Rumors of yesterday's cafeteria incident spread through J High like wildfire. By morning, almost every student had heard the same phrase:
"Don't go near Cheon Ming."
"He's even worse than the gangs outside."
But there was one person who didn't care about rumors.
Vasco.
The leader of Burn Knuckles stood in the middle of the courtyard, stretching his arms like a fighter preparing for war. His eyes were sharp, his expression unusually serious.
"Where is he?" Vasco asked.
His vice-captain, Jace, nearly dropped his phone. "W-who?"
"The new student. The one who scares everyone."
"V-Vasco, please don't tell me you want to fight that guy—"
"I must test his strength!"
Jace sighed in despair. "Of course…"
---
Inside the classroom
Daniel entered quietly. Ming sat in the same seat as always, staring out the window. He didn't blink much. He didn't talk. He didn't rush anything.
He simply existed like someone above everyone else.
Daniel took his seat beside him.
"Morning," he said.
Ming nodded slightly. "Daniel Park. Your aura is different today."
"Huh? Different how?"
"You're worried," Ming said. "Something is approaching."
Before Daniel could ask what he meant, the classroom door slammed open.
BAM!
Everyone jumped.
Vasco stood there, fists clenched, eyes blazing with purpose.
"Cheon Ming!" he shouted.
"Fight me!"
The entire class froze.
Daniel's soul left his body. Zack blinked in disbelief. Jay quietly raised a brow.
Ming didn't turn.
He kept his eyes on the window.
"Not interested."
Vasco took a step forward. "I fight strong people. And you are strong."
"That's your problem," Ming replied calmly. "Not mine."
The class whispered loudly.
"H-he rejected Vasco?!"
"No one rejects Vasco!"
"Is Ming insane?"
Vasco exhaled deeply. "Then I'll wait outside until you accept."
And he walked back out.
Daniel leaned closer. "Uh… are you going to fight him?"
"No," Ming said. "I will end him."
Daniel paled.
Was that a joke?
He couldn't tell.
---
At Lunch: The Confrontation
Vasco stood in the center of the courtyard, fists wrapped, ready for war.
Crowds formed a circle around him.
"Cheon Ming!! Come out!"
Ming finally stepped through the classroom doors, walking slowly like he was descending a throne. His purple hair blew gently in the wind. His golden eyes locked onto Vasco.
"You disturb my peace," Ming said softly. "That alone earns punishment."
Vasco grinned. "Good. Then fight me with everything you have!"
Jace screamed from behind him, "MASTER VASCO PLEASE NO—"
The fight began.
Vasco charged first—
a full-force punch like a tank.
Ming didn't dodge.
He raised his forearm.
BOOM!
The ground cracked beneath their feet. Students gasped.
Vasco stepped back, shocked.
"What…? You blocked that so easily!"
"I've mastered thousands of techniques," Ming replied. "Your fists are honest… but crude."
Vasco roared and unleashed a barrage of punches.
Left hook.
Right jab.
Uppercut.
Body shot.
Each one could break bones.
But Ming's movements were precise—
redirecting, parrying, sliding.
Wing Chun.
Taekkyeon.
Muay Thai.
He blended them seamlessly.
The Book of Knowledge whispered:
> Opponent: Vasco
Quality: Pure strength and justice
Weakness: Predictable rhythm
Ming stepped forward.
And struck.
DRAGON'S HEART STRIKE — palm to chest.
Vasco's breath exploded from his lungs. He staggered backward, dropping to one knee, chest trembling from the shockwave.
Jace screamed.
The crowd gasped.
Daniel stared in fear.
Ming stood over the Burn Knuckles leader.
"You are strong," Ming said bluntly. "But not worthy to challenge a dragon."
He turned and walked away.
Vasco didn't get up.
He couldn't.
---