Episode 6
He needed more bodies.
But that didn’t mean he could just kill someone.
The conditions for [Cannibalize] were clear.
[Target must be dead.
Target must have at least one unique skill.]
In the early days of the collapse, people hadn’t awakened yet.
Which meant skills were still rare.
Even if you killed someone, you might not get anything.
‘Besides…’
He had a better way.
Yiwoon stood in front of the training center.
Cheonghan City Martial Arts Academy – Main Branch.
This place hadn’t changed at all.
Same building, same faded sign, same strong chemical smell inside.
He stepped through the doors.
“Welcome—”
The receptionist blinked as Yiwoon walked in, his uniform wrinkled and bruises still visible on his face.
“Uh… can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Instructor Kim Seungho.”
The receptionist tilted her head.
“He’s in a lesson right now, but…”
“Tell him Yiwoon is here.”
Her eyes widened.
“…Yiwoon? You mean that Yiwoon?”
He nodded.
“Wait here for a moment, please!”
She scrambled into the back.
A few minutes later, hurried footsteps echoed.
A man in a tracksuit rushed out.
Roughly in his thirties, sturdy build, short buzz cut.
Kim Seungho.
“Yiwoon!”
His voice rang with emotion.
“It’s really you, you little punk!”
He rushed over and ruffled Yiwoon’s hair with a big grin.
“You finally came back!”
Yiwoon didn’t resist.
He just quietly let Seungho mess up his hair.
“…How’d you get all beat up?”
“Got jumped.”
“Again?! You never change!”
He shook his head, then let out a big laugh.
But Yiwoon just stared up at him.
The familiar face.
The same warmth.
The same strength.
In his past life, this man had been—
“…My first teacher.”
Seungho blinked.
“Huh? What’s this? You feeling sentimental all of a sudden?”
Yiwoon smiled faintly.
“No. Just remembering something important.”
[The Constellation ‘Lord of Apostasy’ observes the man named Kim Seungho.]
[The Constellation ‘Lord of Apostasy’ nods in approval.]
[The Constellation ‘Lord of Apostasy’ says, “He’s not bad.”]
“Yeah. He’s one of the few good ones.”
Kim Seungho led Yiwoon into the back room.
“You quit two years ago, didn’t you? Why come back now?”
“Want to train again.”
“…You? That’s a first.”
“I’ve got something I want to learn.”
“Hah! You’re serious?”
“Dead serious.”
Seungho scratched his head.
“Well, I’d be happy to teach you, but—”
“I’m not here to start from scratch.”
Yiwoon cut him off.
“I want to learn grappling. And weapon disarms. As fast as possible.”
“…Huh?”
Seungho stared at him.
“…You sure you’re not just copying a movie?”
“I’m serious.”
“…You always were weird, but now you’re being really weird.”
Still, Seungho saw something in Yiwoon’s eyes.
Something determined. Solid.
“…Fine. I’ll train you.”
“Thanks.”
“But if you’re just playing around, I’ll kick you out in a heartbeat.”
“I’m not playing.”
“Good.”
Seungho smirked.
“Then let’s begin.”
[Your skill proficiency has increased through practical training.]
[Grapple (E) → Grapple (D)]
[You have awakened a new skill.]
[Skill: Weapon Disarm (E)]
Yiwoon exhaled slowly.
Sweat soaked his back. His muscles burned.
But his eyes stayed sharp.
“I’ll be ready next time.”
[The Constellation ‘Lord of Apostasy’ smiles proudly.]
[The Constellation ‘Lord of Apostasy’ says, “You’re growing fast.”]
[Current Skills]
Cannibalize (0/5)
Iron Will (D)
Grapple (D)
Weapon Disarm (E)
