Chapter 6: The Hidden Hand

Jihan felt the ache in his muscles with every step, but he welcomed it. Pain meant growth. Pain meant he had survived. As he made his way toward the back of the gym, his mind replayed the fight with Joo Won.

He had won—dominated—but the way the system pushed him forward concerned him. Who controlled it? What was its true purpose?

The text message had given no name, no explanation. Just an order.

He didn't like following orders.

The gym was silent as he reached the back alleyway. A single streetlight flickered, casting long shadows. Jihan's phone buzzed.

[New Mission: Unknown Contact]

Objective: Meet with the sender of the message.

Reward: System Upgrade Information

Penalty: System Activity Restricted for 12 Hours

Another forced mission. He clenched his fists, stepping into the shadows.

A figure leaned against the wall. Tall, confident, dangerous. The moonlight caught the sharp edges of his face as he smirked at Jihan.

"You're making waves, rookie."

Jihan's instincts screamed at him. This man was no ordinary student.

"Who are you?" Jihan asked, his tone firm.

The stranger chuckled. "Just someone who recognizes potential. I saw your fight. You're different. But raw. You have strength, but do you know how to use it?"

Jihan narrowed his eyes. "And what? You're here to teach me?"

The man pushed off the wall, stepping closer. No fear. No hesitation.

"No. I'm here to warn you. You think Kang Seok and Joo Won were tough? They're nothing compared to what's coming. You stepped into a battlefield without knowing the war."

Jihan remained silent, his mind racing. Was this guy part of a bigger group? The system had mentioned higher-ranked opponents seeking him out. Was this one of them?

The man smirked again. "Don't believe me? Let me show you what real power looks like."

[New Mission: Prove Yourself]

Objective: Survive 3 minutes against the unknown fighter.

Reward: +1 Agility, +1 Endurance

Penalty: -3 Strength for 24 Hours

Jihan barely had time to react before the stranger attacked.

The Test

Jihan dodged the first punch by instinct alone. Fast. The air itself seemed to bend around the man's movements.

A second blow came, a blur toward his ribs—Jihan twisted, barely deflecting it. His entire arm went numb.

What the hell?!

The stranger didn't stop. He was a storm, relentless, precise. Jihan couldn't find an opening.

His phone vibrated in his pocket.

[Combat Tip: Use your environment.]

Jihan gritted his teeth. If a direct fight wouldn't work—he'd adapt.

He feinted left, baiting an attack, then ducked low and slammed his foot against a pile of broken bricks nearby. Dust exploded into the air.

The stranger coughed, his vision momentarily blurred.

Jihan struck. A low kick to the knee. A jab to the ribs. He moved fast, pushing his advantage.

The man stumbled but grinned. Enjoying himself.

"That's more like it."

He surged forward again. Jihan barely managed to keep up, but time was on his side. Only 30 more seconds.

Jihan dodged, twisted, and absorbed blows that rattled his bones, but he refused to fall. His body screamed in protest, but he forced himself to keep moving.

10 seconds.

A final strike came at his face. Jihan barely managed to block it before the mission completion sound chimed in his mind.

[Mission Complete: +1 Agility, +1 Endurance Earned]

The stranger stopped, stepping back. "Not bad. You lasted. That's more than most."

Jihan gasped for air, sweat dripping from his forehead. "Who… are you?"

The man smirked. "You'll find out soon. Just remember—this was a warm-up. The real threats? They won't be so kind."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Jihan standing there, stronger than before but with more questions than ever.

Aftermath

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

His phone buzzed one last time before the night ended.

[New System Notification: Elite Opponents Have Taken Notice.]

Jihan smirked.

Let them come.

End of Chapter 6