MADman-Chapter 53: Chrono Shift

The night was quiet, and the moonlight seeped through the curtains of Kim Hansoo's room. His breathing slowed as sleep enveloped him, pulling him into a vivid dream unlike any he had ever experienced.

The world he saw was alien yet eerily familiar. Towering skyscrapers made of silver and glass pierced the sky, and the hum of advanced machinery echoed through the air. Vehicles floated effortlessly, their engines silent but powerful. The streets below bustled with figures whose faces were hidden behind futuristic masks.

At the heart of this technological marvel stood a colossal structure—a throne room built from materials that seemed to shimmer and shift like liquid.

Hansoo found himself walking through this strange place, his steps soundless on the polished floor. His eyes were drawn upward, to the figure seated on the throne.

The person wore a mask adorned with the faces of 13 Zodiacs—each symbol intricately etched into the gleaming metal. The mask's design was haunting, with piercing eyes visible through the slits, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.

"It's you..." Hansoo whispered, though he didn't know why.

The figure leaned forward, their voice reverberating like an echo through time.

"Kim Hansoo. You've stepped into the infinite game. The cycle begins and ends with you."

The words sent shivers down his spine. Hansoo's gaze shifted to a massive screen behind the throne, displaying numbers that flickered in and out of focus.

Year: 7510.

"What does this mean?" Hansoo demanded, his voice trembling.

The figure remained silent for a moment before gesturing toward him. The Zodiac mask shimmered, and for a split second, the face behind it was visible—

It was Vanik.

Before Hansoo could react, a blinding light consumed his vision.

The MAD Tournament Day

Hansoo jolted awake, gasping for air. His heart raced as he looked around, realizing he was back in his room. The sunlight streaming through the window was harsh, signaling the start of a new day.

"What was that...?" he muttered, sitting up and rubbing his temples. The dream felt too real, too vivid to dismiss.

But there was no time to dwell on it. Today was the day of the MAD Tournament, and Hansoo couldn't afford to lose focus.

The Tournament Grounds

The arena was packed with spectators from all over Korea. The energy in the air was electric, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. The MAD Tournament wasn't just a competition; it was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the legacy of the players who had come before.

Hansoo stood in the waiting area, adjusting his gloves as he mentally prepared himself. His dream lingered in the back of his mind, but he pushed it aside.

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"Focus," he told himself. "This is your moment."

Dojin approached, clapping him on the shoulder. "You good? You've been spacing out all morning."

Hansoo forced a smile. "Just nerves. Nothing I can't handle."

The tournament announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, calling the participants to the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2078 MAD Tournament! Let's meet our competitors!"

A Glimpse of the Past and Future

As Hansoo stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers. The announcer listed his achievements and his connection to Sung Min-Ki, but Hansoo barely registered the words.

Instead, his mind flashed back to his dream—the futuristic city, the Zodiac mask, the year 7510. He clenched his fists, vowing to uncover the meaning behind it all.

The first match was about to begin. Hansoo's opponent, a tall and confident senior from another school, smirked as they approached each other.

"Let's see if you live up to your brother's name," the opponent taunted.

Hansoo didn't respond, his focus razor-sharp. As the countdown began, he activated Chrono Shift, the world around him slowing to a crawl.