From Peaceful Morning to the Calm Before the Storm
6 AM. In the secret training room beneath the bookstore, an energetic day had already begun. The underground space was larger than expected, with soft lighting installed on the ceiling that created an atmosphere like a high-end gymnasium. Various training equipment was organized along the walls, and special material training mats were laid out in the center.
Min-woo was deeply concentrated with the newly obtained Eternal Cycle Scripture fragments spread before him. Three ancient books lay in front of him, each emanating subtle energy.
"A fragment of the Heavenly Thunder Divine Art..." Min-woo muttered as he turned the pages of the ancient book.
The first ancient book was distinctive from its cover. Blue lightning patterns were engraved on it, and whenever he touched it, a slight electrical sensation was transmitted. Reading the contents, it was a martial art that maximized instantaneous explosive power.
[Analyzing New Martial Art...]
Heavenly Thunder Divine Art (天雷神功) - Fragment #3
Original Grade: Heaven-class Superior
Current State: 15% restored
Characteristics: Instantaneous explosive power +300%, extremely high energy consumption
Combination Possibility: 87% compatibility with Iron Wall Phantom Step
Expected Effect: Imbuing afterimages with lightning attributes
Risk Level: High-Medium (electrocution risk upon failure)
"Wow... this is amazing," Min-woo's eyes sparkled. "Each afterimage can even have lightning attacks added?"
The second ancient book, All Things Return to One Method, was even more mystical. The cover depicted multiple circles merging into one, and when opened, complex fusion theories were densely written throughout.
[All Things Return to One Method (萬物歸一法) - Fragment #7 Analysis]
Original Grade: Heaven-class Supreme
Current State: 22% restored
Characteristics: Integration and harmonization of heterogeneous energies
Core Principle: Perfect fusion of opposing martial arts
Combination Bonus: +25% success rate when combining with other martial arts
Special Effect: Prevents martial arts conflicts, greatly increases safety
The third ancient book, Infinite Sword Technique, was the thickest. It contained all theories and practices related to swords, with the part about handling sword energy being particularly impressive.
[Infinite Sword Technique (無極劍法) - Fragment #12 Analysis]
Original Grade: Heaven-class Supreme
Current State: 18% restored
Characteristics: Sword energy generation and long-range manipulation
Core Ability: Creating and manipulating invisible swords
Combination Possibility: 98% compatibility with existing martial arts
Expected Effect: Afterimages can independently generate sword energy
Beside him, Ji-eun was studying the All Things Return to One Method. She was reading the ancient book with a more serious expression than usual, occasionally noting important parts in her notebook.
"Ji-eun, how's that one?" Min-woo asked.
"Really amazing. This All Things Return to One Method is a technique that integrates different martial arts into one," Ji-eun said, showing him the book. "It seems similar to your combination ability. Or rather, this martial art might be the prototype of your ability."
Ji-eun opened one page of the book. It contained complex diagrams showing several circles gradually merging into one large circle, with step-by-step explanations.
"Look, here's a principle called 'Mutual Restraint and Generation.' The more opposing the natures of martial arts, the more powerful synergy they can create."
Min-woo realized upon hearing this explanation. All the combinations he had succeeded with so far aligned with this principle. The lightness of Phantom Step and the heaviness of Iron Wall Internal Force, the opposing natures of speed and slowness had actually created perfect harmony.
Cheol-su appeared at the training room entrance. He carried two cups of warm coffee and simple breakfast in his hands.
"You both got up early," Cheol-su smiled as he handed over the coffee. "Working this hard already on the first day?"
"Senior, these martial art fragments are really amazing," Min-woo said with an excited voice. "Especially this Heavenly Thunder Divine Art..."
Just as Min-woo was about to continue his explanation.
CRASH!
A tremendous collision sound came from upstairs in the bookstore. It sounded like someone had kicked down a door. This was followed by multiple footsteps and sounds of rummaging through things.
All three looked up simultaneously. Cheol-su's expression, holding his coffee cup, hardened instantly.
[⚠️ Danger Detected!]
Multiple advanced martial arts users approaching
Hostile intent confirmed
Invasion method: Forced entry
Recommended action: Prepare for immediate combat
"Damn..." Cheol-su muttered as he set down his coffee cup. "Did they find us already?"
Seong-min's urgent voice came from upstairs. His voice was clearly filled with tension.
"Cheol-su! Emergency situation! The Purification Alliance special forces have surrounded us!"
Cheol-su quickly pressed an emergency button on the wall. Instantly, the training room's lighting changed to red and an alarm began to sound.
Beep-beep-beep... Beep-beep-beep...
"Min-woo, Ji-eun!" Cheol-su said urgently. "It's an emergency. We need to hide these martial arts books somewhere safe first."
But before they could move, an even bigger commotion erupted upstairs. Sounds of furniture falling, people running, and...
"Everyone come out with your hands up!"
A cold, threatening voice came through a megaphone.
Min-woo and Ji-eun looked at each other. Both their faces showed clear tension and fear. But at the same time, there was a strange sense of resolve.
"I guess this is really the beginning," Ji-eun said in a small voice.
When Min-woo and Ji-eun hurriedly came up from underground, the bookstore was already in chaos. Several usually well-organized bookshelves had fallen over, and books were scattered on the floor. Seong-min and So-ra were watching the people in black clothes visible through the front window of the bookstore.
"How many total?" Cheol-su asked quickly.
"6 in front, 4 in back, and 2 more in the side alley," So-ra reported in a tense voice. "All are at least mid-level Qi Gathering stage. And..."
"And?"
"The one who appears to be the commander is Innate level. I saw him briefly earlier and his energy was extraordinary."
Seong-min looked through the window gap and provided additional information. "Their equipment is substantial too. Not only advanced detection equipment, but they also have some kind of special weapons."
[Battle Situation Analysis]
Enemy Forces:
12 special forces members (Mid to Advanced Qi Gathering) 1 commander (Early Innate level) Special equipment: Martial arts detectors, energy blocking devices, paralysis rounds, etc.
Allied Forces: Cheol-su (Advanced Qi Gathering + Infinite Guardian Corps secret martial arts) Seong-min, So-ra (Mid-level Qi Gathering) Min-woo, Ji-eun (Unknown martial arts level, high potential)
Force Difference: Numerically disadvantaged but possessing terrain advantage
Just then, the bookstore's front door burst open. A man in black combat uniform entered, with the Martial Purification Alliance mark clearly visible on his shoulder. Two more subordinates followed behind him.
The man who appeared to be the commander looked to be in his mid-thirties, with sharp eyes and a cold expression. He held a sword of unusual form, with a faint red light emanating from the blade.
"Remnants of the Infinite Guardian Corps," the man said coldly. His voice felt intimidating yet calculatedly cold. "Surrender peacefully and your lives will be spared."
Cheol-su stepped forward. Golden energy began to slowly emanate from his body.
"Ha, spare our lives? After how many people you've made disappear so far." There was anger mixed in Cheol-su's voice.
"They were all dangerous elements threatening the safety of the martial world," the commander said as he slowly drew his sword. "Especially that boy. Kang Min-woo, wasn't it? You must definitely be taken."
Min-woo felt chills down his spine. They knew his name exactly. And they seemed to have quite detailed information.
The commander continued, "The energy wave detected at Building 3 last night... that was definitely a signal of an Eternal Cycle Scripture fragment being restored. And you were at the center of it."
"How do you know that..." Min-woo started to say in surprise but was stopped by Cheol-su.
"Min-woo, don't answer," Cheol-su warned in a low voice.
The commander said mockingly, "We already know everything. Kang Min-woo, you have a special ability to combine defective martial arts. And that ability is what we need."
"We?"
"What the Martial Purification Alliance pursues is true development of the martial world. If talent like yours is used under proper guidance, the entire martial world can advance to the next level."
Cheol-su laughed cynically. "Proper guidance... just packaging for your monopolistic desires."
"Judgment is not for you to make," the commander raised his hand. "I'll ask one last time. Will you surrender, or will you resist?"
At that moment, footsteps were also heard from behind. The back door opened and 4 special forces members burst in simultaneously.
"We're surrounded front and back!" Seong-min shouted.
The commander smiled coldly. "I hope you make a wise choice."
But Cheol-su's answer was clear.
"Our answer is..." Cheol-su said, emanating intense golden aura from his body, "fight to the death!"
The commander's expression hardened. "Then there's no choice. Begin the attack!"
In front, Cheol-su and Seong-min began fierce combat with the Purification Alliance masters. Behind them, 4 special forces members were charging toward Min-woo and Ji-eun.
Cheol-su moved first. The golden aura emanating from his body became more intense, and suddenly his skin turned metallic.
"Infinite Guardian Corps Secret Martial Art - Golden Rigid Body Technique!" Cheol-su shouted.
When the commander's sword touched Cheol-su's arm, a metallic sound rang out as if striking steel.
CLANG!
"What, this kind of martial art..." the commander was flustered.
But Cheol-su's counterattack was even more powerful. His golden-enhanced fist caught the commander's sword and twisted it.
CRACK!
With the sound of the sword breaking, the commander was pushed back.
Meanwhile, Seong-min was fighting two subordinates. His martial art was the complete opposite of Cheol-su's, maximizing flexibility.
"Flowing Water Sword Technique - Triple Strike!" Seong-min's sword moved like waves, pressuring the enemies.
But the situation behind was more urgent. 4 special forces members were charging toward Min-woo and Ji-eun, and their martial arts level was by no means easy.
"Ji-eun, what do we do?" Min-woo asked in panic.
"We have to stop them first!" Ji-eun answered with a determined expression.
The first special forces member began a straight charge toward Min-woo. He held a sharp dagger, and blue energy was emanating from the dagger.
[Combat Mode Activated!]
Analyzing enemy...
Target: Purification Alliance Special Forces Member A
Martial Art: Swift Wind Dagger Technique + Poison Enhancement
Weakness: 0.8 second stiffness after 3 consecutive attacks
Risk Level: High (beware of poison)
Recommended Response: Evade with Iron Wall Phantom Step then counterattack
'Now I really have to use it!'
The moment Min-woo activated Iron Wall Phantom Step, something amazing happened. His body instantly became blurry and 5 semi-transparent afterimages appeared. Each afterimage moved independently while maintaining perfect coordination with each other.
"What?!" the special forces member panicked. "Which one is real?!"
But what he couldn't know was that all the afterimages were real. Each afterimage moved independently while possessing 70% defensive power.
The special forces member swung his dagger at the left afterimage. But the moment the dagger touched the afterimage, Iron Wall Internal Force's defensive barrier unfolded and the attack was completely nullified.
CLANG!
"Damn...!"
At that moment, Min-woo's real body counterattacked from the right. Min-woo's fist, approaching instantly with Phantom Step's speed, struck the special forces member's side.
THUD!
The special forces member hit the wall and fell unconscious.
[First Enemy Neutralized!]
Experience +25
Real Combat Experience Bonus +10
Martial Arts Proficiency Increased: Iron Wall Phantom Step Beginner → Intermediate
"Min-woo, amazing!" Ji-eun shouted.
But the remaining 3 were charging simultaneously. This time it was a surrounding attack. One from the front, one each from left and right approaching.
"Ji-eun, this time seems a bit difficult..." Min-woo said worriedly.
But Ji-eun's reaction was different from expected. She suddenly stepped forward and extended both hands forward. Her eyes had completely changed from usual.
"Sorry, Min-woo. I've been hiding something too."
Clear blue light began gathering at Ji-eun's fingertips. The air vibrated and powerful energy was felt. Her hair began to flutter even without wind, and the ambient air temperature dropped rapidly.
"Clear Bright Palm Wind - Triple Strike!"
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Three spiral palm winds were simultaneously fired toward each different special forces member. The palm winds were not simple energy masses but traced complex trajectories while tracking the enemies.
The first palm wind sent the frontal enemy flying into the wall, and the second and third palm winds subdued the enemies approaching from left and right.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
With consecutive explosion sounds, all 3 special forces members collapsed.
[Rear Area Completely Subdued]
Ji-eun's Martial Art Analysis Complete:
Clear Bright Palm Wind Technique - Earth-class Superior
Characteristics: Long-range precision strikes, tracking function**
Proficiency: Advanced (possesses considerable real combat experience)**
Min-woo couldn't close his mouth. "Ji-eun... you had this kind of skill?"
Ji-eun scratched her head embarrassedly. When the battle ended, her expression returned to her usual gentle appearance.
"I've been learning Clear Bright style martial arts since I was young. But as I became interested in defective martial arts, I gradually started hiding it."
"Why did you hide it?"
"If people knew I could use perfect martial arts, I was afraid they'd doubt my sincerity about defective martial arts research..." Ji-eun said honestly. "And I didn't like standing out too much either."
Min-woo was moved. She too had her own secrets and concerns. Despite having the ability to handle perfect martial arts, she had believed in and researched the value of defective martial arts.
"But now there's no need to hide," Ji-eun said, taking Min-woo's hand. "Together, I feel like we can do anything."
In front, fierce battle was still ongoing. Cheol-su was facing the commander one-on-one, but with the opponent being Innate level and even drawing a new weapon, the situation was becoming unfavorable.
The commander threw away his broken sword and drew a new weapon from his waist. It was more like an energy sword than a sword. Red energy was condensed in sword form, and even the surrounding air was heating up.
"Now the real beginning starts," the commander said, swinging the energy sword.
[New Threat Detected!]
Commander Enhanced State Entry
Weapon: Flame Energy Sword (specially crafted)
Power: Elevated to mid-level Innate**
Cheol-su's Win Rate: 23% (very disadvantageous)
Support Needed: Urgent
"Senior Cheol-su!" Min-woo ran over.
[New Battle Situation Analysis]
Commander: Early Innate → Mid-level (weapon enhancement)
Special Abilities: Flame sword energy, area attacks
Cheol-su: Advanced Qi Gathering, focused on defense with Golden Rigid Body
Situation: Cheol-su disadvantaged, immediate support needed
"Min-woo, it's dangerous! Don't come close!" Cheol-su shouted.
But Min-woo had already formulated a plan. Now that he'd confirmed Ji-eun's abilities, new possibilities were visible.
"Ji-eun! Let's try a combination attack!"
"Got it!" Ji-eun immediately responded.
Min-woo activated Iron Wall Phantom Step again. This time 5 afterimages surrounded the commander. But the commander's reaction was different.
"This technique again?" the commander said, swinging his energy sword widely. "I've already seen it, so it's useless!"
Flame sword energy spread in a circle, attacking all afterimages simultaneously. In a normal situation, all afterimages would have been neutralized.
But this time was different. Ji-eun began moving in coordination with Min-woo's strategy.
"Clear Bright Palm Wind - Continuous Fire!"
Ji-eun began continuously shooting palm winds. But the target wasn't the commander—it was Min-woo's afterimages. This was a completely improvised idea that they had never practiced before.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
The moment the palm winds contacted the afterimages, something amazing happened. The afterimages absorbed the palm wind energy and became more vivid, simultaneously beginning to emit blue light. It was as if Iron Wall Phantom Step and Clear Bright Palm Wind were fusing into one.
[Temporary Martial Art Combination Success!]
Iron Wall Phantom Step + Clear Bright Palm Wind
Effect: Enhanced afterimages absorbing palm wind energy
Additional Ability: Each afterimage can perform independent palm wind attacks
Duration: 30 seconds
Success Cause: Impromptu combination based on perfect synchronization and trust
"How is this possible?" the commander was flustered.
The enhanced 5 afterimages simultaneously charged toward the commander. Clear palm wind energy emanated from each afterimage, and the commander was completely overwhelmed by attacks coming from 5 directions simultaneously.
"This... is impossible!" the commander desperately swung his energy sword, but he couldn't block all directions at once.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
With consecutive explosions, the commander was pushed far back. His energy sword also began to destabilize.
"Now!" Cheol-su shouted. "Let's end everything!"
Cheol-su activated Golden Rigid Body Technique to its maximum. His body turned completely golden, looking like a living golden statue.
"Infinite Guardian Corps Secret Martial Art - Golden Destruction Fist!"
Intense golden light emanated from Cheol-su's fist. This wasn't a simple physical attack but a finishing move combining energy and will.
CRASH!
The commander was embedded in the wall and completely knocked unconscious. His energy sword also disappeared, and other subordinates nearby were all neutralized.
[Battle Victory!]
Massive Experience Gained: +85
New Ability Unlocked: Cooperative Combination Technique
Special Achievement: Successful Impromptu Martial Art Fusion
When the battle ended, the bookstore was completely in ruins. Bookshelves had fallen over and traces of battle remained clearly on the walls.
"Is everyone hurt?" Cheol-su asked worriedly.
"We're fine," Min-woo answered. "But senior..."
Cheol-su had a wound on his arm from being grazed by the flame sword energy. Though Golden Rigid Body blocked most attacks, he wasn't completely unharmed.
"This much is fine," Cheol-su said with a smile. "But Min-woo, Ji-eun. You were both really amazing. Especially that impromptu combination... it's something that will go down in history."
So-ra hurriedly approached. "Save the congratulations for later, we need to get out of here first. It seems they sent a support request signal earlier, and more agents will come soon."
Seong-min checked the monitor on the wall. "Right, additional forces are already heading this way. They'll arrive within 5 minutes."
"Let's execute emergency escape plan B," Cheol-su decided.
They quickly gathered important materials. Min-woo put the three Eternal Cycle Scripture fragments in his backpack, and Ji-eun gathered research notes.
"But Min-woo," Cheol-su asked, "that impromptu combination earlier... how was it possible?"
Min-woo couldn't know exactly either. "I'm not sure. I just... felt like I could do it together with Ji-eun."
[Combat Experience Settlement]
Experience +85 (Battle victory + Cooperation bonus + Impromptu combination success + Defeating strong enemy)
Current Experience: 218/100
Level Up! 1 → 2
Additional Level Up! 2 → 3
[Level 3 Achieved!]
New Abilities Unlocked:
Advanced Martial Art Analysis: Can analyze up to Heaven-class martial arts Real-time Battle Prediction: Predict enemy's next action 3 seconds in advance during combat Ally Synergy: All abilities +30% when with trusted companions Impromptu Combination: Temporary martial art fusion possible during combat
"Wow... the system upgraded again," Min-woo muttered to himself.
Ji-eun asked from beside him, "What did you say?"
"Oh, nothing," Min-woo smiled awkwardly. "I was just thinking I learned a lot from today's battle."
Through the secret passage behind the bookstore, the group was able to escape safely. This time they headed to yet another safe house. It was a small cafe building in the heart of the city.
"This is also one of our strongholds," Cheol-su explained. "We'll stay here for a while and plan our next move."
Beneath the cafe was a small but perfectly equipped facility. Research room, training space, and even communication equipment.
"Today's battle made it certain," Cheol-su said, looking at all the members. "The Martial Purification Alliance has begun moving in earnest. And we can no longer just hide."
Min-woo said with a determined expression, "Then we're going to fight back in earnest too."
"Right. And Min-woo..." Cheol-su said seriously, "What you showed today isn't just simple martial art combination. It's evidence that the true power of the Eternal Cycle Scripture is awakening."
Cheol-su led Min-woo and Ji-eun to a new room. Various high-level martial arts books and special training tools were prepared there.
"From now on, real full-scale training will begin," Cheol-su warned. "But be careful. Not every situation can be resolved improvised like today."
So-ra brought out a special martial arts book. "That's why we prepared this. This is one of the Eternal Cycle Scripture fragments we've been secretly keeping."
[New Eternal Cycle Scripture Fragment Discovered!]
Splitting Sword Technique (分裂劍法) - Fragment #15
Grade: Heaven-class Supreme
Restoration Level: 25%
Characteristics: One sword splits into multiple
Combination Possibility: 95% compatibility with existing martial arts
Expected Effect: Each afterimage generates independent swords
Risk Level: Extremely High (mental fragmentation risk upon failure)
Min-woo's eyes sparkled. "This... looks really amazing."
"But be careful," Cheol-su said seriously. "This fragment is much more powerful than the previous ones. If you combine it wrong..."
"It's dangerous?"
"Yes. But if you succeed..." Cheol-su smiled meaningfully, "you'll truly gain the power to face the Martial Purification Alliance."
Ji-eun took Min-woo's hand. "Are you scared?"
Min-woo shook his head. "No. Together with you... I feel like I can do anything."
[New Goals Set]
Short-term Goal: Safe combination with Splitting Sword Technique fragment
Medium-term Goal: Prepare for the Martial Purification Alliance's full-scale attack
Long-term Goal: Collect remaining fragments for complete Eternal Cycle Scripture restoration
Outside the window, the evening sun was setting. So much had happened in one day. The first real combat, discovering Ji-eun's hidden abilities, successful impromptu combination, and discovery of a new Eternal Cycle Scripture fragment.
But Min-woo strangely wasn't afraid. He had trustworthy companions and himself growing stronger. Most of all, together with Ji-eun, he felt like he could overcome any difficulty.
"Really intense training will begin tomorrow," Cheol-su said finally. "But remember, Min-woo. Growing in power is important, but how you use that power is more important."
Min-woo nodded. Recalling the story of the Infinite One from 300 years ago, he made a resolution. He would never walk the same path. The power he would gain wouldn't be monopolized alone, but used for everyone.
Stars were twinkling in the night sky. As if promising even greater adventures to unfold ahead.
Next Chapter Preview: Dangerous combination attempt with Splitting Sword Technique, Martial Purification Alliance's large-scale counterattack operation, and discovery of another secret hidden within Min-woo...