The Reflection

Jin-Won's mind reeled as he locked eyes with the knight standing before him. The resemblance was undeniable—the same sharp gaze, the same stance, but this version of himself was clad in gleaming silver armor, radiating an aura of authority.

Hori stepped forward, whispering, "Jin-Won… that guy looks exactly like you."

Lyria's breath was unsteady. "This can't be possible… unless—"

The knight narrowed his eyes. "Answer me. Who are you?" His voice was powerful, commanding. "And why do you wear my face?"

Jin-Won hesitated. How could he explain? The weight of time itself seemed to press down on him. "I… I don't know how I got here."

The knight's expression darkened. "You shouldn't be here." He raised his hand, and suddenly, the city around them flickered like a dream unraveling. The people, the golden towers—it all trembled.

Yun-Su grabbed Jin-Won's arm. "Something's wrong. This place is unstable."

Before they could react, the knight lunged. His sword, shining with a light unlike anything Jin-Won had seen before, cut through the air with terrifying speed.

Jin-Won barely dodged in time, rolling to the side. "Wait! I don't want to fight!"

The knight didn't falter. "Then you are unworthy to stand here."

The clash began.

Jin-Won instinctively blocked the next strike, but the sheer force sent him sliding back. His opponent was faster, stronger—his movements precise, perfected. It was like fighting an advanced version of himself, someone who had already mastered everything he was still struggling to learn.

Hori drew his weapon, but Lyria held him back. "No. This is Jin-Won's fight."

Jin-Won exhaled, steadying his grip. "If I really am unworthy," he said, eyes locking onto his opponent, "then I'll just have to prove you wrong."

The knight smirked. "Then show me."

The next exchange of blows sent shockwaves through the fading city.

To be continued…