Chapter 4: Unlocking the Code

Jihan sat in his room, staring at his phone screen. The new mission notification glowed ominously.

[New Mission Available: Climb or Be Crushed.]

Objective: Defeat a top-tier fighter within 48 hours.

Reward: Speed +1, Special Skill Unlock.

Penalty: All Stats -1

He exhaled sharply. This wasn't like before. The stakes had just been raised.

If he failed… he wouldn't just lose an opportunity.

He would become weaker.

Jihan clenched his fists, his fingers tingling with the residual strength he gained from his last fight. The feeling of power, of control—it was still foreign to him, but he needed more.

His mind raced through possible opponents. He needed someone dangerous, someone recognized as a true top-tier fighter in the school hierarchy.

Then it hit him.

Kang Seok.

A third-year. Ruthless, brutal, and feared by almost everyone. He had been in countless fights, and no one had ever seen him lose. If Jihan wanted to make a name for himself, this was the fight.

The Next Day – School Courtyard

Jihan found Kang Seok exactly where he expected—leaning against the fence outside the gym, a cigarette hanging from his lips. A group of lower-ranked fighters stood near him, watching as Jihan approached.

Seok's sharp eyes flicked toward Jihan, and a slow smirk spread across his face. "You're the kid everyone's been talking about. The one who took down Taeho."

Jihan kept his expression neutral. "I'm here for a fight."

The onlookers chuckled in disbelief, but Seok's grin only widened. "That so? You got guts, I'll give you that."

He pushed off the fence, rolling his shoulders. "But guts won't save you."

DING!

[Mission Start: Defeat Kang Seok]

Before Jihan could react, Seok lunged at him like a beast unleashed.

The first punch was a blur, barely missing Jihan's face as he dodged to the side. Fast.

Seok didn't stop. He launched a brutal kick toward Jihan's ribs, forcing him to block with his forearms. The impact rattled his bones, sending him skidding backward.

Jihan steadied himself, his heart pounding. This wasn't Taeho.

Seok was different.

Stronger. Faster.

The onlookers laughed. "Kid's already on the defensive!"

Jihan ignored them. He needed a strategy.

Seok smirked. "Come on, hero. Fight back."

Jihan's eyes flicked to his phone as it vibrated.

[New Temporary Ability Unlocked: Combat Awareness – Predict enemy movements for 3 seconds.]

His pulse quickened. Now we're talking.

Seok charged again, aiming a devastating hook at Jihan's jaw.

But this time—

Jihan saw it.

A flash of motion. The trajectory. The weak point.

He ducked at the last second, countering with a precise strike to Seok's ribs. The older fighter staggered, his smirk disappearing.

The crowd gasped.

Jihan pressed forward, unleashing a barrage of punches, each one faster, more controlled.

Seok grunted, his defense breaking apart. He was slowing down.

Jihan gritted his teeth. One more hit.

He spun and drove his elbow into Seok's jaw.

CRACK!

Seok collapsed, blood dripping from his mouth. Silence filled the courtyard.

Jihan exhaled, his body shaking from the exertion. His phone vibrated again.

[Mission Complete: Speed +1 Earned. New Skill Unlocked: Instinctive Reflex.]

A slow, fearful whisper ran through the crowd.

"Jihan just… took down Kang Seok."

Jihan smirked, stepping over his fallen opponent. "Tell your friends. There's a new predator in this school."

And he's just getting started.

Aftermath

Jihan didn't go home immediately. His muscles ached, and adrenaline still pulsed through his veins. He leaned against a locker in an empty hallway, taking deep breaths. The fight was over, but his mind was racing. The system wasn't just about missions—it was about survival. Every challenge it threw at him pushed him closer to something… different.

A new notification popped up.

[Hidden Bonus: Dominance Achieved]

Reward: Strength +1, Reputation +5.

His lips curled into a smirk. So that was how it worked. The system rewarded not just victory, but complete control.

His reputation was rising. But that also meant stronger enemies would come.

That Evening – Rooftop Meeting

Jihan's phone buzzed with an unknown number.

"Meet me on the rooftop after school."

Curiosity and caution warred within him, but he knew he couldn't ignore it. As the sun set, Jihan climbed the stairs, pushing open the rooftop door. A lone figure stood there, back turned, overlooking the city.

"You're making waves, Jihan," the stranger said without turning around. "You've caught the attention of the wrong people."

Jihan's muscles tensed. "Who are you?"

The figure finally turned, revealing sharp eyes and a faint smirk. "Someone who knows exactly what you're dealing with. The system. The Dominance Code. You're not the first to get it… and you won't be the last."

Jihan's heart pounded. "You have it too?"

The stranger chuckled. "Let's just say I know how it works. And trust me—what you've done so far? That's just the beginning. If you don't get stronger fast… you're dead."

Jihan clenched his fists. He had just won, but a bigger fight was already looming.

And he wouldn't back down.

End of Chapter 4