The remnants of the dark presence lingered in the air like a bad memory, a chill settling in the bones of the group as they stood together in the training grounds of Songrim. Hae-rin, Seo Yul, Dang-gu, and Cho-yeon were all present, their faces illuminated by the fading light of day.

"Is everyone alright?" Hae-rin asked, scanning their faces for any signs of injury.

"I'm fine," Jang Uk replied, brushing off the concern, though fatigue was etched across his features.

"But I didn't expect it to be that strong. We should have been better prepared."

"It was stronger than any dark presence we've faced before," Seo Yul said, his brow furrowing as he considered the implications.

"We need to understand why it targeted you specifically, Jang Uk."

Hae-rin stepped closer to Jang Uk, her concern evident. "You shouldn't have faced it alone. You could have been seriously hurt."

"I didn't have a choice," he said, meeting her gaze with determination.

"It was coming for me. I couldn't let it hurt any of you."

Dang-gu nodded, his expression serious. "Whatever that dark presence was, it's connected to Naksu. We need to find her before she makes her next move."

The name hung in the air, heavy with dread. Naksu, once their enemy, was now an enigma—her soul having shifted, leaving uncertainty in her wake. Hae-rin felt the weight of the situation settle over her, understanding that the danger was far from over.

"Let's regroup and figure out our next steps," Seo Yul suggested, his voice firm.

"We can't let fear dictate our actions."

As they made their way back to Songrim, Hae-rin couldn't shake the feeling that they were racing against time.

Back at Songrim, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Master Park awaited them, his expression grave as they entered the hall.

"What happened?" he demanded, eyes scanning the group before settling on Jang Uk.

"We felt a disturbance."

"We encountered a dark presence," Jang Uk explained, his voice steady.

"It was unlike anything we've faced before, and it seems tied to Naksu."

Master Park's expression darkened. "You went head-on against a dark presence without backup?

You put the entire group at risk, Jang Uk! Do you understand the gravity of your actions?"

"I—" Jang Uk started, but the look in Master Park's eyes silenced him.

"Enough! As punishment for your recklessness, you will receive one hundred lashes. I will not have such behavior tolerated in my school. You must learn discipline, or you will endanger us all."

The weight of Master Park's words struck Jang Uk like a physical blow. Hae-rin's heart sank at the severity of the punishment. She wanted to speak out, to protest, but she knew the rules of Songrim. Interfering would only bring punishment upon herself.

"Master..." Jang Uk whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Silence!" Master Park barked. "You will endure this punishment alone. Your friends cannot interfere, or they too will suffer."

Hae-rin looked to Seo Yul and Dang-gu, their faces a mixture of anger and concern. Cho-yeon stepped back, sensing the tension, her expression a mix of determination and resignation.

"We'll be waiting for you," she said softly, her voice a comforting balm amidst the chaos.

Kim maid, the head servant of the Jang household, stepped forward, her expression one of deep concern as she approached Jang Uk. She had looked after him since he was a child, and the sight of him facing such punishment twisted her heart.

"Jang Uk, please be careful," she urged quietly, her voice filled with worry.

"Kim maid, I'll be fine," he said, trying to muster a reassuring smile for her sake, though his eyes betrayed the turmoil inside.As Master Park led Jang Uk away for his punishment, Hae-rin felt a mix of anger and sorrow.

In the following days, the group kept a watchful eye on Jang Uk from a distance, unable to intervene. Hae-rin found herself restless, her heart aching for her friend as she tried to focus on her training. Each strike of her practice sword felt heavier, as if she was bearing Jang Uk's burden.

"Are you okay?" Seo Yul asked one afternoon, watching her with concern.

"I just wish there was something more we could do," Hae-rin admitted, frustration lacing her voice.

"Stay strong," he replied, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"He'll get through this. We need to stay focused on finding Naksu."

Hae-rin nodded, but her heart remained heavy.

Days passed, and finally, the punishment ended. Jang Uk returned, visibly weary but with an unwavering spirit. The weight of the lashes had left scars, but it was the emotional toll that truly marked him.

Hae-rin rushed to him as soon as she spotted him.

"Jang Uk!" she exclaimed, concern flooding her voice.

"I'm alright," he said, though the pain in his eyes told a different story.

"Don't say that," she replied, taking his hands in hers, a gesture of solidarity.

"We're here for you."

Seo Yul and Dang-gu joined them, their expressions resolute.

"You don't have to carry this burden alone," Dang-gu said, clapping Jang Uk on the shoulder.

"We're a team," Seo Yul added, his voice steady.

"Together, we'll find Naksu and ensure this darkness doesn't threaten us again."

As they stood together, Hae-rin felt the bonds of friendship tightening around them—a circle of strength, of determination, and of hope.