Waiting a Tomorrow

The sun was relentless, its golden rays piercing through the haze of the ruined village and falling directly onto the two figures sprawled atop the tallest house. Lee Kang winced as the light poked through his eyelids, forcing him out of the fleeting comfort of sleep. Beside him, San Woo stirred first, squinting at the harsh sunlight before sitting up slowly.

His injured hand rested carefully on his lap as he surveyed the surroundings.

He nudged Lee Kang gently. "Wake up," he whispered, his voice soft yet persistent. "The sun's already up."

Lee Kang groaned, rubbing his face before sitting up with effort. His muscles still aching from the battle, and the weight of grief and unanswered questions clung to him like a heavy cloak. As he blinked himself awake, a faint, familiar sound reached their ears. It was rhythmic, deliberate—a soft thud-thud-thud that echoed faintly through the stillness.

San Woo, always quicker on his feet despite his injuries, stood up first. "Let's check it out," he said, moving toward the edge of the roof. He winced slightly as he climbed down, his injured hand cradled against his chest. Lee Kang followed, still sluggish and groggy movements explaining he just waked up, but curiosity pushed him forward.

As they reached the ground and approached the source of the sound, the sight that greeted them was both reassuring and surreal.

Leader Yang, his calm and composed demeanor intact despite his own injuries, was kneeling beside Jin Seok. His fingers pressed lightly against the boy's hand, checking his pulse with practiced precision. Though his expression betrayed no panic, his furrowed brow showed concern.

Nearby, Min Joon demonstrated basic martial arts awkwardly, holding a wooden stick as So Hyeon explaining a simple martial arts stance. Her teachings were precise and purposeful, though her usually playful energy

As they approached the group, Lee Kang allowed himself a brief smile, the sight of Leader Yang awake and checking Jin Seok's pulse offering a momentary reprieve from the storm of worries swirling in his mind. Bowing his head deeply, he addressed Leader Yang, his voice tinged with both respect and concern.

"Leader Yang, how are you holding up? Is your leg...?"

Leader Yang glanced up at him, his calm demeanor masking any pain he might have been feeling. "I'll recover," he replied evenly. "Once we return to the sect, the healers can tend to it. "So dont worry about me." But we had some thought,he said.

The Scene Changes

The sunlight poured over the hill, signaling a new day in the village. The warmth of dawn settled on the group resting in their makeshift shelter. Near the house, Jin Seok stood with Leader Yang, both carrying heavy expressions. The others were scattered: Min Joon and So Hyeon sparred with sticks outside, the clatter of wood echoing through the quiet, while San Woo and Lee Kang sleeping silently at the top of one house.

Jin Seok hesitated before breaking the silence. "The thing I did back there," he started, his voice subdued but carrying a weight. "It doesn't... affect you?"

Leader Yang glanced at him, his usually calm demeanor shadowed by unease. "No," he replied after a pause. Taking his finger out of his pulse."It seems to work only on Demonic Martial Artists or those who use Demonic IQ."

Both fell into a silence thick with unspoken fears. The air between them grew heavy, their shared understanding of Jin Seok's predicament sinking deeper into their minds. If I go to the Iron Will Sect like this... the elders, maybe even the guards, would see me as a threat. A demon, Jin Seok thought, his fists clenching tightly.

Finally, Jin Seok spoke again, his voice trembling slightly. "Can I... can I use your style of IQ to suppress this? To counter it somehow?"

Leader Yang shook his head slowly. "No," he said gravely. "Trying to hold two IQ types at once would poison your mind and body. It's not just dangerous—it's fatal. You'd die before it could help you."

Jin Seok turned away, his gaze fixing on the horizon as his thoughts spiraled. "Then... what's the point?" he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone.

They stood like that for a while, lost in their own thoughts. The weight of their situation loomed over them like a storm cloud, each question they asked bringing them no closer to a solution.

A sudden clatter of sticks snapped them out of their thoughts. Turning toward the sound, they saw Min Joon and So Hyeon sparring with wooden sticks nearby. The sight of their clumsy but earnest movements brought a fleeting softness to Leader Yang's expression.

Jin Seok, however, only stared for a moment before looking down at his hands. "I won't be able to train like that, will I?" he asked, his tone hollow.

Leader Yang's gaze lingered on him before answering. "No, not in the same way. But you can train. Demonic IQ is stronger than normal IQ. It gives you a power others can only dream of."

Jin Seok looked up at him sharply. "Then why do they kill us? Why are Demonic Martial Artists hunted like animals?"

Leader Yang's face grew somber. "Because the price is too high. The more Demonic IQ you use, the more unstable you become. Madness creeps in, and once it takes hold, it's nearly impossible to stop. A Demonic Martial Artist who loses control becomes a threat to everyone—friend and foe alike."

Jin Seok's eyes flickered with a mix of fear and defiance. "So I'm supposed to accept that? That I'm already doomed to fail?"

Leader Yang placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "You're not doomed, Jin Seok.Most of the leaders of demonic sect has control over their bloodlust.You're strong, stronger than most would be in your position. But strength isn't just about power. It's about control, discipline, If anyone can find a way to master this, it's you."

Leader Yang sighed deeply, his calm but firm tone cutting through the morning air. "We'll leave tomorrow morning. I'll leave San Woo here as your guardian for the moment. He'll make sure you don't spiral into madness by being alone and help you with your training. We'll communicate with you through him."

Jin Seok looked at Leader Yang, a flicker of surprise and gratitude passing through his eyes. He bowed slightly, his voice low but sincere. "Thank you, Leader Yang. For doing this."

Leader Yang nodded but said nothing more, his expression unreadable.

Straightening up, Jin Seok added with a faint smile, "Just make sure Min Joon is okay. He's dumb, but... he's strong."

Leader Yang's lips quirked slightly at the corners, a rare hint of amusement breaking through his serious demeanor. "We'll watch over him. He has potential, but he needs guidance."

The two shared a brief moment of levity, the weight of their earlier conversation momentarily lifting. But as the sun continued to rise, casting shadows over the village, the gravity of their situation settled back into place.

Jin Seok hesitated for a moment remembering the girl, then asked, "Then what about that girl? What are you going to do with her?"

Leader Yang's expression showed that he had forgetten about the girl as well , but his tone remained steady. "For now, I don't know," he admitted. "But I'll take care of it. Don't worry."he said it in a funny way

Jin Seok smiled, his face showed amousment. There was a silence between them Jin Seok asked

"You had forgetten her,ım ı right?"

Leader Yang did not answer to that question day.....

Leader Yang's steady voice pulled him back to the present.

He had let out a long, contemplative sigh, his gaze fixed on Jin Seok with an understanding that felt piercing. "Jin Seok," he began, his tone calm but firm, "I trust you. Your strength, your resolve—these are things I've seen with my own eyes. But I also understand your concerns."

Jin Seok tensed as Leader Yang continued. "In order to help you, we will leave San Woo at your side, acting as your guardian and guide during this time.

He'll ensure you're safe and help you manage your training and growth."

San Woo's face flickered with surprise, but he quickly composed himself,bowing deeply before Leader Yang. "I accept the mission, Leader Yang," he said, his voice calm but carrying a note of pride.

San Woo looked towards Jin Seok. His eyes met Jin Seok's across the dimly lit space, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them.

It was unspoken but clear,they were going to spend a lot of time together in the coming days, and their survival would depend on how well they could work as a team. With a faint, almost playful smirk.

Leader Yang, observing the exchange, silently hoped his trust in both Jin Seok and San Woo wouldn't be misplaced,before calling him back to give him something.

Tomorrow would mark a new chapter for all of them, one filled with uncertainty, danger, and the faint hope that Jin Seok could one day master the power that could consume him.