The cool breeze on the school terrace brushed against Seongjii's face as he stood there, the golden lamp held firmly in his hands. His grip was steady—no hesitation this time.
He exhaled slowly.
"I wish… mastery in every martial art," Seongjii said firmly.
"Boxing. Muay Thai. Taekwondo. Kyokushin Karate. Kickboxing… everything."
For a moment, the world went silent.
Then—
The lamp exploded with light.
Golden energy spiraled around Seongjii's body, lifting him slightly off the ground. His vision blurred as something unfamiliar yet overwhelming poured into his mind—movements, stances, instincts, reflexes.
Jennie floated in front of him, eyes glowing with excitement.
"Ooooh… bold choice, mortal," she laughed. "Don't back out now."
The energy struck deeper.
Seongjii clenched his fists as knowledge carved itself into his muscles and nerves. His body moved on instinct—fast, sharp, precise.
His fists flew through the air like lightning.
Punch. Step. Pivot. Strike.
Sweat flew as his boxing form sharpened instantly.
"Faster!" Jennie teased, floating beside him. "Those hands aren't decorations!"
Seongjii shifted, his legs snapping into powerful Muay Thai kicks. His balance wavered for a split second—he almost stumbled.
Jennie burst out laughing.
"Careful, mortal! Try not to knock yourself out!"
Grinding his teeth, Seongjii steadied himself.
Again.
And again.
Taekwondo footwork flowed into Kyokushin stances. His body began to remember—not learn, but remember—as if these skills had always belonged to him.
He breathed deeply, eyes burning with determination.
"No shortcuts," he muttered. "Only patience."
Hours seemed to pass in moments.
Finally, Seongjii executed a flawless combination—boxing into kicks, elbows into counters—every movement sharp and controlled. The golden aura around him slowly faded.
Jennie hovered quietly for once, then smiled.
"Well done," she said softly. "Full mastery achieved. Don't tell me you're already tired."
Seongjii wiped sweat from his forehead and laughed weakly.
"I think… I survived."
Later that evening, as he stepped outside for deliveries, neighbors stopped to stare.
"Seongjii? Is that really you?"
"You look incredible!"
He scratched his head shyly, offering a small smile before riding off.
At dinner, his parents watched him with warmth in their eyes.
"You've really grown," his father said quietly.
"Inside and out," his mother added.
Seongjii looked down at his plate, feeling something he hadn't felt in a long time—pride.
"Thanks," he whispered.
Jennie smirked from the lamp.
"Careful, mortal… confidence can be addictive."
The next morning, Seongjii walked into school with his friends beside him. His posture was calm, confident—unchanged, yet completely different.
Across the playground, three familiar figures waited.
The bullies.
Their eyes burned with resentment.
"Today," one of them growled, "you'll pay for embarrassing us."
"Three against one," another sneered. "Let's see how tough you really are."
Seongjii stopped walking.
He looked up slowly, his eyes sharp, muscles relaxed—but ready.
"One versus three…" he thought.
A small smile formed on his lips.
"Finally," Seongjii whispered,
"time to show them who I really am."
To be continued…