When Kai reported to the free combat class, he chose the largest and most reputable training center in Seoul.
He even told the manager he wanted their best coach for one-on-one training.
But the moment he showed up for his first lesson, his enthusiasm took a nosedive.
"Manager Hwang," Kai said, frowning, "I specifically asked for your most skilled coach. So why did you assign me a woman?"
The manager looked flustered. "Coach Lee Eun-hui is our most formidable instructor. None of the men here can beat her."
Hearing that, Coach Lee Eun-hui's expression turned sharp. "You from Huaguo—do you think women are naturally weaker than men?"
Kai quickly raised his hands in defense. "Coach Lee, don't get me wrong. I didn't mean to discriminate. It's just that, biologically speaking, women are usually not as strong as men. That's not bias—it's just physiology."
Lee Eun-hui smirked. "Then let me educate you. Around here, I'm the strongest. Even two or three male coaches at once wouldn't stand a chance against me."
Kai grinned. "Then I guess I really lucked out. Since I'm paying extra for private lessons, I'll take your word for it. But if it turns out you're exaggerating… with my money, I could sue you into bankruptcy."
Her expression hardened. "Good. Get in the ring. I was going to start with basic theory and movement drills—but it looks like you'd rather learn the hard way."
As soon as Kai stepped onto the mat, Lee Eun-hui swept her leg out and knocked him flat on his back before he could even blink.
She laughed. "You've got no foundation at all. I barely used any force, and you already fell?"
Groaning, Kai pushed himself up and lunged forward, trying to grab her shoulder and throw her down.
But before he could even react, Lee Eun-hui twisted his wrist and flipped him effortlessly over her shoulder.
Kai crashed onto the mat again, pain shooting through his tailbone. Still, he got back up.
That made her pause for a moment. Even the male coaches here would take longer to recover from that.
This guy's got no technique, but damn… he's tough.
Kai dusted himself off. "Those two moves taught me something important—fighting isn't just about brute strength. Sometimes, using your own body weight is enough."
Before he could finish the thought, Lee Eun-hui's spinning kick sent him tumbling to the ground again.
Thankfully, he'd taken off his shoes and socks before the match, or that hit might've fractured something.
When she turned to grab a drink, Kai's voice suddenly came from behind her.
"Hey, Coach, where are you going? We're not done yet."
Lee Eun-hui almost spat out her water. She turned and saw Kai—clutching his head but still standing.
"This guy…" she muttered. "He can't fight worth a damn, but he sure can take a beating."
For the next half hour, Lee Eun-hui threw Kai down from every angle imaginable.
But no matter how many times he hit the floor, he always stood up again within thirty seconds—like some kind of unkillable cockroach.
Finally, she had to stop and catch her breath. "Unbelievable willpower… I wasn't even holding back much.
If this kid had any real martial arts foundation, with that mindset, I'd never be able to beat him."
She raised a hand. "That's enough for today. It's just training, not a death match. If we keep going, you'll end up in the ICU and I'll end up in prison. We've got no grudge—don't try to die just to prove a point."
Kai nodded, panting. "Fair enough."
Still, his persistence had left a deep impression on her. From that day onward, Lee Eun-hui took his training seriously.
Although Kai's willpower was unmatched, talent didn't always follow effort.
His combat skills improved slowly—but his endurance, strength, and agility steadily grew.
He was no longer the frail, defenseless man he had once been.
Eleven months passed in the blink of an eye.
As the next Squid Game drew closer, Kai felt a swirl of emotions—fear, excitement, and a strange kind of anticipation.
On the morning he was set to leave, Ji-yeong stopped him at the door.
"Can I go with you? I know it's today."
Kai shook his head firmly. "No. If you come with me, you'll only slow me down. Remember what happened to that couple in the last Game?"
Ji-yeong lowered her gaze. "Alright… then I'll wait for you to come home in a week."
Kai gave her a faint smile, then took the invitation card and headed to the rendezvous plaza.
Just like before, after getting into the van, a mask-wearing recruiter sedated him.
When he opened his eyes again, he was lying in the familiar dormitory from last year's Game.
He glanced down at the blue-green tracksuit on his body—and sighed when he saw the number on his chest: 250.
"Seriously? Two-fifty again? Do these Korean organizers even know what that number means in Huaguo? Unbelievable…"
Around him, the other Players began to wake up one by one.
The process was the same as before: hundreds of debt-ridden individuals signing consent forms and being led into a vast open field.
And there she was—the same giant wooden doll standing ominously at the far end.
The familiar broadcast echoed through the speakers:
"Game rules: Red Light, Green Light. When the doll's back faces the Players, you may move forward. When she turns to face you, you must remain still.
Those who cross the red line before the timer ends will pass.
Anyone caught moving when the doll turns—or fails to reach the line in time—will be eliminated."
Kai's heart sank slightly.
So… they didn't change the six rounds of Games this year? That's not possible… right?