16. Joon-hyuk vs Mary Kim

The air inside the tournament hall was thick with tension. Hundreds of spectators, including students, coaches, and professional athletes, filled the stands. The prestigious middle school judo competition had finally reached its climax: the final match between the undefeated prodigy, Mary Kim, and the rising dark horse, Kang Joon-hyuk.

Mary Kim, the "Queen of Two Seconds," stood confidently on the mat, her piercing blue eyes scanning her opponent. She had a large and muscular physique, showcasing her extraordinary physical strength. Her shoulder-length blonde hair was neatly cut into a bob, and she wore round glasses. Clad in a white judo gi with a black belt, her aura was intimidating, reaffirming her status as an unbeatable fighter in the middle school championship. Compared to other girls her age, Mary had a much larger and sturdier build, making her a formidable opponent.

Joon-hyuk, standing across from her, adjusted his grip on his gi. His golden hair gleamed under the bright lights, his expression unreadable. This was his first official competition, yet he had crushed every opponent on his way to the final.

The referee raised his hand. "Hajime!"

As soon as the match started, Mary shot forward with lightning speed, attempting her signature two-second takedown. Her grip locked onto Joon-hyuk's sleeve and collar, a movement she had practiced thousands of times. The moment she felt contact, she twisted her body and executed an explosive Ippon Seoi Nage.

But Joon-hyuk didn't budge.

A murmur rippled through the audience. For the first time, Mary's technique had been stopped mid-motion. Joon-hyuk had anticipated her move and had subtly shifted his weight, preventing her from generating the force needed for the throw. Their gazes met—Mary's filled with disbelief, Joon-hyuk's calm and composed.

"Impressive," Mary muttered, adjusting her stance.

Joon-hyuk remained silent, his focus solely on the fight. He had studied Mary's fights before coming to the tournament. She was a master of momentum and timing, overwhelming her opponents before they could react. But Joon-hyuk's unique ability gave him an advantage: the longer he fought, the stronger he became.

Mary made the next move, feinting a low sweep before transitioning into a hip throw. Joon-hyuk countered by shifting his weight again, nullifying the attack. Realizing brute force wouldn't work, Mary altered her approach. She switched to rapid, relentless attacks—an attempt to break his balance and find an opening.

For the first few minutes, it seemed like the match was at a stalemate. But as time passed, Joon-hyuk began to change. His reactions became sharper, his counters more refined. The subtle shifts in his muscles indicated an increase in strength and speed. He was adapting, evolving.

Mary narrowed her eyes. "You're getting stronger, aren't you?"

Joon-hyuk finally spoke. "Every five minutes."

Realization dawned upon Mary. If she didn't finish this soon, she would be facing an opponent beyond her capabilities.

Mary lunged again, this time executing an unorthodox movement. She performed a deceptive step-back, tricking Joon-hyuk into thinking she was retreating before suddenly closing the distance. With a burst of speed, she caught him off guard and launched a flawless Harai Goshi.

For the first time, Joon-hyuk was airborne.

The audience gasped.

But just before impact, Joon-hyuk twisted his body midair, using his incredible core strength to shift his weight and land on his feet instead of his back. The maneuver defied logic—only someone with immense body control could pull it off.

Mary's expression hardened. She had never faced someone who could resist her throws so effortlessly. Sweat dripped down her forehead. She knew she had to take a risk.

Adjusting her stance, she prepared for her ultimate technique—a move she had never used in competition before. It was a modified Ura Nage, a dangerous back throw requiring absolute precision. If she succeeded, it would be over. If she failed, she would be the one in danger.

Joon-hyuk sensed the shift in her aura. She was going all in.

Mary dashed forward and secured a deep grip around Joon-hyuk's waist. She bent backward, initiating the throw. The world seemed to slow as she lifted Joon-hyuk off the ground, ready to slam him into the mat.

But then—

Joon-hyuk adjusted mid-air.

He locked his legs around Mary's waist, twisting his body in a movement that defied gravity. He used her momentum against her, flipping himself over and reversing the throw. Before Mary could react, she felt herself being lifted instead.

With a loud impact, Mary hit the mat. The referee's whistle blew.

"Ippon! Winner: Kang Joon-hyuk!"

The crowd erupted into chaos. Coaches and students gasped in shock. Joon-hyuk, the newcomer, had just defeated the undefeated.

Mary lay on the mat for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Then, a small smirk formed on her lips. She turned her head toward Joon-hyuk, who stood over her, offering a hand.

"You're the first to ever counter me," she said, accepting his help.

Joon-hyuk pulled her up. "You're the strongest opponent I've ever faced."

Mary chuckled. "Looks like I'll have to train even harder."

As they exited the mat, the cameras flashed, capturing the moment the Queen of Two Seconds had been dethroned. But rather than disappointment, Mary felt something new—excitement. For the first time, she had found someone truly worthy of challenging her.

And Joon-hyuk? He had just begun his journey to something even greater.