Yi Shi-woon's confidence grew with each day of training. Movements that had initially felt awkward and difficult began to feel more natural, more fluid. His body, once thin and weak, now displayed a budding musculature, the result of constant effort and Master Goo's relentless guidance. Even his posture had changed; he walked with a straighter back, his gaze less shifty.
At school, although he was still somewhat of a loner, the bullies' attitude toward him had changed drastically. They no longer cornered him in the hallways or demanded money. They seemed to sense something different about him, a stillness in his gaze that hadn't been there before. Shi-woon didn't seek out confrontation, but he didn't avoid it with the same desperation he had before.
One day, during lunch, while Shi-Woon was eating alone at a secluded table, Chang-Ho and his henchmen approached. Shi-Woon felt a shiver of his old fear, but suppressed it, remembering Master Goo's lessons on self-control.
"Hey, Shi-Woon," Chang-Ho said, his tone surprisingly less aggressive than usual. "We just wanted to ask you... what happened to you?"
Shi-Woon looked at him without saying anything, waiting for him to continue.
"Ever since that weird guy showed up... you're not the same anymore. Are you involved in something?" another of the thugs asked, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of unease.
Shi-woon took a sip of his juice, remaining calm. "None of your business," he finally replied, his voice firm and confident.
The answer seemed to surprise Chang-ho and his friends. They looked at each other, uncertain. For the first time, Shi-woon felt he had the upper hand in this interaction. His training was not only making him stronger physically, but also strengthening his spirit.
Finally, Chang-Ho shrugged. "Whatever," he muttered before he and his henchmen walked away, sneaking glances at her as they went.
Shi-woon felt a small pang of satisfaction. He hadn't resorted to violence, but had managed to assert himself simply with his presence and attitude. It was a small victory, but it meant a lot to him. It was proof that he was changing, that he was no longer the helpless victim he had been before.
That same afternoon, during his training session with Master Goo, Shi-woon told him what had happened at school. Master Goo listened attentively, a slight smile on his lips at the end of the story.
"You see, boy," Master Goo said. "Strength isn't always measured in punches and kicks. Sometimes, the greatest victory is the one achieved without spilling a drop of blood. You've begun to project a different presence, a confidence you didn't have before. That's part of your training as well."
Master Goo then decided it was time to test Shi-woon's fighting skills in a more direct manner. He took him to a more secluded area of the wasteland, where the terrain was uneven and featured several natural obstacles.
"Today," said Master Goo, "we're going to practice mock combat. I'll be your opponent. Don't hold back. Use everything you've learned."
Shi-woon felt a thrill of excitement and nervousness. He had never faced his master in combat, not even a mock one. The difference in skill between them was immense.
The fight began slowly, with Master Goo moving calmly, observing Shi-Woon's movements. Shi-Woon tried to apply the techniques he had taught him, throwing punches and kicks with the greatest speed and precision possible. But Master Goo dodged them easily, moving with surprising agility.
As the fight continued, Shi-woon grew more confident. His movements became more fluid, more instinctive. He managed to land a few weak blows to his master's arms, which gave him a small boost of morale.
At one point, Shi-Woon took advantage of an opening and launched a high kick toward Master Goo's head. To his surprise, Master Goo didn't completely dodge it, but simply blocked it with his forearm. The impact sent a jolt of pain down Shi-Woon's leg, but it also gave him an idea.
Remembering the lesson about using the environment to his advantage, Shi-Woon quickly stepped back, using a nearby tree as a foothold to launch another kick, this time aimed at Master Goo's ribs. This time, the blow connected with more force, causing Master Goo to take a step back.
It was a small victory, but for Shi-Woon, it felt like a monumental achievement. He had managed to touch his master, however briefly.
Master Goo smiled, nodding approvingly. "Well done, lad. You're learning fast. But this is just the beginning. You still have a long way to go."
The fight continued for a while longer, with Master Goo gradually increasing his level of difficulty. Shi-Woon fought with all his might, using every technique he had learned. Although he was ultimately defeated, he felt elated. He had tasted victory, however small and against his own master. He knew he was still weak compared to the true Murim martial artists, but for the first time in his life, he felt he had the potential to become truly strong.
To be continued...
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