The whispers started the moment Seongjii stepped into the classroom.
He didn't need to look to know who they were coming from.
The bullies sat at the back, leaning toward each other, eyes sharp and judgmental—studying him like predators reassessing their prey.
"He looks different," one of them muttered.
"Yeah… let's see what he can do now."
Seongjii felt their gazes, but this time, he didn't flinch.
Not anymore, he told himself.
The bullies stood up and walked toward him, smug grins plastered on their faces.
"Still the delivery guy?" one of them scoffed. "Bet you won't last a day acting like this."
For a split second, the old Seongjii would've lowered his head.
But not today.
He met their eyes calmly, confidence steady in his posture.
Not this time… I won't bow down again.
Beside him, unseen by everyone else, Jennie floated lazily, her lips curling into an amused smile.
"Ahh… the moment of truth, mortal," she whispered. "Show them the new you."
Seongjii smirked.
"Wow," he said casually, "same old faces. Still full of jealousy. Did you forget how pathetic you looked chasing people like me?"
The air froze.
The bullies' faces flushed red instantly.
"What did you just say?" one snapped.
"You think you're better than us now?"
Seongjii's voice stayed calm—almost relaxed.
"Better?" he replied. "Not even close. I just decided to stop being invisible… and honestly? It suits me."
A faint, almost unnoticeable aura flickered around him.
Jennie leaned closer, eyes sparkling with delight.
"Ooh… savage, mortal. Keep going."
The bullies clenched their fists, stepping closer, fury burning in their eyes.
"You'll pay for this," one growled.
Seongjii didn't move an inch.
This is my moment… my strength… my rules.
Before things could escalate further, the classroom door slid open.
"What's going on here?" the teacher demanded. "Everyone, take your seats. Now."
The bullies backed off reluctantly, throwing Seongjii venomous glares as they returned to their desks.
Seongjii allowed himself a subtle smile.
"Saved by mortal laws… for now," Jennie teased.
Later, during lunch, Seongjii joined his friends.
Minho stared at him in awe. "Bro… you completely shut them up!"
Satoshi laughed. "Yeah man, their mouths were literally closed!"
Hyunwoo nodded proudly. "That's our Seongjii—finally standing up for himself."
Seongjii scratched the back of his head, cheeks slightly warm.
"Haha… well, it was about time."
"Ahh," Jennie said smugly, "basking in praise already? Enjoy it while it lasts, mortal."
When the school bell rang, Seongjii slipped away from the noise and climbed up to the terrace.
The wind brushed against his face as he stared at the open sky.
Jennie floated beside him, her tone suddenly serious.
"So… mortal. Ready to take the next step?"
Images crossed Seongjii's mind—his parents, his friends, Zoe's surprised smile.
I need to become stronger, he thought. Not just for me… but for everyone who believes in me.
His hand slowly reached for the lamp.
"My next wish," he whispered, resolve hardening in his eyes.
"I want mastery in every martial art. Boxing. Muay Thai. Taekwondo. Kyokushin Karate. Kickboxing… all of it."
Jennie's grin widened, dangerous and excited.
"Ooooh… this is going to be fun, mortal. Very… fun."
The lamp pulsed faintly in his grip.
To be continued…
Can Seongjii truly master every martial art?