The door jingled.
Four figures stepped inside, chatting casually. They were the same ones Tae-Hyuk had seen weeks ago in the alley, training imperfectly. But now, they were ordinary looking teenagers, carrying the casual confidence of youth.
The first, tall with sharp eyes and a bright smile, leaned against the counter. "Hi, I'm Lee Sang-Ho," he said, glancing at the shelves. "We just need some snacks. Nothing fancy."
Next to him, short and stocky, arms crossed tightly, scowled. "Hope your snacks aren't expensive," he added. "I'm Park Joon-Woo by the way"
The third, wiry and twitchy, scanned the shop carefully. " Since we are introducing ourselves..I'm Kim Tae-Min. And I think I'll be buying some drinks."
The fourth, calm and observant, lingered behind the group. His dark eyes took in everything the shelves, the arrangement of goods, even the faintest draft of air from the slightly open window. "Choi Dae-Hyun," he said softly.
Tae-Hyuk's eyes narrowed slightly, watching quietly from behind the counter. He didn't reveal himself yet, letting them move naturally.
Interesting, he thought. They've grown since the last time I saw them… but their training is still incomplete. One of them carries a bloodline I recognize.
Dae-Hyun's Qi signature, though faint and buried beneath ordinary energy, was refined in a way that spoke of heritage. Tae-Hyuk could feel the remnants of Cheongcheon Sect training in the boy's movements, even in the act of reaching for a snack.
The four approached the counter, chatting about their day. Sang-Ho's voice was loud and cheerful, Joon-Woo's gruff and impatient, Tae-Min quiet but restless, and Dae-Hyun calm, polite, and measured.
"I'll take these," Sang-Ho said, holding up a few items.
"Me too," Joon-Woo grunted, tossing a few coins on the counter.
Tae-Min placed a small stack of candy and drinks beside them.
Finally, Dae-Hyun, still reserved, picked up a single bottled water, studying it as if he were analyzing a weapon.
Tae-Hyuk stepped forward casually, revealing himself for the first time. The boys froze slightly, noticing the quiet authority radiating from him, though they did not yet understand why it felt familiar, commanding.
"You've trained before?" Tae-Hyuk said calmly, his gaze settling on Dae-Hyun. "Your movements, even when standing or reaching, carry remnants of martial discipline."
Dae-Hyun blinked, surprised. "I… I've practiced. But how can you tell?"
"You have the essence of the Cheongcheon Sect in your Qi," Tae-Hyuk explained, voice low but firm. "One day, with proper guidance, you could do much more than you realize."
Sang-Ho laughed nervously, nudging the others. "Uh… he's just talking to you, right? Are we in trouble?"
"No," Tae-Hyuk said calmly, ignoring Sang-Ho and Joon-Woo. "But remember this, potential without guidance is wasted. And every action leaves traces, even small ones. Discipline matters, even in simple tasks."
Dae-Hyun's lips pressed into a thoughtful line. "Are... You perhaps a martial artist?" he asked quietly.
"Who I am is of no importance," Tae-Hyuk said, expression neutral.
The four exchanged glances. For the first time, they felt that quiet weight of authority, the kind that did not need to raise a hand or display strength.
Tae-Hyuk smiled faintly to himself, stepping back. "I will see you again. Perhaps then, we can talk much better."
The boys left the shop, unaware of the true power standing just behind the counter. Yet Tae-Hyuk's attention followed them, noting their temperaments and potential:
Lee Sang-Ho who is brash, cheerful, eager for challenge, quick to act.
Park Joon-Woo, impatient, stubborn, easily frustrated but strong-willed.
Kim Tae-Min, restless, observant, quick-thinking, cautious yet curious.
Choi Dae-Hyun, calm, disciplined, analytical, polite and carries the Cheongcheon Sect bloodied,
As the door closed behind them, Tae-Hyuk allowed himself a quiet thought: They are stronger than I expected… and one of them may be the key to connecting with their master. But the shadows in this city are deeper than even I know.
From far above, the currents of hidden Qi moved like silent rivers, hints of the Demonic cult's presence brushing past the edges of Tae-Hyuk's awareness. The lessons of the city were only beginning.