A Lonely Walk HomeSang-Jaey sat by the window on the school bus, staring at the passing city lights. His mind was clouded with thoughts of how everyone had begun treating him like a creature rather than a human. A deep sadness settled in his chest. Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Sang, why do you look so down? Is something bothering you? Just tell me." Elvein, his long-time crush, spoke softly, her voice filled with warmth and concern.
Sang-Jaey, caught off guard, quickly looked away, trying to hide his emotions. "N-Nothing… just tired, I guess," he muttered, his cheeks slightly flushed. His friends, noticing his awkwardness, burst into laughter, teasing him about his obvious feelings.
As the bus ride continued, the lively chatter of students filled the air. They had returned from their school picnic, and everyone was in high spirits. The bus stopped at different points, dropping students off one by one. When Sang-Jaey's stop arrived, his friends waved at him. "See you tomorrow, Sang!" they called out as he stepped off.
Embracing LonelinessWalking through the dimly lit streets, Sang-Jaey pulled his jacket closer as the wind picked up. The flickering streetlights cast long shadows, mirroring the turmoil in his heart. The words of his classmates, the whispers of suspicion, and the fearful stares replayed in his mind. It was as if the world had suddenly turned against him.
As the sky darkened, the weather shifted. A sudden chill ran down his spine, and he quickened his pace. The distant rumble of thunder signaled an approaching storm. "I need to get home quickly," he thought.
Upon reaching home, an overwhelming emptiness welcomed him. The house was silent—no one to greet him, no warm presence to make it feel like home. His eyes watered, but he wiped them away and forced a weak smile. "I'm used to this… right?" he whispered to himself.
He walked into his bedroom, collapsed onto his bed, and stared at the ceiling. Doubt crept into his thoughts. "Did I really do all those things? Was that really me?" His mind swirled with questions until exhaustion took over, and he drifted into sleep.
The NightmareDarkness surrounded him. In the distance, a battlefield unfolded—a brutal clash between two figures. One man, his face covered in blood, turned and looked directly at Sang-Jaey. A cold shiver ran through his body. The man's gaze was filled with both rage and sorrow, and in that moment, Sang-Jaey felt an inexplicable connection.
With a gasp, he woke up, his heart pounding. He clutched his chest, breathing heavily. "What… was that?" he whispered. The morning sun had already risen, casting soft light into his room. He hurriedly washed his face, trying to shake off the unsettling dream, and left for school.
A Normal Day Turns DeadlyAt school, Sang-Jaey greeted his classmates warmly, and they responded in kind. Seeing Elvein's smile eased his troubled mind. "Good morning, Elvein," he said, forcing a grin.
As the day went on, he tried to focus on his lessons, but something felt off. A strange tension hung in the air. Then, out of nowhere, a violent gust of wind tore through the classroom.
Before anyone could react, Zoick appeared, moving at inhuman speed. His cold fingers clamped around Sang-Jaey's throat. "So, you're the one who astonished everyone, huh?" he sneered, lifting Sang-Jaey effortlessly before hurling him through the classroom window.
Gasps and screams erupted as Sang-Jaey crashed onto the ground outside. Students rushed to the windows, watching in horror.
The Battle – Human Limits ShatteredSang-Jaey groaned, pulling himself up as Zoick approached with an arrogant smirk. "Come on, show me what you got!"
Their battle began with human-like speed and strength, punches and kicks exchanged with precision. But as the fight progressed, Zoick's attacks grew more ferocious. His body moved unnaturally fast, his strikes gaining monstrous power. Sang-Jaey struggled to keep up, his body weakening under the relentless assault.
Zoick chuckled. "What's wrong? Tired already? I expected more from you."
Sang-Jaey clenched his fists, his vision blurring. Then, something within him stirred. His eyes flickered, their color beginning to change. A powerful energy surged within him, an overwhelming force ready to awaken.
But before anything could happen, a portal ripped open behind him.
A Demon AppearsZoick's smug expression faltered as he witnessed something impossible. "What… what the hell is this?!" he thought.
From the portal, a long, sharp blade shot forward, piercing Sang-Jaey's back. A sickening sound filled the air as the blade emerged from his chest. Blood dripped from his mouth as he gasped in agony.
Zoick's shock turned to opportunity. With a sinister grin, he extended his claws and drove his hand through Sang-Jaey's body, adding a second, devastating wound.
Sang-Jaey's body trembled. His vision darkened. He fell to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.
A towering figure emerged from the portal—a demon soldier. The air grew thick with a malevolent presence. The students screamed, their faces frozen in horror.
The demon took a step forward and spoke in a chilling voice, "I am Vitrious, a warrior of the demon realm." He glanced around at the terrified crowd. "From this moment, I am the ruler of this planet. You are all my slaves!"
Laughter rumbled from his chest, shaking the very ground beneath him.
The End of a Hero?Zoick, stepping back, snarled. "This planet will never belong to you!"
Vitrious's expression darkened. "Oh? And what will you do about it?" He looked down at Sang-Jaey, who was barely breathing, trying to crawl away. With a sadistic grin, Vitrious lifted his foot and crushed Sang-Jaey into the dirt.
Screams and cries filled the air. Elvein, Sang-Jaey's friends, his teachers—everyone watched helplessly, their tears streaming down their faces.
Vitrious chuckled. "See? This is what happens to those who defy me. Just like your so-called hero."
Then, with a final thrust, he drove his weapon through Sang-Jaey once more, flinging his lifeless body away.
Silence fell.
Sang-Jaey's breaths grew weaker… and then… stopped.
The hero was dead.