The late afternoon dragged on over the school, and tension was already thick in the air. Jin walked down the back hallway with a stern face, his footsteps echoing on the concrete floor. Leon followed at a distance, alert to any movement.
In the east wing, the plan was in motion. A staged fight broke out between two groups of students — the perfect distraction set up by Leon. It was enough to pull Dae-Seok's henchmen away.
Leon closed in on Jin and whispered:
— You ready? His goons went to check the fight. Dae-Seok is alone in the old courtyard.
Jin gave a crooked smile.
— Showtime.
The old covered courtyard was isolated, surrounded by fallen bleachers and burnt-out lamps. There was Hwan "The Bull" Dae-Seok. A two-meter-tall tank, thick arms, and a gaze like someone who'd broken bones without blinking.
Dae-Seok cast a shadow on the ground as he punched the air, warming up.
Jin appeared at the entrance.
— What's up, Bull? Let's settle this.
The veteran turned, flashing a cynical smile.
— Finally grew some guts, kid?
Without warning, Dae-Seok charged full force. A cross punch tore through the air — Jin dodged at the last second, feeling the wind rush past. The second blow was a straight punch — Jin blocked it with his forearm, but the impact shook his body.
Insane strength.
Jin stepped back, using quick dodges and short steps. He knew he couldn't trade brute force head-on right away. He waited for the right moment.
Dae-Seok charged like a bull, throwing punches everywhere. Jin took a hit to the abdomen but used the close distance to land a sharp elbow to the veteran's chin.
Dae-Seok staggered a step but laughed.
— That's what I like!
They grappled fiercely. Jin landed knees to the ribs, dodged, and hit quick crosses. Dae-Seok answered with heavy hooks, connecting to Jin's shoulder and ribs.
The sharp sound of punches echoed through the courtyard.
The fight got ugly, intense, no rules. Jin used acrobatics, jumped back, spun low with dodges, and took the chance to kick Dae-Seok's legs with swift strikes.
Dae-Seok started tiring. The veteran's breathing grew heavy, punches slowed. Jin noticed.
That was the opening.
Jin delivered a strong side kick to Dae-Seok's supporting leg. The veteran groaned and dropped to his knees. Instantly, Jin jumped on his back, locking his thick neck in a tight rear-naked choke.
Dae-Seok struggled, punching Jin's sides, but his energy was gone.
Jin locked his legs around the veteran's waist, tightening the choke. Dae-Seok tried to stand, but his body felt heavy, and slowly his arms weakened, his eyes rolled back… and he passed out.
Jin released slowly, breathing hard, sweat and blood running down his face.
— One down.
Leon stepped out of the shadows, satisfied.
— The right way. Bare hands. No witnesses.
They dragged Dae-Seok to the old storage room and locked him inside.
Leon leaned against the door.
— Tomorrow, the next one.
Jin wiped the cut on his eyebrow and gave a crooked smile.
— Prepare the ground.