The abandoned warehouse smelled of damp and rust. The only light came from a few flickering bulbs hanging from the ceiling, casting long, distorted shadows that danced on the walls. Yi Shi-Woon sat on the cold, hard floor, his hands tied behind his back with rough rope that chafed his wrists. His captors had left him alone, watched by two burly men who stood silently on either side of the door.
The initial fear had begun to give way to a mixture of frustration and determination. I knew I was in a dangerous situation, but I also remembered Master Goo's lessons about staying calm under pressure and looking for every opportunity.
Shi-woon tried to loosen the ropes tying his hands, carefully wiggling his fingers. The rope was too thick and too tight. His wrists began to ache, but he kept trying, hoping to find some weak spot.
An indeterminate amount of time passed. The silence of the warehouse was only interrupted by the occasional drip of water and the heavy breathing of his guards. Shi-Woon watched the men, trying to assess their personalities. One was large and burly, with a deadpan expression. The other was thinner and more agile, with eyes that seemed to scrutinize Shi-Woon's every move.
Shi-woon's mind was racing. He remembered the basic release techniques Master Goo had taught him, but they all required a certain amount of flexibility and room to maneuver, something he didn't have in his current situation.
He thought about Master Goo. Had he received the message yet? Was he worried? The thought that his master might be in danger because of him filled him with guilt and anxiety.
Suddenly, the warehouse door opened, and the older man with the scar walked in, accompanied by two other men. He approached Shi-woon and looked at him with a cold smile.
"How are you feeling, apprentice?" the older man asked, his voice mocking. "I hope you are comfortable. Your master will be a while in arriving."
Shi-Woon looked at him defiantly. "Master Goo won't be intimidated by you."
The older man laughed. "Oh, I think so. We've made it very clear what we want. And I know he cares deeply about his... students."
The implication in her words made Shi-woon's blood run cold. Did they know anything else about him? Did they know about his life before meeting Master Goo?
"He doesn't know anything about me," Shi-Woon said firmly, trying to hide his growing fear.
"Perhaps not," the older man replied, bending down to look him in the eye. "But we know enough about Goomoonryong to know what matters to him. And you, boy, are his connection to the outside world. You are his weakness."
The truth of her words hit him hard. He'd never considered himself important to anyone, much less someone like Master Goo. The idea that he was now the reason his master might be in danger was overwhelming.
The older man straightened. "Just you wait, boy. We'll soon see if your master is willing to pay the price for your safety."
Then he turned to his men. "Make sure he doesn't try anything stupid. And bring him something to eat. We don't want him to be too weak when his master arrives."
The men nodded, and the older man left the warehouse, leaving Shi-woon alone again with his thoughts and fears. Despite his desperate situation, a small spark of hope still burned within him. He had to trust Master Goo. He had to believe that his master would find a way to get him out of there. And in the meantime, he would do his best to stay strong and not give them the satisfaction of seeing him defeated. He tried to remember all the lessons Master Goo had taught him—not just combat techniques, but also the importance of patience, observation, and determination. Even in the darkness of that abandoned warehouse, Yi Shi-woon knew that his awakening had only just begun.
To be continued...
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