The streets had quieted after the first wave, but the calm was deceptive. High above, William Shake observed from a sleek, armored helicopter. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes betrayed anticipation — and the faintest hint of concern.
"He's faster than I imagined," William muttered, scanning the aftermath of the neutralized forces. "And his accomplice… she's learning. Impressive."
Below, Hwang Siyeok stood with Mina and Shy Suya. His green eyes gleamed with controlled focus, the calm storm within him already calculating possibilities for the next engagement.
Shy Suya, now confident, pointed toward a cluster of approaching operatives. "They're regrouping over there. I think… I can guide you through this."
Hwang nodded subtly. "Do it. Observation, prediction, and subtle action. Your first independent tactical move starts now."
Shy Suya's hands trembled slightly as she used the secure comms and drone network Hwang had set up. She marked blind spots, weak formations, and flanking routes. Her voice, steadying as she spoke, directed Hwang with precision.
Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath the roar of engines. William Shake descended personally, his aura radiating deadly mastery and unmatched skill. His eyes locked on Hwang, and the air thickened with tension.
"You… you've been a thorn in my operations," William said, voice calm yet lethal. "But today… you will fall."
Hwang Siyeok's calm did not waver. Instead, his speed, reflexes, and awareness all escalated infinitely. Every potential strike William could make was predicted before it even began. The world seemed to slow around them, though in reality, only Hwang moved with incomprehensible velocity.
Shy Suya held her breath, relaying tactical guidance while staying a step behind. Using drones, she created diversions, forcing William to split attention, subtly manipulating the battlefield.
William struck with incredible force, stronger than anything Hwang had faced before, yet even the most precise attacks failed to land. Hwang's hidden form moved with a terrifying calm, faster than perception, stronger than calculation. Each strike he delivered disabled equipment, disarmed operatives, and countered William's attacks in microseconds.
Shy Suya's confidence grew as she noticed patterns in William's movements — subtle tells, repeated micro-strategies. She relayed them, allowing Hwang to anticipate combos, redirect strikes, and exploit openings she had identified.
Finally, in 0.0001 seconds, Hwang struck. William Shake, the top assassin and strategist, was neutralized instantly — faster than thought, stronger than calculated. He fell, unconscious yet alive, a testament to Hwang's control over infinite mastery and human precision.
Hwang de-escalated to normal form immediately afterward, stepping forward calmly. Mina and Shy Suya rushed to his side.
"You did well," Hwang said, nodding at Shy Suya. "Your first independent action under pressure… flawless. Observation and subtle influence can shape even the outcome of a master assassin."
Shy Suya's eyes sparkled. "I… I really did something?"
Hwang smiled faintly. "Yes. Today, you learned that strategy and awareness can rival strength and power. And that is why you are valuable. Never underestimate your influence."
The city fell silent again, the first real battle against William Shake's personal forces concluded. Yet both knew this was only the beginning.
Hwang Siyeok looked toward the horizon, calm, untouchable, and infinitely prepared. His family and Shy Suya were safe — for now — and the storm was far from over.