The Copper Cards spun slowly, catching the light, humming faintly with potential. And the Iron Card floated higher, heavier somehow, pulsing with a quiet power that made his chest ache with a mix of fear and excitement.
Jihoon's hands shook as he reached out, as if touching them could make it all unreal. But the energy… the presence of the cards… it was undeniable.
This was it. The first step. The first real spark of change.
"…This is… this is!!!"
The words echoed in the room, suspended between the cards and his heartbeat, and for the first time, Jihoon felt… something new. Possibility. Strength. A future he could actually reach for.
And there, hovering before him, the cards waited.
The cards hovered, pulsing softly, when the system suddenly snapped.
"Will you stop that!?"
Jihoon jumped, nearly knocking the Copper Cards off the air. "W-What?!"
[Achievement Unlocked!]
The first achievement blinked into view:
The First Step – Reward: 2 Green Jelly Beans
The system's voice chimed, serious but playful.
"Eat one of these, and you can withstand five attacks. Not a single scratch will phase you. Simple, but useful."
Jihoon stared at the floating beans, blinking. "…Wait… that's it?"
"Trust me," the system replied dryly. "They're worth more than they look."
The next achievement appeared, written in an artistic, quirky font:
Good Son – Reward: 1 Hot-Hot Chili Pepper Bean
Jihoon's eyes widened. "Hot-Hot… Chili Pepper Bean?"
[Yes. Eat it, and you get a random maximum boost on one of your stats. Could be strength, speed, anything. Luck of the draw.]
Jihoon froze. "…Stat?"
The system floated a holographic panel in front of him, bright and clear:
Jihoon's Current Stats
Strength – F
Speed – F
Endurance – E
Durability – E
Technique – F
He slumped back onto the bed, staring at the letters like they had personally insulted him. "F… F… E… Are you kidding me?!"
[Observation: Yes. You are pathetic. But don't get too comfortable. That's why you're here.]
Jihoon's jaw tightened. "…Huh. Pathetic… yeah, maybe I am. But… I'll fix this."
Even as disappointment clawed at him, a spark ignited in his chest. Those cards, those beans, those stats—they weren't just numbers. They were the start of something. His chance to change.
He clenched his fists. "…This is just the beginning."
The cards hovered before him, glowing softly, each one a tiny promise of growth, and Jihoon felt… ready.
Jihoon's hand hovered over the hovering Iron Card. His chest pounded. Slowly, carefully, he reached out and grasped it.
The card shimmered at his touch, glowing brighter, and then, as if sensing his anticipation, it began to reveal its image.
A figure materialized on the surface, lithe and poised, fists wrapped in gloves, muscles coiled like springs ready to snap. On the top of the card, bold letters gleamed:
Boxing (Basic)
Beneath the name, elegant script flowed:
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
A holographic description pulsed around the figure, precise and alive:
Effect: Grants fast reflexes and quick footwork, enhancing agility and movement. Punches land with greater impact, combining speed with precision. Perfect for rapid counters and relentless offense.
Jihoon's eyes widened, the words sinking in slowly. Every line felt like a promise. Every detail shimmered with potential.
Fast reflexes… quick footwork… stronger punches…
He could almost feel it coursing through him, the imagined rhythm of his fists and feet syncing with the pulse of the card. The energy wasn't just in the metal and light—it was in him now, waiting to be awakened.
His hands trembled. "…This… this is it. This… this is real…"
The system's dry tone floated in the room, mocking and amusing as ever:
[Yes, little bean. You picked the right card. Now try not to hit yourself with all that excitement.]
Jihoon swallowed hard, heart racing, but a small grin tugged at his lips. For the first time, he felt like he had a tool—a real step forward. One card, one skill, one beginning.
And the glow of the Iron Card reflected in his eyes, whispering of a path he could finally walk, step by step, punch by punch.
Jihoon turned his attention to the three Copper Cards, hovering patiently beside the Iron Card. He grabbed the first one, and the surface rippled like water.
Weave (Basic)
"Dodge the storm, let it pass."
Effect: Improves evasive movement, allowing the user to bend and slip around incoming attacks. Enhances body flexibility and rhythm, letting punches slide past while setting up counters.
Use: Perfect for dodging fast strikes, weaving between opponents' attacks, and positioning for a swift counter.
Jihoon's lips parted. He could feel the motion already, the imagined sway of his body dodging invisible blows. His heart thumped with the thought—I can finally move like I mean it.
---
The second card floated forward, its glow brighter, sharper.
Quick Jab (Basic)
"Strike first, strike fast."
Effect: Sharpens hand speed and timing, making the first strike land quicker and more precise. Increases reaction time and the impact of light punches.
Use: Excellent for opening gaps in defense, testing opponent's reactions, and chaining into heavier combinations.
Jihoon clenched his fists instinctively, imagining snapping out a jab with this newfound speed. Just one punch, one opening… that could be enough. His chest swelled with a mix of excitement and determination.
---
Finally, the third Copper Card hovered. Its edges flickered with soft energy.
Straight (Basic)
"Hit the mark with unwavering focus."
Effect: Improves the accuracy and power of straight punches. Direct strikes land with more force and confidence, reinforcing structure and precision.
Use: Ideal for piercing defenses, following up jabs, and finishing with a strong, targeted strike.
Jihoon exhaled slowly, feeling the rhythm of his body aligning with the imagined flow of his punches. Weave, jab, straight… he whispered under his breath, testing the words like a mantra.
---
The system chimed, impossibly sarcastic.
[Look at you, little bean. You've got an entire combo ready, and your opponents don't even know it yet. Try not to die before you use it.]
Jihoon's chest tightened—not with fear, but with a fierce determination. The cards floated before him, a tangible roadmap for change, each one a step toward strength, skill, and the first real glimmer of control over his life.
He clenched his fists, eyes glimmering with resolve. This is just the beginning. Every step, every punch… it starts here.
The room was still glowing from the Iron and Copper Cards when the system suddenly flashed:
[Achievement Unlocked!]
Golden light erupted, swirling around Jihoon like a miniature sun.
Title: Aspiring Boxer – The First Punch
Reward: 1 Gold Card
Jihoon's eyes went wide. His chest was pounding. "…A GOLDDD CARD!!!" he shouted, leaping from the bed. "Come here, system! Let me give you a hug!" His arms flailed, and before he knew it, his lips were leaning forward, ready to kiss the interface in pure, unfiltered joy.
The system's voice erupted, loud, exaggerated, and completely ridiculous:
[WARNING! ALERT! SUBJECT IS TRYING TO KISS THE SYSTEM! I REPEAT: THE SYSTEM IS NOT A ROMANTIC INTEREST! CALLING EMERGENCY LOL MODE!]
Jihoon froze, eyes as wide as saucers, cheeks burning red. "…W-What the hell?!" he yelled.
[Observation: Congrats on the Gold Card, little bean. But seriously… calm down. You look like a love-struck potato shouting at a hologram. Please proceed with normal hugging only.]
Jihoon groaned, hiding his face in his hands, but the grin refusing to leave his lips. The Gold Card hovered before him, glowing brighter than the sun outside his window, pulsing with potential he could feel in his bones.
"…I can't believe it… a Gold Card… my first real power," he whispered, heart hammering. "This… this is just the start…"
The system added, as if enjoying the chaos:
[Also, stop shouting. My virtual ears can only take so much screaming love, little bean.]
Jihoon groaned again, laughing through his embarrassment. Even the system was mocking him… and he loved it.
Jihoon's fingers closed around the cold, pulsating card. Golden light spread slowly across its surface, revealing a figure coiled for an uppercut, lightning crackling along the fist, frozen mid-motion.
At the top of the card, bold letters gleamed:
Lightning Uppercut (Gold, Rank F)
Beneath it, sleek, boxing-inspired script flashed:
"Swing like thunder, strike like a storm. Lightning isn't real—it's just the speed you show."
The effect shimmered into view:
Effect: Delivers explosive uppercut power with lightning-fast speed. Grants fast reflexes and perfect timing. Has a chance to make the opponent dizzy if the strike lands cleanly.
Bonus: Damage doubles if the uppercut hits the chin or stomach perfectly.
Use: Ideal for finishing combos, breaking through defenses, and stunning opponents with sudden, overwhelming force. Can be chained with footwork and evasive skills for fluid attack sequences.
Jihoon's chest tightened as he stared at the card, imagining the fist cutting through the air, the arc of the swing, the imaginary crackle of lightning. His pulse raced, excitement and adrenaline coiling together.
"…This… this is insane," he whispered, gripping the card tighter. "Fast… powerful… dizzying…"
The system chimed in, unmistakably mocking:
[Careful, little bean. Swing like that in your room and your ceiling might get dizzy before your opponent does.]
Jihoon groaned, face heating, but a grin tugged at his lips. The card hovered before him, alive with energy, a promise of strength and speed. For the first time, he didn't just imagine being strong—he could almost feel it.
This… this is just the start.
For three relentless days, Jihoon ran. Before the sun had even painted the sky, he was already pounding the streets, each step a beat in a growing rhythm of purpose. Sweat soaked his clothes, lungs screamed for air, and every muscle burned—but he thrived on it.
In his mind, he relived every insult, every shove, every bruise etched into his skin from that rooftop. The words haunted him still: Sure, you have skills… but can your body actually handle them?
Each thought fueled him. Each aching stride, each labored breath, became a promise: I will be ready. I will be stronger. I will take it all back.
He shadow-boxed between sprints, moving with the precision of a dancer and the violence of a storm. Weaving, jabs, straights—he felt the rhythm of combat in his bones, his body learning faster than ever, each motion sharper than the last. Pain was no longer his enemy; it was a mentor.
An hour later, he staggered home, muscles trembling, chest heaving, sweat glistening like molten silver in the morning light. He grabbed a bottle of water, gulping it greedily, feeling the burn in every part of him.
"…Tomorrow," he muttered, voice low, steady, like a blade being drawn. "…Tomorrow, they'll see. My revenge… my debut… my final statement at that school."
He raised a trembling fist, but the fire in his chest made it strong, sharp, unyielding. His eyes glimmered—not with blind rage, but with controlled, cold determination. Each breath was measured. Each heartbeat a drum counting down to the reckoning.
For the first time in his life, Jihoon didn't just want to survive. He wanted to strike back. To reclaim every ounce of respect, every shred of dignity, every stolen moment. And he would.
Tomorrow, he would walk into that school not as a victim, but as a storm they wouldn't see coming.
Jihoon collapsed onto his bed, chest heaving, sweat soaking his clothes. Three days straight of running, punching, weaving—every muscle screaming—but he didn't stop. Every step, every strike, every heartbeat had been building toward this.
[Achievement Unlocked]
[Forged in Resolve – One Boy's Path to Revenge]
Rewards glowed: ₩5,000 Korean Won, 1 Copper Card
His chest tightened: just for enduring… for pushing himself… for preparing to strike back. Every bruise, every pang of exhaustion, every lonely step counted.
[Forged in resolve: your strength is growing, little bean. Don't waste it.]
He clenched his fists. Fire surged in his veins. The rhythm of his heartbeat, the coil of energy in his limbs: tomorrow it would all explode.
Not just survival, not just skills. Tomorrow he would make them pay. Every shove, every insult, every blow—they would remember. His debut. His revenge. His declaration.
[Remember this, little bean. Harness it. Own it.]
The reward wasn't just money or a card. It was proof. Proof that endurance, focus, and thirst for change could shape reality. The storm inside him surged, sharp, alive, unstoppable.
Jihoon grasped the card. It shimmered softly, revealing a figure snapping three rapid punches in perfect succession.
Mini Jab Combo (Basic)
Description: "Strike like lightning, dance on your toes"
Effect: Releases three quick jabs in rapid succession. Each hit is low in power but fast enough to overwhelm opponents and break their guard.
Use: Ideal for testing timing, creating openings, and chaining into stronger attacks. Even small strikes, when timed perfectly, can control the flow of a fight and set the rhythm for bigger blows.
Phew, I'm home. Her mother's voice called from downstairs.
Jihoon stepped out of his room, brushing sweat from his forehead. Hello, mom.
It's really hot today. She laughed lightly, a little embarrassed. Guess I forgot to bring my umbrella.
Mom, why don't we go out today. Jihoon's voice was soft but insistent. Let's eat somewhere. You need to relax… just this once.
But we don't have m—
Don't worry, I got it. Jihoon held up the crisp ₩5,000, a small but meaningful reward glowing faintly in his hand.
Jihoon… where did you get that money. Did you steal from someone—
No, mom. He cut her off, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks.
[Dude, let your mom finish what she's saying… geez, little bean, manners.]
I just worked a part-time job. Jihoon said quickly, trying to sound casual but proud at the same time.
Part-time job?
Yes. He smiled, a little shy but determined. So, let's go, mom.
She paused, her eyes softening. Wait for me here. I just need to change.
Jihoon nodded, heart warming at the simple rhythm of this moment. The sweat on his skin, the reward in his hand, the smile on his mother's face… small victories like this were already steps toward something bigger.
They stepped outside, the sun warm on their skin. His mother nudged her shoulder against his and looped her arm through his. Jihoon froze for a moment—just a simple touch—but the warmth shot straight to his chest, making his cheeks burn and his heart hammer.
Jeez Jihoon, you've really grown up. Making your mom come out like this. Her voice was soft, teasing, full of pride… Jihoon's face turned red. Mom, do we really need to walk like this
Sure… what's the problem in it. She laughed lightly, playful, completely unbothered by his awkwardness. The calm teasing wrapped around him, grounding him, even as his thoughts raced.
[Little bean, your mom is a real beauty. Look at the crowd gawking at her… red dress, curves… if I were a person, I could be your dadd—]
Stop that! Jihoon thought furiously, slapping the inside of his head. No… stop it, stop it…
His heartbeat thundered, pride and embarrassment colliding. Every step felt amplified, every brush of arms a spark he couldn't control.
They reached a small park, the benches surrounded by scattered people enjoying the warm day. They sat together, her arm still linked with his. Jihoon tried to focus on the world around him, but the occasional glance from passersby made him flustered—his mother somehow radiating effortless beauty that drew stares without even trying.
[Little bean, look at all the blushing humans around you. Your mom's turning the park into a runway… you're basically living in a romantic comedy scene.]
Jihoon groaned silently, hiding his face in his hands for a moment, wishing the system would shut up. He could feel the warmth of her arm and the rhythm of her breathing next to him, grounding him, teasing him, making him laugh despite himself.
Step by step, glance by glance, the moment pulsed with small victories: the sun on their faces, the rhythm of walking together, the soft laughter echoing around them. Jihoon's chest felt full, alive, and maybe—just maybe—he could let himself enjoy it.
The laughter and chatter of the park faded into a low hum as a group of students approached—five of them, shoulders broad, faces set in that lazy, dangerous way of people used to taking what they wanted. Jihoon's stomach tightened. He knew them. One of the faces… the one at the front, sneering like he owned the world… that was Kang Hyun-Soo, a bully from school, the kind who never forgot a grudge.
One of the others leaned close to Jihoon, voice a low, malicious whisper brushing his ear:
Damn… she's a real beauty. How did a guy like you land such a beauty…
The group laughed, teeth flashing. Hyun-Soo's eyes flicked toward Jihoon's mother, lingering with a cruel fascination. Without hesitation, one of the thugs grabbed her hand. Come with us… we promise we'll make you enjoy it. Their grin was all teeth, all malice.
Jihoon's blood froze. His mother's arm was ripped from his, her startled gasp cutting sharp in the warm air. The world seemed to narrow to a single point: Hyun-Soo and his gang.
Something inside Jihoon snapped. The heat in his chest surged, the veins on his temples bulging, eyes narrowing until the air itself seemed to bend under his glare. All the fear, all the shame, all the endless bullying that had carved him into a corner… it boiled over, pure and unrelenting.
Huh..?
The single word tore from his throat, low, cold, deadly. His gaze locked on Hyun-Soo, the calm before the storm, the kind of look that promised consequences. The air itself seemed to shiver.
In an instant, Jihoon surged to his feet, every muscle coiling like a spring. His eyes burned, the world narrowing to one target: the thug holding his mother's hand.
Without hesitation, he launched a fast, unrelenting straight punch. Wham! The fist connected squarely with the thug's face. His head snapped back violently, a sickening crack splitting the air—crk! Blood erupted from the shattered nose, warm and bright, staining the thug's lips.
The other thugs staggered, shocked, the laughter dying in their throats. The world seemed to slow: Jihoon's chest heaving, heart hammering like a drum, veins pulsing with raw fury. The warmth of adrenaline surged, each breath sharp, each movement precise.
The scent of iron hung in the air. His mother's wide eyes met his, fear melting into awe. Jihoon's jaw clenched, his gaze still locked on Hyun-Soo. He wasn't just a scared kid anymore… he was the storm now, controlled yet lethal.
[Little bean… ohhhh that's spicy. Head snap, nose break… cinematic perfection. Very… satisfying.]
The rhythm of his rage, the taste of control, the pulse of power—it all merged into one sharp, devastating truth. Jihoon had snapped. And no one in that park could deny it.