parking Seung Min's sportbike a few meters away. He removed his helmet, his face serious as he walked toward them. He glanced at the guards, then at his friends.

"Looks like we don't have much time," Jae Hoon muttered, pulling something from his jacket pocket—the Death Card that he had obtained.

Lee So Mi's eyes widened. "Where did you get that?" she whispered.

Jae Hoon smirked slightly. "Let's just say… someone wanted me to have it. And I think it's time we use it."

As tension thickened in the air, Seung Min took his final step into the arena, fully aware that the real game was just beginning.

Before the confrontation began, Seung Min suddenly heard footsteps behind him. He turned around slowly, his grip tightening on his phone, which still displayed the Death Card game.

Standing before him were familiar faces—his friends.

"We're on your side, Seung Min," one of them spoke up firmly.

Dae Hyun stepped forward. "I'm Dae Hyun."

Jin Ho followed. "I'm Jin Ho."

Lee So Mi clenched her fists. "I'm Lee So Mi."

Jae Hoon smirked. "I'm Jae Hoon."

Lastly, Yoon Ha Rin took a deep breath. "And I'm Yoon Ha Rin."

Their determination was clear. They weren't just names; they were his allies.

Seung Min's expression softened for a brief moment, but before he could say anything, movement in the distance caught his attention.

Shin Kyung, who had been standing nearby, turned his gaze toward them, his focus lingering on one person in particular—his younger sister, Yoon Ha Rin.

The air grew tense.

Would Shin Kyung stand against them—or with them?

As the battle broke out, the group fought against the students, knocking many of them down. Dae Hyun and Jae Hoon recalled the techniques Seung Min had taught them, using them to their advantage. Even Jin Ho, who had no real combat skills, tried his best to follow what Seung Min had shown him. Meanwhile, Lee So Mi fought effortlessly, enjoying the thrill of the fight.

Yoon Ha Rin, on the other hand, was nervous at first. But as the chaos unfolded, she reached for a metal rod nearby and struck the enemies with determination.

Lee Joo Hyun observed the scene, his jaw tightening as more students fell one by one. His sharp eyes then shifted toward Jin Seok.

Without hesitation, Jin Seok stepped forward, his expression unreadable, before engaging in a fistfight.

Seung Min, in the midst of battle, occasionally staggered back as if weakened—but it was all part of his strategy. He was luring his opponent into a trap, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back.

Lee Joo Hyun descended slowly, his every step exuding an overwhelming pressure that made everyone present feel the rising tension. Seung Min stood tall, his sharp gaze unwavering, showing not a hint of fear.

On the other side, Lee So Mi was panting, sweat dripping from her temple after fighting against the students forced into this twisted game. Jae Hoon was still breathing heavily, trying to steady himself after taking down several opponents. Dae Hyun looked battered but remained standing. Yoon Ha Rin clutched the metal rod tightly, while Jin Ho, who had been knocked down, struggled to get back up.

Lee Joo Hyun swept his gaze over all of them before speaking in a cold, cutting voice, "Step aside."

No one dared to defy him. One by one, they slowly moved to the edges of the room, realizing that the real fight was about to begin. This was no longer just a game—it was a battle that would determine everything.

"Prepare yourself, Seung Min," Lee Joo Hyun said, his expression unreadable.

Some of his subordinates got ready to intervene, but before they could move, Lee So Mi quickly signaled Jae Hoon and Yoon Ha Rin. Without hesitation, they launched an attack on Lee Joo Hyun's men, trying to keep them from interfering in the main fight.

Just as a punch was about to land on Yoon Ha Rin, someone suddenly appeared in front of her, effortlessly blocking the attack.

Shin Kyung.

He stood firm, his eyes filled with determination as he faced his opponent. With a swift movement, he countered the attack and immediately stepped in to protect his sister, making sure Yoon Ha Rin wouldn't get hurt.

Meanwhile, Seung Min didn't move from his spot, his gaze locked onto Lee Joo Hyun with unwavering resolve. He knew this was it. There was no turning back.

Tonight, this game would end.

Seung Min and Lee Joo Hyun stood face to face, the tension in the room palpable. The remaining students watched with bated breath, realizing that this was the decisive battle.

Lee Joo Hyun took a step forward, his posture firm and confident. "Since when can a weakling like you fight?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery.

Seung Min merely gave a small smile, raising his hands in preparation. "Since I fell into your trap," he replied casually before suddenly launching a quick attack toward Lee Joo Hyun.

But Lee Joo Hyun was no ordinary opponent. With sharp reflexes, he blocked Seung Min's punch and retaliated with a powerful kick that nearly hit his opponent's stomach. Seung Min staggered back a few steps but quickly regained his balance.

They exchanged blows at an impressive speed. Seung Min utilized the techniques he had learned, combining strategy and movements designed to deceive his opponent. However, Lee Joo Hyun was much stronger than he had anticipated.

Several times, Seung Min stumbled from the attacks, but he had no intention of giving up. Every hit he took only strengthened his resolve. He knew this fight wasn't just about himself—it was about stopping the cruel game that had trapped so many people.

From a distance, Jin Ho, Jae Hoon, Dae Hyun, Lee So Mi, and Yoon Ha Rin watched anxiously.

"Does he need help?" Yoon Ha Rin whispered, gripping the metal rod in her hand.

Lee So Mi shook her head, her eyes fixed on Seung Min. "Not yet. He knows what he's doing."

Seung Min locked eyes with Lee Joo Hyun, taking a deep breath. "You thought I would just sit back and take everything? You were dead wrong."

And with that, he launched another attack—faster, stronger, and deadlier.

The battle grew more intense. Seung Min finally managed to knock Lee Joo Hyun down with a powerful punch, sending the man staggering backward, crashing hard against the wall. The room fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of heavy breathing from the remaining students filling the air.

But Lee Joo Hyun wasn't done yet. With eyes burning with rage, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a gun. Everyone tensed, realizing the sudden danger that had entered their fight.

Before Lee Joo Hyun could pull the trigger, Jin Seok suddenly lunged at him with incredible speed. His foot struck his father's hand hard, sending the gun flying across the floor. Without hesitation, Jin Seok grabbed it and pointed it downward, keeping it out of play.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what had just happened. Even Lee Joo Hyun looked stunned, clearly not expecting his own son to turn against him.

"That's enough," Jin Seok's voice was firm, almost cold. His gaze locked onto his father's without a trace of fear.

Lee Joo Hyun stared at his son with sharp disappointment. "You… dare to betray me, Jin Seok?"

Jin Seok took a deep breath, his tone calmer but full of conviction. "I'm not betraying you, Father. I just know when enough is enough. I wanted to support you, but not like this."

The tension in the room thickened. Seung Min studied Jin Seok closely, while the others were still processing what had just happened.

Jin Seok continued, "You've misjudged Seung Min. His family isn't ordinary. His uncle is a detective, his grandfather leads a gang, and he was raised by martial artists. Do you really think we can keep pushing someone like that?"

Lee Joo Hyun didn't argue, but his jaw clenched tightly.

"Father," Jin Seok's voice grew even more serious, "if you want to fight, do it with your bare hands. Show that you still have honor, not just by relying on weapons."

Lee Joo Hyun stayed silent for a moment before casting a sharp look at his son. "Fine… if that's what you want."

He took off his jacket and got into a fighting stance. Everyone held their breath.

The real fight had just begun.

That night felt endless. After an intense battle that had drained nearly all their strength, Seung Min finally collapsed. His body staggered, blood trickling from his temple, and before anyone could catch him, he had already fallen to the ground.

Lee Joo Hyun, leaning against the wall with his face covered in blood, let out a small smirk before closing his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his ragged breathing. Jin Seok, who had been silently observing, took a deep breath before stepping toward his father.

"Take him away," he ordered coldly to his men.

The men in black suits immediately approached, lifting the weakened Lee Joo Hyun. Meanwhile, the others slowly retreated, leaving behind an arena filled with unconscious bodies.

On the other side, Lee So Mi ran straight to Seung Min, who was lying motionless on the floor. Panic filled her face as she shook her brother's body.

"Seung Min! Wake up!" she shouted, her voice trembling.

Dae Hyun, Jae Hoon, Jin Ho, and Yoon Ha Rin rushed over. Jin Ho quickly pulled out his phone and called an ambulance.

Jae Hoon knelt beside Seung Min, gently patting his cheek. "Hey, hang in there. We're taking you to the hospital."

Seung Min's eyes barely opened, his gaze unfocused. His breathing was heavy, and only one word escaped his lips before he lost consciousness completely.

"Game… over…"

Minutes later, the ambulance arrived. Without hesitation, they placed Seung Min on a stretcher and rushed him to the hospital. Lee So Mi tightly held his hand, her face filled with worry.

In the distance, Jin Seok stood still, watching them leave. He said nothing, only staring at the back of his fallen childhood friend.

"Are you satisfied now?" Min Joon, standing beside him, asked with a mocking smirk.

Jin Seok didn't respond. But deep down, he knew—this wasn't over yet. This was just the beginning.

The battle erupted as they clashed with the students, and one by one, their opponents began to fall.

Dae Hyun and Jae Hoon recalled the techniques Seung Min had taught them, using them to fight efficiently. Jin Ho, who had never been skilled in combat, struggled but did his best to follow what Seung Min had taught him. Meanwhile, Lee So Mi fought with ease, unfazed by the chaos around her.

Yoon Ha Rin, on the other hand, was nervous. Her hands trembled, but as a student charged at her, she instinctively grabbed a metal rod nearby and swung it, striking her attacker. Her breathing was ragged, but she forced herself to stand firm.

From a distance, Lee Joo Hyun watched the scene unfold. His jaw clenched in frustration as more and more students collapsed to the ground.

His sharp gaze then shifted toward Jin Seok.

Understanding the silent command, Jin Seok stepped forward and descended into the fray. Without hesitation, he launched a strike, engaging in a fierce fistfight.

Seung Min faced him head-on. His movements were calculated, yet occasionally, he staggered back as if he was struggling.

But in reality, it was all part of his strategy—luring his opponent into a false sense of advantage.

On the other side of the city, Detective Hyun Woo was speaking with his father, an elderly man who was also Seung Min's grandfather, named Yoo Sang Hyuk.

"Grandfather... Seung Min has been hospitalized," Hyun Woo's voice was heavy, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Yoo Sang Hyuk let out a long sigh, his gaze sharp yet filled with worry. "I expected something like this to happen. He's too stubborn… just like his father was."

Hyun Woo looked at his father seriously. "We need to act fast. If we don't step in now, Seung Min and Lee So Mi could end up like their parents."

The grandfather clenched his fists on the table. "I won't let that happen. Seung Min and So Mi must be protected. I've already lost my son… I won't lose my grandchildren too."

Hyun Woo nodded. "I've been investigating. All the evidence points to Lee Joo Hyun. He's the mastermind behind all of this."

"We need to destroy him before he destroys Seung Min and So Mi," Yoo Sang Hyuk's voice was filled with determination.

Outside, the rain began to fall, drenching the city that seemed to hold so many dark secrets.

In the quiet hospital room, Seung Min sat at the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the window reflecting the glow of the streetlights. His hands clenched on the blanket, his mind filled with unanswered questions.

He let out a long sigh, then murmured softly, almost as if talking to himself, "Why hasn't the real Seung Min returned to this body...? Is it because everything isn't over yet?"

His gaze dropped to his hand, still bearing the scars from the battle earlier. Deep down, he knew there was something that still needed to be resolved—something he couldn't let go of just yet.

He remained silent, letting the question linger in the air without an answer.

🎵 "God's Menu" – Stray Kids