The two of them then trained together, alongside other members who were older than them, but despite the age difference, the members supported one another.
Their days were spent training, each striving for their own goals. Killie often practiced alone at home when there was no schedule.
He tried to understand every movement and lesson he had been taught. His mother always watched from the house window.
Pillie, on the other hand, also trained—but in the forest, searching for something to motivate him. Sometimes, he practiced by punching trees until they fell. Even when his hands were injured, he never gave up.
Finally, after years of training, Pillie and Killie had grown up. Pillie now had his own friends, while Killie had no intention of making any.
At school, he stayed quiet and listened. Weak students were often bullied, but not Killie. People didn't know that Killie also trained in martial arts. All they knew was that Killie was the child of Pillie, one of the notable figures in their middle school.
Killie spent his days sitting and listening in class before going home. Pillie, however, attracted more and more people as time passed.
Strangely, even though Pillie was strong, the people around him weren't the type who liked to fight. They were more like close friends—joking around, slinging arms over shoulders, their faces never tense.
But this didn't make Killie jealous. He had something to protect. Killie did have friends, though only a few, and they were from different classes.
Most of them were the ones who had approached Killie first. It wasn't that Killie didn't want friends—he just didn't know how to talk to people.
Eventually, they graduated from middle school and enrolled in high school. Both of them applied. Pillie's friends chose to follow him, as did Killie's—though he only had one.
One day, as Pillie, Killie, and the other martial arts trainees were resting on the terrace after practice, they saw a white car drive past toward the forest.
"That car… it's the car of…" Pillie thought.
Killie looked startled upon seeing the car. His heart felt uneasy, gripped by an unknown dread. *Why is my heart pounding like this? Is it because of that car? Does it remind me of someone?*
The others didn't notice, but Pillie and Killie seemed to know exactly what it meant.
By evening, Pillie and Killie walked home. But something shocked them.
Villagers had gathered in front of their house, talking about something. Pillie and Killie approached.
"Excuse me, what's going on?" Pillie asked.
Suddenly, a woman rushed toward them. "Pillie, Killie! Your mother's been kidnapped! Where have you two been?"
Hearing this, Killie froze. He dropped what he was holding. "Kidnapped?" he muttered, stunned.
"Yes! Someone saw her taking out the trash when a white car stopped. They grabbed her and drove off! People tried to help, but the car was already gone. The village head and officials are discussing it now!"
Killie still couldn't believe it. He slowly walked into the house, unable to process what he'd just heard.
"Killie?"
"It's okay, he must be in shock."
"Let him rest first. We'll search for her later!"
The villagers understood his feelings.
But unlike Killie, Pillie was no longer there. No one knew where he'd gone.
Killie lay down on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. Then he saw a photo of himself, his mother, and Pillie.
Suddenly, Killie began to cry—softly at first, then louder. His heart finally accepted the reality. The house felt empty without her.
He cried for a long time. Memories of his mother's love flooded his mind, overwhelming him.
Wiping his tears, Killie called his friends for help and information, knowing they lived in the same village.
The next morning, they gathered at his house. Only five people came—his only friends.
"Are you okay?" one asked.
"If it's too much, we'll handle it!"
"I'm fine. Don't worry. If we find them, I'll make them pay," Killie said.
"Alright, but don't hold us back!"
Killie explained everything. "I saw that car heading toward the forest, but I've never been there. I don't know where to go!"
"That forest with the clearing?"
"I don't know. From the dojo, it went right."
"Oh, then it's the one with the clearing."
"That's the haunted one, right? Where people disappear?"
"Yeah, that's why no one goes there!"
"Wait… what if that's their hideout?"
"Could be. That makes sense!"
"Then let's go. Killie, ride with me!"
They headed into the forest. Killie's martial arts friends saw him entering.
"Is that Killie? Why's he going into the forest?"
"You didn't hear? Villagers say his mom was kidnapped yesterday after leaving here!"
"Seriously? Then why aren't we helping?"
"That's why we're here! Let's go!"
They followed Killie into the forest.
Killie reached the spot. Sure enough, there were traces of smoke—a strong, burning smell.
Then they saw guards—people around their age or slightly older.
They attacked head-on, trying to defeat the guards. Killie felt like he recognized some faces but had no time to think—he was too busy fighting.
The enemies were strong. Killie's friends could barely land a hit. Even Killie struggled. But—*CRACK!*—he unleashed everything he'd trained for, taking one down.
But as one fell, more came. Suddenly, someone ran up behind Killie, leaped over him, and faced the guards. It was his martial arts friends.
"Go inside! We'll hold them off!"
Killie and his friend rushed in. Inside, Killie was shocked to see his mother lying unconscious on the ground, foam at her mouth. Beside her was a beautiful girl, also asleep.
But in front of them stood more guards—and one person in the center, his back turned.
Killie instantly recognized the hairstyle and posture. "Pillie—" he whispered, his eyes glistening.
The person slightly turned, revealing his eyes. They were Pillie's.
"So you came, brat."
Killie's mouth fell open in shock. The figure fully turned around.
It was Pillie, grinning widely. "Heh, you're late!"
"What's going on, Pillie? Explain!" Killie could no longer hold back his tears.
"Explain? You can see for yourself—Mom's dead! Heh!"
*WHOOSH!*
Killie instantly threw a punch at Pillie's face.
-TO BE CONTINUED-