บท 20: A New Rival and Joon Woo's Inner Demon
As Joon Woo's memories began to resurface, a sense of hope swelled within Sijun. But their moment of triumph was short-lived.
The teahouse door burst open, and a figure clad in black strode in. His eyes locked onto Joon Woo, and a cold smile spread across his face.
"Ah, Joon Woo. I see you're making progress," the stranger said, his voice dripping with malice.
Sijun's instincts screamed warning. "Who are you?"
The stranger's gaze flicked to Sijun. "Someone who knows Joon Woo's true potential. And I won't let you," he nodded at Sijun, "or anyone else hold him back."
Joon Woo's eyes narrowed. "Kwon Tae-hyun."
Tae-hyun chuckled. "Surprised you remember. We have...history, Joon Woo."
Sijun's grip on his tea cup tightened. "What do you want?"
Tae-hyun's smile grew wider. "I want Joon Woo to reclaim his rightful place. As the greatest regressor of all time."
Joon Woo's expression darkened. "You'll never use me again."
Tae-hyun shrugged. "We'll see about that. You see, Joon Woo, I've discovered your...weakness." His gaze flicked to Sijun.
Sijun's heart sank.
"Ah, yes. The reader who's so conveniently become your crutch," Tae-hyun sneered. "I'll take care of him. And you'll be mine once more."
Joon Woo's eyes blazed with fury. "You'll never touch Sijun."
Tae-hyun laughed. "We'll see who protects whom."
With that, he vanished into thin air.
Sijun's breath caught. "What just happened?"
Joon Woo's face set in determination. "Tae-hyun's a rival regressor. He'll stop at nothing to exploit my abilities."
Sijun's grip on Joon Woo's arm tightened. "We won't let him."
Joon Woo's gaze met Sijun's, a spark of determination igniting within.
Together, they vowed to face whatever threats lay ahead.
---
Joon Woo's eyes blazed with determination. "We need to get out of here. Now."
Sijun nodded, following Joon Woo's swift exit from the teahouse.
As they navigated the winding streets, Sijun's mind raced. "Who is Kwon Tae-hyun?"
Joon Woo's jaw clenched. "A rival regressor. He's been trying to exploit my abilities for years."
Suddenly, shadows swirled around them. Tae-hyun's voice echoed through the darkness.
"You can't protect him forever, Joon Woo."
Joon Woo spun, his eyes scanning the darkness. "Show yourself."
Tae-hyun materialized, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Sijun, come with me. Leave Joon Woo to his fate."
Sijun stood firm. "Never."
With a snarl, Tae-hyun lunged. Joon Woo intercepted, their bodies clashing in a flurry of punches and kicks.
Sijun watched, awestruck, as the two regressors fought. Their movements blurred, their strength superhuman.
But Tae-hyun's powers grew stronger, his blows landing with precision.
Joon Woo stumbled, his eyes flashing with desperation.
Sijun acted instinctively, grabbing Joon Woo's arm and pulling him into a narrow alley.
As they caught their breath, Joon Woo's gaze locked onto Sijun's. "You shouldn't have done that."
Sijun's voice trembled. "I won't let him hurt you."
Joon Woo's expression softened. "You're putting yourself in danger."
Sijun's grip on Joon Woo's arm tightened. "I'd do it again."
Their eyes held, a spark of understanding igniting between them.
But Tae-hyun's laughter echoed through the alley, shattering the moment.
"You think you can hide?" Tae-hyun sneered, his eyes blazing with fury.
With a roar, Joon Woo charged, Sijun by his side.
The battle raged on, their movements a deadly dance.
But as the fight intensified, Sijun began to tire.
Joon Woo noticed, his expression twisted with concern.
"Sijun, get out of here!"
Sijun refused, his voice firm. "Not without you."
Tae-hyun's eyes lit up with triumph. "Foolish loyalty."
In a flash, Tae-hyun struck, sending Sijun crashing to the ground.
As Joon Woo screamed, Tae-hyun's boot connected with Sijun's ribs.
Sijun's vision blurred, pain exploding through his chest.
Joon Woo's rage unleashed, his powers surging.
The alley shook, walls crumbling, as Joon Woo's fury tore through the space.
Tae-hyun stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock.
But Joon Woo's eyes blazed with a singular focus.
Protect Sijun.
With a snarl, Joon Woo pinned Tae-hyun to the ground.
"You'll never harm him again."
Tae-hyun's smile twisted. "You'll lose control...again."
Joon Woo's grip tightened. "Not while Sijun's by my side."
As Tae-hyun's eyes faded to black, Joon Woo's gaze snapped to Sijun.
Sijun struggled to breathe, his vision hazy.
Joon Woo's face etched with worry. "Sijun...no."
Sijun's hand reached out, his voice barely audible.
"Joon Woo...I'm glad."
Joon Woo's eyes welled with tears. "Don't say that. You're going to be fine."
Sijun's smile faltered. "I'm sorry...for not being stronger."
Joon Woo's grip on Sijun's hand tightened.
"You're stronger than anyone I've ever met."
As Sijun's eyes drifted shut, Joon Woo's voice echoed through his mind.
"I won't let you go. I promise."
---
Joon Woo's voice cracked as he begged, "Sijun, don't leave me. Please."
Sijun's eyelids fluttered open, a faint smile on his lips.
"I'm...not going anywhere," Sijun whispered, his voice barely audible.
Relief washed over Joon Woo's face. "Thank goodness."
With gentle care, Joon Woo scooped Sijun into his arms and stood up.
As they emerged from the alley, the cityscape blurred around them.
Joon Woo's powers, still raging, warped reality.
Sijun's eyes widened. "Joon Woo...your control."
Joon Woo's gaze locked onto Sijun's. "I don't care. I'll do anything to keep you safe."
Their eyes held, a silent understanding passing between them.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Joon Woo," the figure called out.
Joon Woo's grip on Sijun tightened. "Lee Haneul."
Haneul approached, concern etched on his face. "I sensed your powers surging. What happened?"
Joon Woo's jaw clenched. "Tae-hyun attacked."
Haneul's eyes narrowed. "I'll take care of him."
Sijun's voice interrupted. "No...Joon Woo needs time."
Haneul's gaze softened. "You're right. Come with me."
As Haneul led them to safety, Sijun's thoughts whirled.
Joon Woo's powers grew stronger, but at what cost?
And what secrets lay hidden in Joon Woo's past?
Only time would reveal the truth.
As they reached Haneul's safehouse, Sijun's injuries were tended to. Joon Woo's anxiety grew, his powers still simmering.
Haneul's concerned gaze met Joon Woo's. "You need to calm down. Your control is slipping."
Joon Woo's eyes dropped, shame washing over him. "I know."
Sijun's gentle voice interrupted. "Joon Woo, it's okay. You saved me."
Joon Woo's gaze snapped up, his eyes burning. "But at what cost? I'm losing myself, Sijun. I'm becoming a monster."
Haneul stepped forward. "That's not true, Joon Woo. You're stronger than you think."
But Joon Woo's expression twisted. "You don't understand. I've seen the darkness within me. I've seen what I'm capable of."
Sijun's hand reached out, his touch gentle. "We'll face it together."
Joon Woo's eyes searched Sijun's, and for an instant, his turmoil subsided.
With newfound determination, Joon Woo stood up.
"I'll confront my demons," Joon Woo vowed. "For myself, for Sijun, and for our future."
As Joon Woo walked away, Sijun's gaze followed, his heart filled with a mix of concern and admiration.
Haneul's whisper echoed in Sijun's ear. "Be prepared, Sijun. Joon Woo's inner battle will be fiercer than any external foe.
Joon Woo stood before a mirrored lake, its calm surface reflecting his turmoil.
"Show me," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
The lake's surface rippled, and a figure emerged from the depths.
A younger Joon Woo, with eyes full of pain and despair.
"You're the one who's been haunting me," Joon Woo realized.
The younger Joon Woo spoke, his voice laced with anguish. "You've forgotten me. Forgotten our promises."
Joon Woo's eyes dropped, shame washing over him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to abandon you."
The younger Joon Woo's gaze burned with intensity. "You did. You left me to suffer, to endure the pain alone."
As the younger Joon Woo's words cut deep, Joon Woo's resolve hardened.
"I won't forget again," Joon Woo vowed. "I'll face my demons, and I'll make amends."
With determination, Joon Woo reached out, embracing his younger self.
Their forms merged, and the lake's surface stilled.
Joon Woo stood tall, his eyes now shining with a newfound sense of purpose.
Sijun found Joon Woo standing by the lake, his eyes radiant with an otherworldly glow.
"Sijun," Joon Woo whispered, his voice carrying an unspoken intensity.
Sijun's heart skipped a beat as he approached. "Joon Woo, what's happening?"
Joon Woo's gaze locked onto Sijun's. "I've confronted my demons. I've found my strength."
Sijun's eyes widened as Joon Woo's aura pulsed, his powers surging.
"Joon Woo, your control..." Sijun trailed off, awestruck.
Joon Woo smiled, his eyes shining. "I've got it, Sijun. I've finally got it."
Together, they stood there, the air thick with unspoken understanding.
Their hands intertwined, a spark of electricity ran through them.
Sijun's heart pounded. "Joon Woo...I think I'm falling for you."
Joon Woo's gaze softened. "I've already fallen, Sijun."
Their lips met in a tender kiss, the world around them melting away.
As they broke apart, gasping for air, Sijun smiled.
"I'm glad I'm here with you," Sijun whispered.
Joon Woo's eyes crinkled. "Me too, Sijun. Me too."
---
Tae-hyun's voice echoed through the night, his presence shrouded in darkness.
"Joon Woo, you think you've won?" Tae-hyun sneered. "You think you can protect Sijun?"
Joon Woo's eyes narrowed, his powers at the ready.
"Bring it on, Tae-hyun," Joon Woo growled.
The air exploded into chaos as Tae-hyun unleashed his full fury.
Sijun's eyes widened as Joon Woo's powers surged, countering Tae-hyun's attacks.
The battle raged on, the two regressors clashing in a spectacular display of might.
But Tae-hyun's determination bordered on madness.
"I'll destroy everything you hold dear!" Tae-hyun roared.
Joon Woo's gaze locked onto Sijun, his resolve hardened.
"Never," Joon Woo vowed.
With a burst of energy, Joon Woo launched himself at Tae-hyun.
Their powers collided, reality bending to their will.
The outcome hung in the balance, Sijun's heart racing with anticipation.
Would Joon Woo emerge victorious?
Or would Tae-hyun's madness consume them all?
The final showdown had begun.
---
Scenario - Tae-hyun's Desperate Gambit
As the battle raged on, Tae-hyun's eyes flashed with desperation.
"I'll show you true power!" Tae-hyun roared.
With a swift motion, Tae-hyun ripped off his mask, revealing a twisted, scarred face.
Sijun gasped, horrified.
Joon Woo's gaze narrowed. "You've lost control, Tae-hyun."
Tae-hyun's laughter echoed through the night.
"I've transcended control!" Tae-hyun declared.
His body began to mutate, dark energy coursing through his veins.
Joon Woo's eyes widened. "You're becoming a Devourer."
Tae-hyun's form contorted, his humanity fading.
"I'll consume everything!" Tae-hyun screamed.
The air distorted, reality bending to Tae-hyun's twisted will.
Joon Woo charged forward, determined to stop Tae-hyun.
Sijun followed, his heart pounding with fear.
Could Joon Woo defeat the monstrous Tae-hyun?
Or would Tae-hyun's desperation destroy them all?
The outcome hung in the balance.
---
As Joon Woo clashed with Tae-hyun, Sijun's anxiety grew. The air thickened with tension.
"Tae-hyun, stop!" Sijun pleaded.
Tae-hyun's twisted form paused, his gaze locking onto Sijun.
"Ah, Sijun," Tae-hyun whispered. "You're the reason I've become this...thing."
Joon Woo's eyes blazed. "You're responsible for your own choices, Tae-hyun."
Tae-hyun's laughter echoed. "Choices? You know nothing, Joon Woo."
With a sudden burst, Tae-hyun vanished.
The silence left Sijun breathless.
"What just happened?" Sijun asked.
Joon Woo's expression darkened. "Tae-hyun's not finished yet."
As if on cue, the sky darkened.
"Tae-hyun's summoning something," Joon Woo warned.
A colossal entity materialized, its presence shattering the air.
"The Devourer," Joon Woo whispered.
Sijun's heart sank.
Could Joon Woo defeat this monstrous entity?
Or would Tae-hyun's plan destroy everything?
Joon Woo stood tall, his eyes blazing with determination.
"I'll stop you, Tae-hyun," Joon Woo declared.
The Devourer loomed, its presence suffocating.
Tae-hyun's voice echoed from within the entity.
"You can't defeat me, Joon Woo," Tae-hyun sneered.
Joon Woo charged forward, his powers surging.
The battle raged on, Joon Woo's strength matched by the Devourer's.
Sijun watched, his heart pounding with fear.
Suddenly, Joon Woo stumbled.
The Devourer's attack ripped through Joon Woo's defenses.
Sijun screamed.
Joon Woo!
With newfound resolve, Joon Woo rose.
"I won't lose," Joon Woo vowed.
His powers exploded, countering the Devourer's.
The outcome hung in the balance.
Would Joon Woo emerge victorious?
Or would Tae-hyun's plan consume everything?
I'll choose option A) Joon Woo unleashes his ultimate technique.
Joon Woo's eyes blazed with determination.
"I'll end this," Joon Woo growled.
With a swift motion, Joon Woo summoned an ancient artifact.
The air rippled as Joon Woo's powers surged.
"Tae-hyun, behold!" Joon Woo roared.
Joon Woo unleashed his ultimate technique: Eclipse.
A dark vortex engulfed the Devourer, its power ravaging the entity.
Tae-hyun's scream echoed from within.
The Devourer began to dissipate.
Victory seemed within reach.
But.
A figure emerged from the shadows.
Haneul.
With an unreadable expression.
"Haneul, what are you doing?" Sijun asked.
Haneul's gaze locked onto Joon Woo.
"I've been waiting for this moment," Haneul whispered.
Haneul raised his hand.
And struck Joon Woo.
---
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