Chapter 5: The Predator’s Ascent

Jihan barely felt the pain anymore.

His knuckles were raw, the bruises on his body a map of the battles he had fought in just the past few days. But none of that mattered. He had won. He had taken down Kang Seok, and now the school was talking.

But victory came with consequences.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it out.

[New Passive Activated: Predator's Presence]

Effect: Lower-ranked opponents instinctively fear you. Higher-ranked opponents will seek you out.

Jihan exhaled sharply. So that's how the system worked. Every fight didn't just make him stronger—it shifted the balance of power around him.

He could already feel it as he walked through the hallways the next morning. Students whispered as he passed, eyes flickering with either admiration or unease. Some flinched when he made eye contact.

But there was another kind of look.

The kind that made his skin prickle.

Predators recognizing another predator.

Jihan knew it wouldn't be long before someone tested him again.

The Challenge

Lunch hour. The cafeteria was packed, the usual chaotic noise filling the air. Jihan had just sat down when a shadow loomed over him.

"Yo. Heard you took down Kang Seok."

Jihan looked up.

Joo Won. Second-year, leader of a small but vicious gang that ran most of the underground gambling in school. He wasn't as strong as Kang Seok, but he was smarter—and he didn't fight fair.

Jihan didn't answer, just kept eating. Joo Won smirked, grabbing Jihan's tray and shoving it off the table. The entire cafeteria went silent as the food splattered across the floor.

"You wanna act tough? Then back it up." Joo Won cracked his knuckles. "Fight me. Right now."

A notification popped up.

[New Mission Available: Assert Dominance]

Objective: Defeat Joo Won in public combat.

Reward: +2 Strength, +1 Reputation.

Penalty: Reputation -5, System Deactivation for 24 hours.

Jihan clenched his jaw. Deactivation? The system was forcing him into this. If he lost, he wouldn't just take a hit to his reputation—he'd be powerless for a full day.

He stood up slowly, rolling his shoulders. "Fine."

The cafeteria erupted in excitement as students rushed to clear space. Fights like this didn't happen every day—especially not between rising threats.

Joo Won grinned. "Let's take this outside."

The Fight

The schoolyard was packed within minutes.

Joo Won stretched his arms. "I'll be nice. First hit's free."

Jihan didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, throwing a sharp jab at Joo Won's ribs—but the older boy twisted away at the last second, countering with a knee to Jihan's stomach.

Fast.

Pain exploded through Jihan's gut, but he gritted his teeth, shifting his stance as he backed up. Joo Won was smiling, hands loose. Relaxed.

He was toying with him.

Jihan's phone vibrated.

[Combat Tip: Opponent specializes in counters. Bait him.]

Jihan exhaled, adjusting his posture. Fine. If Joo Won wanted to counter, Jihan would let him.

He threw another quick punch—deliberately sloppy.

Joo Won smirked, stepping in to grab Jihan's wrist.

That's it.

Jihan twisted, using the momentum to drive his knee into Joo Won's ribs. The older boy grunted, eyes widening in surprise.

Jihan didn't let up. He slammed an elbow into Joo Won's jaw, sending him stumbling back. The crowd roared.

Joo Won wiped his mouth, grinning. "Alright. Maybe you are worth something."

Then he rushed forward.

Jihan barely dodged the first punch before a second one crashed against his shoulder, sending pain flaring through his arm. Joo Won was stronger than he looked.

But Jihan wasn't the same weakling he had been before.

His phone vibrated again.

[New Temporary Ability Unlocked: Adaptive Reflexes – React 20% faster for the next 5 minutes.]

Everything slowed.

Joo Won's next strike came—Jihan sidestepped, catching the older boy's arm and twisting it behind his back. He drove a kick into the back of Joo Won's knee, forcing him down.

Joo Won cursed, trying to break free—but Jihan was already moving. He slammed his fist into Joo Won's temple.

CRACK.

The older boy collapsed onto the pavement.

Silence.

Jihan exhaled, stepping back as his phone vibrated once more.

[Mission Complete: +2 Strength Earned. Reputation +1.]

A slow murmur spread through the crowd.

"Holy shit… Jihan just destroyed Joo Won."

"That was fast. Too fast."

Jihan turned, meeting the eyes of several watching upperclassmen.

Their expressions were no longer dismissive.

They were interested.

Aftermath

Jihan walked through the school halls, his body still sore but his mind sharper than ever. He had proven himself again. But he also knew something bigger was coming.

His phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: Meet me behind the gym after school. We need to talk.

Jihan frowned. He didn't recognize the number, but his instincts told him this wasn't just another fight challenge.

This was something else.

And he wasn't about to ignore it.

End of Chapter 5