The Breaking Point

Chapter-12: The Breaking Point

Kim Han sat alone in the dimly lit chamber, his back against the cold stone wall. His hands, still stained with dried blood, rested on his knees. He had killed before. But something about this time felt different.

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, and in those shadows, Han could see them.

His mother. His father. His sister.

All of them—dead.

Not just in the past, but now. In his mind. In his soul.

The boy they had raised had been murdered, just like them.

A heavy knock on the wooden door broke the silence.

"Come in," Han said, his voice hollow.

The door creaked open, and Ryuu Takeda stepped inside. His sharp eyes studied Han for a long moment before he spoke.

"It's time."

Han didn't ask what he meant. He already knew.

---

The training grounds were eerily silent when Han arrived. The usual sounds of clashing swords and pained grunts were absent.

Instead, there was only one person standing in the center.

Daichi Sato.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his white coat barely swaying in the cold night breeze. His crimson eyes gleamed under the moonlight.

Around him, dozens of masked figures stood in a wide circle, watching silently.

Han stepped forward, his heartbeat steady.

Daichi finally spoke.

"You have proven yourself," he said, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "You have endured more than most men ever will. You have become strong."

Han remained silent.

"But strength is nothing without obedience."

Daichi took a slow step forward.

"You have learned to fight." Another step. "You have learned to kill." His eyes narrowed. "But have you learned to obey?"

Han clenched his jaw.

Daichi gestured behind him.

Two men dragged a prisoner into the center of the circle. His face was bloodied, his hands bound behind his back. His body was covered in bruises and cuts.

Han recognized him instantly.

Master Kenji.

The old man who had once taught Han how to hold a sword. The man who had bandaged his wounds when he was younger.

The only person who had ever shown him kindness in this wretched place.

Daichi's lips curled into a cruel smile.

"This man tried to help one of our captives escape," he said. "A foolish, sentimental act. And now, he will die for it."

He turned to Han.

"And you will kill him."

A sword was tossed at Han's feet. The sound of steel against stone echoed in the silence.

Master Kenji, barely able to hold his head up, forced a weak smile. His voice was hoarse. "Don't do this, Han."

Han stared at him.

His fingers twitched at his sides.

Daichi took a step closer. His voice was cold, sharp. "You hesitate again?"

Han's breath was slow, steady.

His mind screamed at him.

Pick up the sword. Kill him. Obey.

But his heart—his heart still had a voice.

Daichi's patience was wearing thin.

"Kill him, Han. Or you will suffer a punishment worse than death."

Han lowered his gaze to the sword.

His fingers curled into fists.

This was the moment.

The breaking point.

Would he truly become the monster Daichi wanted?

Or would he finally fight back?

Kenji's voice, weak but firm, reached his ears.

"Your father wouldn't have wanted this."

Han's breath hitched.

His father.

The man who had taught him honor.

The man who had died in front of him.

Han's grip tightened.

He slowly bent down—

And picked up the sword.

Daichi smirked. "Good."

Han took a deep breath. One last moment of hesitation.

Then—

He spun around.

And slashed at the nearest guard.

Blood sprayed across the cold stone.

The silence shattered.

Daichi's smirk faded.

Han didn't stop. He moved like a shadow, striking down another guard before they could react.

The circle broke into chaos.

Shouts filled the air. Swords clashed.

Master Kenji collapsed to the ground, too weak to move.

Han stood over him, sword dripping with blood.

Daichi's eyes burned with fury.

"You dare betray me?"

Han didn't answer.

He simply raised his sword.

For the first time in years, he wasn't fighting for survival.

He was fighting for freedom.

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