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GATHERED UNDER THE TWILIGHT SKY, deep in the shadowed woods, the Cobras stood still. The air was heavy with anticipation, faint rustle of leaves and distant chirping of crickets the only sounds breaking the tense silence. Towering trees formed an eerie labyrinth, their twisted branches clawing at the darkening sky. A bonfire crackled ominously in the center of the clearing, casting flickering shadows over the crowd.

Sensei Kim's sharp, calculating eyes swept over the gathered students. Beside her, stood John Kreese with his arms crossed, a cold smirk playing on his lips. Both radiated an air of intimidation that made the younger trainees shrink back slightly, while the seasoned ones stiffened in preparation.

Y/n felt her pulse quicken as Master Kim Da-Eun paced before them, her predatory gaze cutting through the tension.

"This isn't a game," She began, her voice a cold blade slicing the silence. "It's war. Your task is simple: exploit the weaknesses of your enemies and take what matters most to them." Her sharp eyes swept over the group, daring anyone to show fear. "You have five minutes to hide. After that, you will hunt each other. You'll have one hour to collect as many valuables as possible. No hesitation. No mercy. Fail to secure at least one item, and you fail completely."

John Kreese stepped forward, his voice gravelly but commanding. "The lesson here is simple: survival. You don't just fight. You dominate. Hesitate, and you lose. Show weakness, and you lose... and in the war field, you what it takes to win, or you die."

The girl's throat tightened. She stole a glance at Kwon, standing beside her with his usual cocky smirk. He met her eyes and tilted his head, leaning closer.

"You hear that?" Kreese spoke louder, noticing the tension between his two captains. "No alliances. You're all on your own."

Y/n's eyes narrowed at Kwon, suspicion prickling at her skin. "Didn't you tell me to stick close?"

Kwon shrugged, feigning innocence, aware that his sensei was watching him like a hawk. "Plans change."

"You're unbelievable," she hissed.

He smirked, unbothered. "You'll miss me."

Y/n turned away, biting back a retort. Her attention snapped back as Da-Eun barked, "Move!"

The group scattered, bodies disappearing into the shadowed expanse of the forest. The girl sprinted deeper into the woods, her footsteps muffled against the leaf-littered ground. She dove into a thicket of bushes, crouching low as she tried to steady her breathing.

The stillness around her was unsettling, the sounds of the others fading into the distance. For a moment, she felt hidden, safe. Then she noticed the tickling sensation on her arm. Her eyes darted down to see ants crawling up her sleeve. A shiver of disgust ran through her, not because they were ants, but because there were likely some worms around as well. She shifted uncomfortably, brushing them off as quietly as possible.

This won't work.

Carefully, she began to inch out of the bushes, her movements slow and deliberate. But as she straightened, her back collided with something solid. Panic surged through her as spun around, nearly screaming, but a hand clamped over her mouth, muffling the sound. Her eyes widened as she registered Kwon's face inches from hers. His grip was firm but not rough, his expression a mix of annoyance and urgency.

"Shut up," he hissed, his tone sharp but quiet. He glanced around before slowly letting her go.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she whispered fiercely, swatting his hand away.

"I told you to stick close," he replied, voice low but accusing.

"I don't trust you; you said plans changed." she snapped. "Senseis said no teams!"

"We're not teaming up," he countered, his smirk returning. "We're just... strategically aligned."

Before she could retort, his expression shifted suddenly, eyes narrowing. "Duck," he commanded.

"What?"

"Duck!"

When she didn't react fast enough, he pushed her to the ground. She landed hard but watched as Kwon spun around, his leg sweeping upward in a powerful crescent kick that caught another student mid-charge. The attacker hit the dirt with a grunt, their stolen item flying from their grip.

"Game on," Kwon muttered, extending a hand to help her up. "You're welcome." 

"Don't expect a thank-you," she shot back, fists clenched as another figure lunged toward her.

The forest erupted into chaos.

Y/n dodged the first punch, countering with a sharp elbow to the ribs. The student grunted, dropping their stolen pouch, which she snatched up before spinning to face the next threat. Kwon was beside her, a whirlwind of brutal kicks and flips that left their attackers sprawled on the ground.

"You fight like you're auditioning for a kung fu panda movie," she muttered, sidestepping to avoid a swing and retaliating with a jab to her opponent's throat.

"Thanks," he said, landing a flawless 720 kick that sent another student flying.

"That wasn't a compliment."

Their banter didn't stop, even as the attacks became more coordinated.

"Back-to-back?" Kwon asked, his tone light despite the situation.

Y/n didn't hesitate, falling into formation with him. "Try not to slow me down."

Their movements were synchronized as if choreographed. Kwon's aggressive, high-flying kicks created a whirlwind of confusion, drawing attention away from y/n, who struck with sharp, efficient precision.

"Show-off," she muttered as he landed an axe kick that cracked against an opponent's shoulder.

"Jealous?" he teased, twisting to block an incoming punch before countering with a knee to the gut.

They were a deadly combination, their styles complementing each other perfectly. Kwon's relentless attacks kept their opponents off balance, while y/n exploited every opening, targeting weak points with unerring accuracy.

But then, in the midst of the chaos, Y/N's focus wavered. She didn't see the student coming from her blind spot until it was too late. A sharp blow to her ribs sent her stumbling, pain radiating through her torso as she gasped for air.

"Shit-" Kwon's curse cut through the fog of pain. He was at her side in an instant, his eyes scanning her with a mixture of concern and frustration.

"I'm fine," she managed, though her voice was strained.

"No, you're not. Everybody know you weak in the ribs." he said calmly, his accent thick, almost stereotypical in the face of exhaustion. "Listen to me. Breathe. Focus."

She nodded, forcing herself to steady her breathing as he stepped in front of her, blocking another attack.

"You're not done yet," he said over his shoulder, his tone firm but encouraging. "Get up. Stay with me."

Y/n pushed herself to her feet, her movements slower but determined. Kwon's words anchored her, and she fell back into formation with him, their rhythm returning despite the pain.

"You good?" he asked, glancing at her as they fought side by side.

"Better than you," she shot back, her tone defiant.

"That's the spirit."

The attacks kept coming, but their coordination only grew stronger. They moved as one, their backs pressed together as they fought off the onslaught.

"You don't suck half as much as I thought you did," Kwon said, ducking under a swing and retaliating with a spinning kick.

"Save the compliments," she replied, landing a punch that sent her opponent sprawling.

Their banter didn't falter, even as the fight reached its peak. But just as they thought they'd cleared the field, a slow, deliberate clap echoed through the clearing.

Hana stepped forward, her expression icy and confident. "Impressive," she said, her gaze locking onto y/n. "But let's see how you handle a real challenge."

Behind her, Yoon emerged, his grin predatory as he cracked his knuckles.

Kwon smirked, his posture relaxed but ready. "You ready for this?"

Y/n wiped the sweat from her brow, her eyes narrowing. "Always."

The fight wasn't over yet...

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