One week ago.
The sleek black limousine glides smoothly through the bustling city streets. Nayun, clad in a sharp business suit, sits across from her grandfather, Chae Joochul, who peers through the tinted windows at the passing skyline.
"Nayun," he begins, his voice a low, gravelly rumble, "I've been thinking about the future of the Hero Association and Sinful."
Nayun raises an eyebrow, her eyes flickering with curiosity. "What about them, Grandpa?"
A confident smile plays on Chae Joochul's lips. "I've decided it's time to make a change. I want to replace the Hero Association with Sinful and take it to new heights."
Nayun leans back, a nonchalant expression on her face. "Replace the Hero Association? Why bother? They're so deeply embedded in the system. It's more trouble than it's worth."
Chae Joochul chuckles, a sound like distant thunder. "That's precisely why, Nayun. The system is flawed, and Sinful can offer something better. We'll break away from the government's control."
Nayun smirks, taking a sip of her orange juice. "Grandpa, you're dreaming. The government won't let that happen. And why would we want to be completely independent? I mean… in a sense, Sinful is already independent. From the way you sound, you seem to be suggesting we go public."
Chae Joochul's eyes glint with determination. "Independence is power, and true independence can only be gained when we are free... Hiding in the shadows has its advantages, but it restricts our potential. Follow my advice, and we'll be free to operate without restrictions, and Sinful will become a force to be reckoned with."
Nayun rolls her eyes, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hand. "You're being idealistic. It's not as simple as just breaking away. We need the government's support, or we risk becoming outcasts. That’s why we operate in the shadows in the first place."
Chae Joochul leans back, unfazed by Nayun's skepticism. "Times are changing, granddaughter. Sinful will usher in a new era, and I intend to make sure it happens."
Nayun smirks again, her gaze fixed on the passing cityscape. "Good luck with that, Grandpa. I'll stick to running Sinful the way it is."
The limousine continues its journey through the city, the air thick with the unspoken tension between the two generations, each holding firm to their vision for the future.
The conversation between Nayun and her grandfather is abruptly cut short as the limousine hurtles down the street. The sudden screech of tires and blaring horns fill the air, and before anyone can react, chaos erupts.
Without a moment's hesitation, Chae Joochul's eyes narrow, and he raises his hand. A swirling wind materializes around the limousine, forming a protective barrier just in the nick of time. The impact from the dump truck reverberates through the limo, but the barrier holds, preventing a catastrophic collision.
As the dust settles, Chae Joochul glances at Nayun with an impassive expression. "Ambush," he states matter-of-factly.
Nayun's eyes widen as she looks out the window to see the mangled remains of the dump truck. "Who would—"
Before she can finish her sentence, Chae Joochul acts with eerie precision. The limo’s window side just adjacent to Chae Joochul is opened. He flicks his wrist, and razor-sharp wind scythes shoot from his hand, slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. The scythes cut through the dump truck's windshield, and there's a sickening crunch as they find their mark.
The driver slumps forward, lifeless, and Nayun catches sight of figures hiding in the back of the truck. The wind scythes didn't discriminate – they were ruthless.
Chae Joochul lowers his hand, the wind barrier dissipating. He turns to Nayun, his expression unchanged. "It was an ambush," he repeats, his voice devoid of emotion.
Nayun, still processing the sudden attack, nods slowly. "But why target us?"
Chae Joochul's gaze sharpens. "There's more to this than meets the eye. We need to find out who's behind it and why."
The limousine comes to a stop, surrounded by the aftermath of the ambush. As Nayun and Chae Joochul prepare to face the unknown threat, the air is thick with tension, and the city's usual sounds are drowned out by the echoes of the unexpected assault.
Amidst the chaos and wreckage, Chae Nayun's instincts kick in. Her hand moves with precision, reaching into thin air and seizing someone who materializes before her. It's the driver, caught off guard and now firmly in Nayun's grip.
Nayun narrows her eyes at the driver, her voice laced with suspicion. "In cahoots with the ambushers, huh?" She tightens her grip on the driver’s throat.
The driver, struggling against Nayun's grip, smirks defiantly. "You're smarter than you look."
Nayun smirks back, recognizing the telltale signs of a stealth technique she's encountered before. "Hassassins, isn't it? You guys really need to update your playbook."
Chae Joochul, overhearing the conversation, frowns deeply. His eyes flash with a mix of apathy and determination. With a casual flick of his wrist, a laser beam shoots forth, piercing through the air and striking the driver squarely in the heart. The smirk on the driver's face fades into a grimace of pain before he crumples to the floor, lifeless. Nayun lets go of the offender’s throat.
Nayun raises an eyebrow, looking at her grandfather with a mix of surprise and mild disapproval. "A laser beam, Grandpa? Isn't that a bit much?"
Chae Joochul remains stoic, his gaze fixed on the now-motionless driver. "It's effective. We can't afford to be lenient."
Nayun sighs, realizing the severity of the situation. "Well, it's your show, Grandpa."
Chae Joochul ignores Nayun's comment, his attention already shifting back to the larger mystery at hand. The limousine remains parked as he and Nayun get out. As they regroup and assess the situation, the air is heavy with the unspoken tension that lingers between the two generations of the Chae family.
Quickly, Chae Nayun realizes what is wrong… the surroundings are too peaceful and empty as if they have been transported to another place. “I hope we are not in an alternate reality.” She remarks.
The aftermath of the ambush has left Nayun on high alert. She takes a deep breath, focusing her energy as she recalls the teachings of Hyon Hyung and his Soul Perception method. It's a skill she's been honing, integrating it seamlessly with her own martial arts.
In the dimly lit surroundings, Nayun closes her eyes momentarily, relying on her senses to extend beyond the limitations of mere sight. The world around her transforms into a delicate dance of energy, each presence leaving a distinct trace in the fabric of reality.
Nayun opens her eyes, a newfound clarity shining in them. With a subtle shift in stance, she extends her arms, palms facing outward. The magic power within her courses through, manifesting as an invisible extension of her will. Everything within six meters becomes a potential weapon, a blade forged from the very essence of her being.
As she moves, the air seems to ripple with latent power, and Nayun's movements become more deliberate. She's not relying on enhanced perception alone; she's wielding her magical prowess as an extension of her martial arts philosophy – Everything is a Sword.
A stray piece of debris hovers in the air near Nayun, manipulated by her unseen force. She studies it with a focused gaze, testing the limits of her newfound ability. The debris responds to her command, slicing through the air like an ethereal blade.
Nayun smirks, satisfaction glinting in her eyes. This integration of Soul Perception with her martial arts adds a layer of versatility to her combat skills. She may not have extraordinary detection abilities, but she refuses to be a victim of sneak attacks.
Out of the ether, a woman materializes with ethereal grace, her gray hair cascading around her like a silken shroud. She wears a cheongsam, and her smile is warm as she gazes at Chae Joochul.
"Old friend, how are you?" she greets amicably.
Chae Joochul's response is measured, his eyes calculating. "Do friends try to kill each other?"
Nayun, caught in the sudden tension, interjects, "Who is she, Grandpa?"
Chae Joochul glances at Nayun, his expression objective. "This is none other than the Seer, Juhn Jin—one of the Nine Stars."
Juhn Jin's smile doesn't waver; instead, she draws a sword and a fan from under her sleeves with a fluid motion. The weapons appear as if conjured by magic, and her eyes gleam with the anticipation of a confrontation.
"Well," she says with a hint of challenge, "I'm here for a fight."
The atmosphere crackles with the impending clash between old acquaintances turned adversaries.
The Seer raises her sword and stretches her fan. The metallic clang echoes through the air as she adopts a defensive stance.
"Chae Joochul, you're always surrounded by the elements. How fitting," she remarks, eyes fixed on the looming threat. “Truly an Immortal from the Heavens, isn’t that how you sell yourself? Truly arrogant.”
Chae Joochul, unfazed by the imminent danger, smirks with calculated confidence. "The air I breathe has a mind of its own, Seer. You'll find the elements of the world as my friends."
A blast of magic power suddenly resounds, causing the ground to tremble. The air crackles with energy, and Chae Joochul raises his hands, palms glowing with an ethereal light. The Seer narrows her eyes, sensing the impending danger.
A shadow emerges swiftly from Chae Joochul's flank, its form indistinct yet menacing. The Seer's gaze sharpens as she readies herself for the confrontation.
Chae Nayun, not one to stay on the sidelines, steps forward with determination. Her hand grasps the hilt of Balmung, a legendary weapon she has only recently mastered. The blade gleams with an otherworldly light as she draws it from its sheath.
"Balmung, show them your power," she whispers, her voice carrying an ancient resonance.
The shadow lunges towards Chae Joochul, but Chae Nayun intercepts with a swift and precise strike. Balmung resonates with ferocious energy, its blade cutting through the darkness. The clash reverberates through the battlefield, and the Seer watches with a mix of awe and wariness.
"Your granddaughter is impressive as always," the Seer commends, her eyes assessing the unfolding battle. "Be on your guard. They will be quite challenging foes."
Berserk red lightning sporadically bursts, illuminating the battlefield in an eerie glow. Yet, Joochul maintains his calm, his expression unwavering as he surveys the unfolding chaos.
The shadow, momentarily repelled by Nayun's fierce attack, retreats, revealing its true form. Nayun widens her eyes in surprise, the realization hitting her like a sudden storm. In a combat stance beside the Seer stands none other than Yoo Jinhyung, the leader of the Essence of the Strait.
"Jinhyung?" Nayun questions, disbelief coloring her voice. "Why?"
Jinhyung, wearing a bitter smile, meets Nayun's gaze. "For the sake of my daughter, Nayun. She deserves a future free from the shackles of our world."
Nayun, torn between shock and betrayal, clenches Balmung's hilt. "But we were allies, comrades!"
Jinhyung's eyes reflect regret as he nods solemnly. "You're a good kid, Nayun. But sometimes, alliances crumble, and friends become foes. We have to come to blows for the sake of our convictions."
Nayun's mind races, recalling Hyon's earlier warning about the possibility of a spy within their organization. It becomes painfully clear – it has been Yoo Jinhyung all along, orchestrating their downfall from within.
"You betrayed us," Nayun accuses, her voice laced with anger and hurt.
Jinhyung's shoulders sag, burdened by the weight of his choices. "I had no choice. For my daughter, I had to do what I thought was right."
Nayun, conflicted and betrayed, takes a step back. But then she grips her sword, and summons more of them— levitating from the sky are a hundred swords filled with magic power.
One week ago.
The sleek black limousine glides smoothly through the bustling city streets. Nayun, clad in a sharp business suit, sits across from her grandfather, Chae Joochul, who peers through the tinted windows at the passing skyline.
"Nayun," he begins, his voice a low, gravelly rumble, "I've been thinking about the future of the Hero Association and Sinful."
Nayun raises an eyebrow, her eyes flickering with curiosity. "What about them, Grandpa?"
A confident smile plays on Chae Joochul's lips. "I've decided it's time to make a change. I want to replace the Hero Association with Sinful and take it to new heights."
Nayun leans back, a nonchalant expression on her face. "Replace the Hero Association? Why bother? They're so deeply embedded in the system. It's more trouble than it's worth."
Chae Joochul chuckles, a sound like distant thunder. "That's precisely why, Nayun. The system is flawed, and Sinful can offer something better. We'll break away from the government's control."
Nayun smirks, taking a sip of her orange juice. "Grandpa, you're dreaming. The government won't let that happen. And why would we want to be completely independent? I mean… in a sense, Sinful is already independent. From the way you sound, you seem to be suggesting we go public."
Chae Joochul's eyes glint with determination. "Independence is power, and true independence can only be gained when we are free... Hiding in the shadows has its advantages, but it restricts our potential. Follow my advice, and we'll be free to operate without restrictions, and Sinful will become a force to be reckoned with."
Nayun rolls her eyes, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hand. "You're being idealistic. It's not as simple as just breaking away. We need the government's support, or we risk becoming outcasts. That’s why we operate in the shadows in the first place."
Chae Joochul leans back, unfazed by Nayun's skepticism. "Times are changing, granddaughter. Sinful will usher in a new era, and I intend to make sure it happens."
Nayun smirks again, her gaze fixed on the passing cityscape. "Good luck with that, Grandpa. I'll stick to running Sinful the way it is."
The limousine continues its journey through the city, the air thick with the unspoken tension between the two generations, each holding firm to their vision for the future.
The conversation between Nayun and her grandfather is abruptly cut short as the limousine hurtles down the street. The sudden screech of tires and blaring horns fill the air, and before anyone can react, chaos erupts.
Without a moment's hesitation, Chae Joochul's eyes narrow, and he raises his hand. A swirling wind materializes around the limousine, forming a protective barrier just in the nick of time. The impact from the dump truck reverberates through the limo, but the barrier holds, preventing a catastrophic collision.
As the dust settles, Chae Joochul glances at Nayun with an impassive expression. "Ambush," he states matter-of-factly.
Nayun's eyes widen as she looks out the window to see the mangled remains of the dump truck. "Who would—"
Before she can finish her sentence, Chae Joochul acts with eerie precision. The limo’s window side just adjacent to Chae Joochul is opened. He flicks his wrist, and razor-sharp wind scythes shoot from his hand, slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. The scythes cut through the dump truck's windshield, and there's a sickening crunch as they find their mark.
The driver slumps forward, lifeless, and Nayun catches sight of figures hiding in the back of the truck. The wind scythes didn't discriminate – they were ruthless.
Chae Joochul lowers his hand, the wind barrier dissipating. He turns to Nayun, his expression unchanged. "It was an ambush," he repeats, his voice devoid of emotion.
Nayun, still processing the sudden attack, nods slowly. "But why target us?"
Chae Joochul's gaze sharpens. "There's more to this than meets the eye. We need to find out who's behind it and why."
The limousine comes to a stop, surrounded by the aftermath of the ambush. As Nayun and Chae Joochul prepare to face the unknown threat, the air is thick with tension, and the city's usual sounds are drowned out by the echoes of the unexpected assault.
Amidst the chaos and wreckage, Chae Nayun's instincts kick in. Her hand moves with precision, reaching into thin air and seizing someone who materializes before her. It's the driver, caught off guard and now firmly in Nayun's grip.
Nayun narrows her eyes at the driver, her voice laced with suspicion. "In cahoots with the ambushers, huh?" She tightens her grip on the driver’s throat.
The driver, struggling against Nayun's grip, smirks defiantly. "You're smarter than you look."
Nayun smirks back, recognizing the telltale signs of a stealth technique she's encountered before. "Hassassins, isn't it? You guys really need to update your playbook."
Chae Joochul, overhearing the conversation, frowns deeply. His eyes flash with a mix of apathy and determination. With a casual flick of his wrist, a laser beam shoots forth, piercing through the air and striking the driver squarely in the heart. The smirk on the driver's face fades into a grimace of pain before he crumples to the floor, lifeless. Nayun lets go of the offender’s throat.
Nayun raises an eyebrow, looking at her grandfather with a mix of surprise and mild disapproval. "A laser beam, Grandpa? Isn't that a bit much?"
Chae Joochul remains stoic, his gaze fixed on the now-motionless driver. "It's effective. We can't afford to be lenient."
Nayun sighs, realizing the severity of the situation. "Well, it's your show, Grandpa."
Chae Joochul ignores Nayun's comment, his attention already shifting back to the larger mystery at hand. The limousine remains parked as he and Nayun get out. As they regroup and assess the situation, the air is heavy with the unspoken tension that lingers between the two generations of the Chae family.
Quickly, Chae Nayun realizes what is wrong… the surroundings are too peaceful and empty as if they have been transported to another place. “I hope we are not in an alternate reality.” She remarks.
The aftermath of the ambush has left Nayun on high alert. She takes a deep breath, focusing her energy as she recalls the teachings of Hyon Hyung and his Soul Perception method. It's a skill she's been honing, integrating it seamlessly with her own martial arts.
In the dimly lit surroundings, Nayun closes her eyes momentarily, relying on her senses to extend beyond the limitations of mere sight. The world around her transforms into a delicate dance of energy, each presence leaving a distinct trace in the fabric of reality.
Nayun opens her eyes, a newfound clarity shining in them. With a subtle shift in stance, she extends her arms, palms facing outward. The magic power within her courses through, manifesting as an invisible extension of her will. Everything within six meters becomes a potential weapon, a blade forged from the very essence of her being.
As she moves, the air seems to ripple with latent power, and Nayun's movements become more deliberate. She's not relying on enhanced perception alone; she's wielding her magical prowess as an extension of her martial arts philosophy – Everything is a Sword.
A stray piece of debris hovers in the air near Nayun, manipulated by her unseen force. She studies it with a focused gaze, testing the limits of her newfound ability. The debris responds to her command, slicing through the air like an ethereal blade.
Nayun smirks, satisfaction glinting in her eyes. This integration of Soul Perception with her martial arts adds a layer of versatility to her combat skills. She may not have extraordinary detection abilities, but she refuses to be a victim of sneak attacks.
Out of the ether, a woman materializes with ethereal grace, her gray hair cascading around her like a silken shroud. She wears a cheongsam, and her smile is warm as she gazes at Chae Joochul.
"Old friend, how are you?" she greets amicably.
Chae Joochul's response is measured, his eyes calculating. "Do friends try to kill each other?"
Nayun, caught in the sudden tension, interjects, "Who is she, Grandpa?"
Chae Joochul glances at Nayun, his expression objective. "This is none other than the Seer, Juhn Jin—one of the Nine Stars."
Juhn Jin's smile doesn't waver; instead, she draws a sword and a fan from under her sleeves with a fluid motion. The weapons appear as if conjured by magic, and her eyes gleam with the anticipation of a confrontation.
"Well," she says with a hint of challenge, "I'm here for a fight."
The atmosphere crackles with the impending clash between old acquaintances turned adversaries.
The Seer raises her sword and stretches her fan. The metallic clang echoes through the air as she adopts a defensive stance.
"Chae Joochul, you're always surrounded by the elements. How fitting," she remarks, eyes fixed on the looming threat. “Truly an Immortal from the Heavens, isn’t that how you sell yourself? Truly arrogant.”
Chae Joochul, unfazed by the imminent danger, smirks with calculated confidence. "The air I breathe has a mind of its own, Seer. You'll find the elements of the world as my friends."
A blast of magic power suddenly resounds, causing the ground to tremble. The air crackles with energy, and Chae Joochul raises his hands, palms glowing with an ethereal light. The Seer narrows her eyes, sensing the impending danger.
A shadow emerges swiftly from Chae Joochul's flank, its form indistinct yet menacing. The Seer's gaze sharpens as she readies herself for the confrontation.
Chae Nayun, not one to stay on the sidelines, steps forward with determination. Her hand grasps the hilt of Balmung, a legendary weapon she has only recently mastered. The blade gleams with an otherworldly light as she draws it from its sheath.
"Balmung, show them your power," she whispers, her voice carrying an ancient resonance.
The shadow lunges towards Chae Joochul, but Chae Nayun intercepts with a swift and precise strike. Balmung resonates with ferocious energy, its blade cutting through the darkness. The clash reverberates through the battlefield, and the Seer watches with a mix of awe and wariness.
"Your granddaughter is impressive as always," the Seer commends, her eyes assessing the unfolding battle. "Be on your guard. They will be quite challenging foes."
Berserk red lightning sporadically bursts, illuminating the battlefield in an eerie glow. Yet, Joochul maintains his calm, his expression unwavering as he surveys the unfolding chaos.
The shadow, momentarily repelled by Nayun's fierce attack, retreats, revealing its true form. Nayun widens her eyes in surprise, the realization hitting her like a sudden storm. In a combat stance beside the Seer stands none other than Yoo Jinhyung, the leader of the Essence of the Strait.
"Jinhyung?" Nayun questions, disbelief coloring her voice. "Why?"
Jinhyung, wearing a bitter smile, meets Nayun's gaze. "For the sake of my daughter, Nayun. She deserves a future free from the shackles of our world."
Nayun, torn between shock and betrayal, clenches Balmung's hilt. "But we were allies, comrades!"
Jinhyung's eyes reflect regret as he nods solemnly. "You're a good kid, Nayun. But sometimes, alliances crumble, and friends become foes. We have to come to blows for the sake of our convictions."
Nayun's mind races, recalling Hyon's earlier warning about the possibility of a spy within their organization. It becomes painfully clear – it has been Yoo Jinhyung all along, orchestrating their downfall from within.
"You betrayed us," Nayun accuses, her voice laced with anger and hurt.
Jinhyung's shoulders sag, burdened by the weight of his choices. "I had no choice. For my daughter, I had to do what I thought was right."
Nayun, conflicted and betrayed, takes a step back. But then she grips her sword, and summons more of them— levitating from the sky are a hundred swords filled with magic power.
