Chae Nayun spits blood, a crimson splatter staining the ground. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, a feral glint in her eyes.
"Ngh... you're strong," she mutters, cracking her neck with a sharp twist.
Gripping Balmung tightly, she feels the vibrations coursing through the weapon. The broadsword has morphed, it has been compressed into a sleek curved sword. The transformation is evident in her firm grasp.
"Magic power compression, huh?" she thinks aloud, eyes narrowing in concentration. "Gotta study this on the fly."
A smirk creeps across Nayun's face, a sign of her determination. "I've got this."
Her foe’s magic power is truly phenomenal, and she has to adapt if she wants to win.
Nayun's eyes narrow as she faces Yoo Jinhyung across the battleground. The air crackles with tension as their magic powers clash and spark. Nayun, her movements fluid and precise, conjures ethereal blades that dance around her like deadly partners.
"I see you've picked up a new trick, Jinhyung," Nayun remarks, dodging a lash of his magical whip.
Jinhyung smirks, his fists clenched, the whip swirling around him like a deadly serpent. "Had to keep things interesting. You were getting too comfortable."
Nayun grins, parrying a strike with one of her shimmering blades. "Comfortable? I could breakdance through your attacks blindfolded."
Jinhyung's laughter echoes through the battlefield. "Let's see you dance through this, then."
To Nayun's surprise, Jinhyung's magic power shifts, forming a solid, shimmering whip in his hands. The once chaotic energy now tamed into a deadly weapon.
"Is that all you've got?" Nayun taunts, twirling her blades in anticipation.
Jinhyung's eyes gleam with a newfound intensity. "Not even close."
The battle intensifies as Nayun and Jinhyung engage in a mesmerizing display of magical prowess. Nayun's blades clash with Jinhyung's whip, the sound resonating like a symphony of conflict.
"You always did love a challenge," Jinhyung grins, his movements becoming more fluid as he adapts to his newfound weapon.
Nayun smirks, her blades weaving a complex pattern. "And you always loved showing off. A whip suits you, Jinhyung, but can you keep up? I will show you what I got!"
Yoo Jinhyung's laughter echoes through the air as he brandishes his crackling whip. "Marvelous! That’s right! Attack! Don’t relent! Push forward! Evade!
Nayun, with a graceful agility, twists and turns, narrowly evading the crimson electric arcs that lash out in all directions. Her movements are unpredictable, a mesmerizing dance of evasion. "Hmmm… This is getting annoying… stop looking down on me, you bastard!”
Jinhyung smirks, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Hey, you have to do better than that! Aren’t you the genius of the Chae Clan?" He flicks his whip with a flourish, and another surge of electric energy crackles around him. The arcs dart and weave like living creatures, hungry for a target.
Nayun remains focused, her senses attuned to the volatile dance of lightning. "You are strong, but it won't be enough to defeat me with just being strong."
As if in response, Jinhyung's figure flickers, becoming a blur of motion. His whip twirls effortlessly on his arm, and with a sudden burst of speed, he closes the distance between them. A swift punch is aimed at Nayun's abdomen.
Nayun attempts to block, but the force is overwhelming. She is sent hurtling through the air, crashing into the side of a nearby house for the nth time. The impact is powerful, but Nayun quickly regains her composure, rising from the debris.
Jinhyung's laughter echoes again, louder this time. "That feels good! Punching someone always feels good!" His berserk state is starting to reach his head, and he is getting more and more unruly.
He accelerates, becoming a streak of red lightning himself, relentlessly pursuing Nayun as the crimson arcs of electricity continue to dance around him.
Nayun rises, her eyes locked onto Jinhyung, who stands in front of her, a wicked grin on his face.
"I am not done yet, so don’t sleep on me, brat,” he taunts, twirling his whip with a menacing flourish.
She narrows her eyes, determination burning within. "You are not good at trash-talking, you useless doting father, son of a bitch."
Jinhyung lunges forward, the whip snaking through the air, wrapping tightly around Nayun. She winces but stands her ground.
"Not bad," he smirks, pulling her closer. “Now you are not going anywhere.” With a swift kick, he sends her staggering backward.
Nayun steadies herself, taking a deep breath as she faces the onslaught. "I won't yield to you."
Jinhyung charges at her, unleashing a destructive palm of crimson electric arcs. Nayun grits her teeth, enduring the shocking assault.
"You're tougher than I thought," he chuckles, relishing her struggle.
Summoning her strength, Nayun seizes the opportunity, grabbing the end of the whip. She winces as the coils tighten and disturb the flow of her own magic power, but determination fuels her resolve.
Balmung in hand, she raises the legendary sword, a glint of defiance in her eyes. "Take this, you bastard!"
Jinhyung slaps the legendary-grade sword with his palm, sparks flying. He follows up with a powerful roundhouse kick that sends Nayun flying backward… again.
She grits her teeth against the pain but doesn't relent. The whip becomes taut, restraining her as she struggles to break free.
"You are strong," Jinhyung sneers, “but not strong enough.”
No. Chae Nayun is strong, unreasonably strong… but again… a mismatch of attributes, something that Yoo Jinhyung has long realized. Most are weak to Yoo Jinhyung’s attributes, thus making him the most effective and efficient destroyer out there. This is also the reason why the Chae Clan has made the Yoo Clan their favorite lapdog.
Nayun channels her magic power, a surge of energy exploding from her being. The conjured whip disintegrates into shimmering particles, leaving Jinhyung momentarily stunned.
"Is that all you've got?" she challenges, eyes blazing with newfound determination.
With a swift motion, Nayun executes a horizontal slash. The sheer force of her attack razes everything in its path—houses, buildings, and debris fill the air. The destruction unfolds, leaving chaos in its wake, yet Yoo Jinhyung remains untouched amidst the wreckage.
Jinhyung, ever agile, rolls on the ground, narrowly escaping the devastation.
With two powerful steps, Jinhyung propels himself into the air, defying gravity. He lands on the ceiling with uncanny ease, a sly grin on his face. Nayun whirls around, her senses heightened.
"Surprise, surprise," Jinhyung taunts, springing from the ceiling and outflanking Nayun in a seamless display of acrobatics.
Nayun, fueled by relentless determination, slashes with her magic power. Within six meters from her, destruction reigns supreme—everything minced to small bits, not sparing even the once-solid floor. Jinhyung narrowly escapes the razor-sharp onslaught, debris flying in his wake.
The two warriors face each other, breathing heavily, the aftermath of their intense clash evident in their haggard appearance.
Nayun, eyes piercing through the chaos, remarks, "You must be suffering quite a lot, Jinhyung."
He chuckles amidst the wreckage, dusting himself off. "Daybreaker—Starfall, I received it fully, so yeah… I am hurting. I recall you used that during the Duel Rankings, but what is this? This must be a new move."
Nayun smirks, "Yeah, it uses the Soul Perception Method as a basis, so come here… have another taste at it. I might really end up cutting you down for good."
Jinhyung laughs, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Well, you've given me quite the beating as well. It's not a one-sided affair though, so you better keep your guard up."
The sun hangs high in the bright sky, casting shadows over the buildings where Chae Nayun watches Yoo Jinhyung's intense resolve smoldering. She can't shake off the growing unease within her as she witnesses his increasing strength. Jinhyung feels her confusion and decides to unravel the mystery for her.
Jinhyung stares at Nayun, wiping the sweat from his brow. He turns to face her, his eyes reflecting years of struggle and determination.
"For as long as I can remember, I've been the loyal dog of the Chae Clan," Jinhyung begins, his voice steady. "I fought for the sake of my masters, while at it, using my strength and gained influence to raise the rank of the Essence of the Strait Guild."
Nayun frowns, still unable to grasp the underlying motive behind Jinhyung's newfound power.
"But now," Jinhyung continues, "things are different. I'm not fighting for the clan or the guild. This time, it's for my daughter."
Nayun's eyes widen with realization, but Jinhyung senses the need to elaborate.
"Every action I've taken, every battle I've fought, I've always convinced myself it was for my family and daughter," he confesses. "But it was never truly real until now. This time, I'm not deceiving myself. I'm fighting for her, for real."
Nayun looks into Jinhyung's eyes, finally understanding the depth of his commitment. The sunlight plays on his face, revealing the weight of a father's determination.
"And it changes everything," Jinhyung adds, his voice a mix of resolution and vulnerability. "This time, it's not just about duty or loyalty. It's about protecting my own flesh and blood. It's real, Nayun. This time, it's all for my daughter."
The air is thick with tension as Nayun and Jinhyung exchange glances, their fight momentarily forgotten. Footsteps echo through the otherwise silent training ground, the rhythmic taps resounding on the concrete pavement like a prelude to impending change.
Nayun and Jinhyung turn their heads simultaneously, their eyes locking onto the source of the disturbance. A figure emerges from the alleyway’s shadows, his messy long dark hair framing a face that radiates an air of nonchalance. Bored eyes survey the surroundings and a hint of stubble graces his jawline.
Nayun can't help but mutter under her breath, her voice barely audible over the ambient noise. "Teacher Yoo Sihyuk."
The new arrival, Yoo Sihyuk, catches wind of Nayun's recognition and smirks. "Well, well, if it isn't my most boring disciple," he drawls, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and mock concern.
Nayun shoots him a skeptical glance, but there's a spark of familiarity in her eyes. "You look miserable, disciple," Yoo Sihyuk teases, a mischievous glint in his gaze.
Jinhyung, still processing the unexpected entrance, observes the exchange with a mix of curiosity and caution. Yoo Sihyuk takes a step forward, and the title that precedes him resonates in the air— "The Wolf of Valhalla, Master Rank Hero, and the teacher of Chae Nayun. That is me, Yoo Sihyuk." He proudly declares.
Nayun forces a half-smile, acknowledging the arrival of her mentor. "Yoo Sihyuk has arrived," she states, a mixture of reverence and exasperation in her voice. “But how the fuck are you here?”
Yoo Sihyuk nods, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "Let's get down to business, shall we?"
Chae Nayun's eyes widen in surprise as she takes a step back, her training sword held loosely in her grip. "What are you doing here, teacher?" she asks, a mixture of shock and curiosity in her voice.
Yoo Jinhyung, still processing the unexpected appearance of Yoo Sihyuk, chimes in, "You shouldn't be able to come here. We're in a pocket dimension."
Yoo Sihyuk smirks, drawing his sword with a fluid motion. The metallic rasp of the blade resonates through the air as he positions himself confidently by Nayun's side. "Ah, Jinhyung, my man," he says, a playful glint in his eyes. "I can enter this place because someone special called me."
Jinhyung raises an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face. "Someone called you? Who?"
Yoo Sihyuk chuckles, a mysterious aura surrounding him. "A certain someone who annoys me a great deal," he replies, his eyes narrowing in amusement. “How much do you know Hyon Hyung? Ah, anyway, don’t answer. I changed my mind… just know that I am here because I need to repay a favor from him…”
Yoo Jinhyung tightens the grip on his sword, his eyes burning with determination. "Looks like today's the day I kick the bucket," he mutters to himself with a bitter smile.
Nayun, standing nearby, shakes her head in disagreement. "Don't talk like that, Jinhyung. We're getting out of here alive, together," she asserts, her voice filled with conviction.
Jinhyung raises an eyebrow at her bold statement. "You sure about that? I am the enemy. The odds aren't exactly in my favor either," he remarks, still wearing that bitter smile.
Nayun locks eyes with him, her expression is unwavering. "I don't care about the odds. I have decided to bring you back, and that’s final. Struggle all you want. Kill me. You will fail."
Yoo Sihyuk, observing the exchange, can't help but roll his eyes. "You're being completely unreasonable, Nayun. We're in the middle of a life-and-death situation, and you're talking in absolute certainty that you’ll bring this doting father outside?" he exclaims, frustration evident in his tone.
Nayun shoots him a determined look. "Call it what you want, but I won't let Jinhyung die today. I'll do whatever it takes to keep that promise."
Sihyuk lets out a sigh, realizing the futility of arguing with Nayun's determination. "Fine, fine. I don't want to kill him either, so let's just get through this mess together. But I am not confident we can really restrain him… The Berserk Gift is not to be looked down on."
Jinhyung, sensing the shared sentiment, raises his fists high. "Let's do this then. Just to remind the both of you, I will attack with intent to kill you both." he declares, a newfound fire in his eyes.
Yoo Jinhyung cracks his knuckles. The dim light in the room casts shadows on his determined face.
"Look, Chae Joochul, and you, Chae Nayun," he begins, his voice steady. "We didn't trap you in this pocket dimension for kicks. It's all about buying time."
Chae Nayun glares, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Buying time for what?"
Jinhyung smirks, a mix of confidence and a hint of desperation in his eyes. "For survival. The Seer and I are not idiots. We know we can't take you down in a head-on fight, not even with all our resources pooled together."
Chae Nayun scoffs, crossing her arms. "So you resort to trapping us? Real brave. To what ends?"
Jinhyung takes a step closer, his tone serious. "It's the only way we can level the playing field. We're not confident we can kill both of you, not even with a two-against-one advantage."
Chae Nayun raises an eyebrow. "You admit your weakness? Interesting."
Jinhyung nods, a hint of frustration flickering in his eyes. "Admitting our weakness is better than underestimating yours. We're not fools. Moreover, we should have achieved our goals by now since in the long week of our fighting, Lancaster would have successfully retrieved the Miracle Stone from the Miracle Tower."
“W-what?” Nayun stammers, disbelief coloring her eyes. “What for!?”
Nayun shifts uncomfortably, her eyes narrowing at Jinhyung, who appears strangely composed. "How can you talk so casually about this, Jinhyung?" she asks, her voice laced with unease.
Jinhyung smirks, his confidence unwavering. "It's simple, Nayun. Some things are meant to be done, no matter how difficult."
Sihyuk, observing Jinhyung closely, narrows his eyes. He sees through the facade, recognizing the subtle signs of guilt. "You're feeling guilty, aren't you, Jinhyung?"
Jinhyung's grin falters for a moment, his eyes betraying a hint of remorse. "Yeah, I am. But there's no turning back now."
Sihyuk chuckles, the sound low and mocking. "Guilt has a way of catching up with people, you know. It's not as easy to escape as you might think."
Jinhyung's gaze hardens, a fire burning within. "Maybe so, but I've made my choice."
In a sudden burst of energy, Jinhyung's hands glow with a pulsating light. Magical whips materialize from thin air, crackling with power. The air seems to vibrate with the force of his summoned magic power.
Nayun's eyes widen at the display, realizing that Jinhyung may not possess the monstrous magic power she does, but his ability to recover and manipulate it is on a whole different level.
Sihyuk smirks, unimpressed. "Fancy tricks won't change anything, Jinhyung. You are outnumbered."
But Jinhyung, undeterred, swings the magical whips with calculated precision. “And then go and try restraining me then. I dare you.”
Chae Nayun spits blood, a crimson splatter staining the ground. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, a feral glint in her eyes.
"Ngh... you're strong," she mutters, cracking her neck with a sharp twist.
Gripping Balmung tightly, she feels the vibrations coursing through the weapon. The broadsword has morphed, it has been compressed into a sleek curved sword. The transformation is evident in her firm grasp.
"Magic power compression, huh?" she thinks aloud, eyes narrowing in concentration. "Gotta study this on the fly."
A smirk creeps across Nayun's face, a sign of her determination. "I've got this."
Her foe’s magic power is truly phenomenal, and she has to adapt if she wants to win.
Nayun's eyes narrow as she faces Yoo Jinhyung across the battleground. The air crackles with tension as their magic powers clash and spark. Nayun, her movements fluid and precise, conjures ethereal blades that dance around her like deadly partners.
"I see you've picked up a new trick, Jinhyung," Nayun remarks, dodging a lash of his magical whip.
Jinhyung smirks, his fists clenched, the whip swirling around him like a deadly serpent. "Had to keep things interesting. You were getting too comfortable."
Nayun grins, parrying a strike with one of her shimmering blades. "Comfortable? I could breakdance through your attacks blindfolded."
Jinhyung's laughter echoes through the battlefield. "Let's see you dance through this, then."
To Nayun's surprise, Jinhyung's magic power shifts, forming a solid, shimmering whip in his hands. The once chaotic energy now tamed into a deadly weapon.
"Is that all you've got?" Nayun taunts, twirling her blades in anticipation.
Jinhyung's eyes gleam with a newfound intensity. "Not even close."
The battle intensifies as Nayun and Jinhyung engage in a mesmerizing display of magical prowess. Nayun's blades clash with Jinhyung's whip, the sound resonating like a symphony of conflict.
"You always did love a challenge," Jinhyung grins, his movements becoming more fluid as he adapts to his newfound weapon.
Nayun smirks, her blades weaving a complex pattern. "And you always loved showing off. A whip suits you, Jinhyung, but can you keep up? I will show you what I got!"
Yoo Jinhyung's laughter echoes through the air as he brandishes his crackling whip. "Marvelous! That’s right! Attack! Don’t relent! Push forward! Evade!
Nayun, with a graceful agility, twists and turns, narrowly evading the crimson electric arcs that lash out in all directions. Her movements are unpredictable, a mesmerizing dance of evasion. "Hmmm… This is getting annoying… stop looking down on me, you bastard!”
Jinhyung smirks, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Hey, you have to do better than that! Aren’t you the genius of the Chae Clan?" He flicks his whip with a flourish, and another surge of electric energy crackles around him. The arcs dart and weave like living creatures, hungry for a target.
Nayun remains focused, her senses attuned to the volatile dance of lightning. "You are strong, but it won't be enough to defeat me with just being strong."
As if in response, Jinhyung's figure flickers, becoming a blur of motion. His whip twirls effortlessly on his arm, and with a sudden burst of speed, he closes the distance between them. A swift punch is aimed at Nayun's abdomen.
Nayun attempts to block, but the force is overwhelming. She is sent hurtling through the air, crashing into the side of a nearby house for the nth time. The impact is powerful, but Nayun quickly regains her composure, rising from the debris.
Jinhyung's laughter echoes again, louder this time. "That feels good! Punching someone always feels good!" His berserk state is starting to reach his head, and he is getting more and more unruly.
He accelerates, becoming a streak of red lightning himself, relentlessly pursuing Nayun as the crimson arcs of electricity continue to dance around him.
Nayun rises, her eyes locked onto Jinhyung, who stands in front of her, a wicked grin on his face.
"I am not done yet, so don’t sleep on me, brat,” he taunts, twirling his whip with a menacing flourish.
She narrows her eyes, determination burning within. "You are not good at trash-talking, you useless doting father, son of a bitch."
Jinhyung lunges forward, the whip snaking through the air, wrapping tightly around Nayun. She winces but stands her ground.
"Not bad," he smirks, pulling her closer. “Now you are not going anywhere.” With a swift kick, he sends her staggering backward.
Nayun steadies herself, taking a deep breath as she faces the onslaught. "I won't yield to you."
Jinhyung charges at her, unleashing a destructive palm of crimson electric arcs. Nayun grits her teeth, enduring the shocking assault.
"You're tougher than I thought," he chuckles, relishing her struggle.
Summoning her strength, Nayun seizes the opportunity, grabbing the end of the whip. She winces as the coils tighten and disturb the flow of her own magic power, but determination fuels her resolve.
Balmung in hand, she raises the legendary sword, a glint of defiance in her eyes. "Take this, you bastard!"
Jinhyung slaps the legendary-grade sword with his palm, sparks flying. He follows up with a powerful roundhouse kick that sends Nayun flying backward… again.
She grits her teeth against the pain but doesn't relent. The whip becomes taut, restraining her as she struggles to break free.
"You are strong," Jinhyung sneers, “but not strong enough.”
No. Chae Nayun is strong, unreasonably strong… but again… a mismatch of attributes, something that Yoo Jinhyung has long realized. Most are weak to Yoo Jinhyung’s attributes, thus making him the most effective and efficient destroyer out there. This is also the reason why the Chae Clan has made the Yoo Clan their favorite lapdog.
Nayun channels her magic power, a surge of energy exploding from her being. The conjured whip disintegrates into shimmering particles, leaving Jinhyung momentarily stunned.
"Is that all you've got?" she challenges, eyes blazing with newfound determination.
With a swift motion, Nayun executes a horizontal slash. The sheer force of her attack razes everything in its path—houses, buildings, and debris fill the air. The destruction unfolds, leaving chaos in its wake, yet Yoo Jinhyung remains untouched amidst the wreckage.
Jinhyung, ever agile, rolls on the ground, narrowly escaping the devastation.
With two powerful steps, Jinhyung propels himself into the air, defying gravity. He lands on the ceiling with uncanny ease, a sly grin on his face. Nayun whirls around, her senses heightened.
"Surprise, surprise," Jinhyung taunts, springing from the ceiling and outflanking Nayun in a seamless display of acrobatics.
Nayun, fueled by relentless determination, slashes with her magic power. Within six meters from her, destruction reigns supreme—everything minced to small bits, not sparing even the once-solid floor. Jinhyung narrowly escapes the razor-sharp onslaught, debris flying in his wake.
The two warriors face each other, breathing heavily, the aftermath of their intense clash evident in their haggard appearance.
Nayun, eyes piercing through the chaos, remarks, "You must be suffering quite a lot, Jinhyung."
He chuckles amidst the wreckage, dusting himself off. "Daybreaker—Starfall, I received it fully, so yeah… I am hurting. I recall you used that during the Duel Rankings, but what is this? This must be a new move."
Nayun smirks, "Yeah, it uses the Soul Perception Method as a basis, so come here… have another taste at it. I might really end up cutting you down for good."
Jinhyung laughs, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Well, you've given me quite the beating as well. It's not a one-sided affair though, so you better keep your guard up."
The sun hangs high in the bright sky, casting shadows over the buildings where Chae Nayun watches Yoo Jinhyung's intense resolve smoldering. She can't shake off the growing unease within her as she witnesses his increasing strength. Jinhyung feels her confusion and decides to unravel the mystery for her.
Jinhyung stares at Nayun, wiping the sweat from his brow. He turns to face her, his eyes reflecting years of struggle and determination.
"For as long as I can remember, I've been the loyal dog of the Chae Clan," Jinhyung begins, his voice steady. "I fought for the sake of my masters, while at it, using my strength and gained influence to raise the rank of the Essence of the Strait Guild."
Nayun frowns, still unable to grasp the underlying motive behind Jinhyung's newfound power.
"But now," Jinhyung continues, "things are different. I'm not fighting for the clan or the guild. This time, it's for my daughter."
Nayun's eyes widen with realization, but Jinhyung senses the need to elaborate.
"Every action I've taken, every battle I've fought, I've always convinced myself it was for my family and daughter," he confesses. "But it was never truly real until now. This time, I'm not deceiving myself. I'm fighting for her, for real."
Nayun looks into Jinhyung's eyes, finally understanding the depth of his commitment. The sunlight plays on his face, revealing the weight of a father's determination.
"And it changes everything," Jinhyung adds, his voice a mix of resolution and vulnerability. "This time, it's not just about duty or loyalty. It's about protecting my own flesh and blood. It's real, Nayun. This time, it's all for my daughter."
The air is thick with tension as Nayun and Jinhyung exchange glances, their fight momentarily forgotten. Footsteps echo through the otherwise silent training ground, the rhythmic taps resounding on the concrete pavement like a prelude to impending change.
Nayun and Jinhyung turn their heads simultaneously, their eyes locking onto the source of the disturbance. A figure emerges from the alleyway’s shadows, his messy long dark hair framing a face that radiates an air of nonchalance. Bored eyes survey the surroundings and a hint of stubble graces his jawline.
Nayun can't help but mutter under her breath, her voice barely audible over the ambient noise. "Teacher Yoo Sihyuk."
The new arrival, Yoo Sihyuk, catches wind of Nayun's recognition and smirks. "Well, well, if it isn't my most boring disciple," he drawls, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and mock concern.
Nayun shoots him a skeptical glance, but there's a spark of familiarity in her eyes. "You look miserable, disciple," Yoo Sihyuk teases, a mischievous glint in his gaze.
Jinhyung, still processing the unexpected entrance, observes the exchange with a mix of curiosity and caution. Yoo Sihyuk takes a step forward, and the title that precedes him resonates in the air— "The Wolf of Valhalla, Master Rank Hero, and the teacher of Chae Nayun. That is me, Yoo Sihyuk." He proudly declares.
Nayun forces a half-smile, acknowledging the arrival of her mentor. "Yoo Sihyuk has arrived," she states, a mixture of reverence and exasperation in her voice. “But how the fuck are you here?”
Yoo Sihyuk nods, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "Let's get down to business, shall we?"
Chae Nayun's eyes widen in surprise as she takes a step back, her training sword held loosely in her grip. "What are you doing here, teacher?" she asks, a mixture of shock and curiosity in her voice.
Yoo Jinhyung, still processing the unexpected appearance of Yoo Sihyuk, chimes in, "You shouldn't be able to come here. We're in a pocket dimension."
Yoo Sihyuk smirks, drawing his sword with a fluid motion. The metallic rasp of the blade resonates through the air as he positions himself confidently by Nayun's side. "Ah, Jinhyung, my man," he says, a playful glint in his eyes. "I can enter this place because someone special called me."
Jinhyung raises an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face. "Someone called you? Who?"
Yoo Sihyuk chuckles, a mysterious aura surrounding him. "A certain someone who annoys me a great deal," he replies, his eyes narrowing in amusement. “How much do you know Hyon Hyung? Ah, anyway, don’t answer. I changed my mind… just know that I am here because I need to repay a favor from him…”
Yoo Jinhyung tightens the grip on his sword, his eyes burning with determination. "Looks like today's the day I kick the bucket," he mutters to himself with a bitter smile.
Nayun, standing nearby, shakes her head in disagreement. "Don't talk like that, Jinhyung. We're getting out of here alive, together," she asserts, her voice filled with conviction.
Jinhyung raises an eyebrow at her bold statement. "You sure about that? I am the enemy. The odds aren't exactly in my favor either," he remarks, still wearing that bitter smile.
Nayun locks eyes with him, her expression is unwavering. "I don't care about the odds. I have decided to bring you back, and that’s final. Struggle all you want. Kill me. You will fail."
Yoo Sihyuk, observing the exchange, can't help but roll his eyes. "You're being completely unreasonable, Nayun. We're in the middle of a life-and-death situation, and you're talking in absolute certainty that you’ll bring this doting father outside?" he exclaims, frustration evident in his tone.
Nayun shoots him a determined look. "Call it what you want, but I won't let Jinhyung die today. I'll do whatever it takes to keep that promise."
Sihyuk lets out a sigh, realizing the futility of arguing with Nayun's determination. "Fine, fine. I don't want to kill him either, so let's just get through this mess together. But I am not confident we can really restrain him… The Berserk Gift is not to be looked down on."
Jinhyung, sensing the shared sentiment, raises his fists high. "Let's do this then. Just to remind the both of you, I will attack with intent to kill you both." he declares, a newfound fire in his eyes.
Yoo Jinhyung cracks his knuckles. The dim light in the room casts shadows on his determined face.
"Look, Chae Joochul, and you, Chae Nayun," he begins, his voice steady. "We didn't trap you in this pocket dimension for kicks. It's all about buying time."
Chae Nayun glares, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Buying time for what?"
Jinhyung smirks, a mix of confidence and a hint of desperation in his eyes. "For survival. The Seer and I are not idiots. We know we can't take you down in a head-on fight, not even with all our resources pooled together."
Chae Nayun scoffs, crossing her arms. "So you resort to trapping us? Real brave. To what ends?"
Jinhyung takes a step closer, his tone serious. "It's the only way we can level the playing field. We're not confident we can kill both of you, not even with a two-against-one advantage."
Chae Nayun raises an eyebrow. "You admit your weakness? Interesting."
Jinhyung nods, a hint of frustration flickering in his eyes. "Admitting our weakness is better than underestimating yours. We're not fools. Moreover, we should have achieved our goals by now since in the long week of our fighting, Lancaster would have successfully retrieved the Miracle Stone from the Miracle Tower."
“W-what?” Nayun stammers, disbelief coloring her eyes. “What for!?”
Nayun shifts uncomfortably, her eyes narrowing at Jinhyung, who appears strangely composed. "How can you talk so casually about this, Jinhyung?" she asks, her voice laced with unease.
Jinhyung smirks, his confidence unwavering. "It's simple, Nayun. Some things are meant to be done, no matter how difficult."
Sihyuk, observing Jinhyung closely, narrows his eyes. He sees through the facade, recognizing the subtle signs of guilt. "You're feeling guilty, aren't you, Jinhyung?"
Jinhyung's grin falters for a moment, his eyes betraying a hint of remorse. "Yeah, I am. But there's no turning back now."
Sihyuk chuckles, the sound low and mocking. "Guilt has a way of catching up with people, you know. It's not as easy to escape as you might think."
Jinhyung's gaze hardens, a fire burning within. "Maybe so, but I've made my choice."
In a sudden burst of energy, Jinhyung's hands glow with a pulsating light. Magical whips materialize from thin air, crackling with power. The air seems to vibrate with the force of his summoned magic power.
Nayun's eyes widen at the display, realizing that Jinhyung may not possess the monstrous magic power she does, but his ability to recover and manipulate it is on a whole different level.
Sihyuk smirks, unimpressed. "Fancy tricks won't change anything, Jinhyung. You are outnumbered."
But Jinhyung, undeterred, swings the magical whips with calculated precision. “And then go and try restraining me then. I dare you.”
