Lookism:Legends

Tom Lee stared at Jalen for a long second, the tension in the room thick but oddly relaxed like a tiger lounging in tall grass.

"You want to learn from me?" he asked again, rolling his shoulders.

"Yes," Jalen replied, standing firm.

Tom set down his cigarette in a tray and took off his shades, revealing tired but sharp eyes that had seen more violence than most soldiers.

"Alright then," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see if you're worth the effort."

The training room was massive, padded floors and reinforced walls. A few workers peeked in curiously but didn't dare enter. Hansu and Manager Kim stood to the side, silent observers.

Tom walked to the center, rolling his neck.

"I don't hold back," he said casually.

"I don't expect you to," Jalen replied.

And then Tom moved.

Like a freight train, the massive man closed the distance and threw a palm strike. Jalen barely dodged, his chest brushing Tom's sleeve as he twisted away. The force of the missed strike made the air crack.

He's a monster, Jalen thought, eyes narrowing.

Tom wasn't just strong he was efficient, his moves tight, brutal, and terrifyingly fast for his size. Jalen weaved through strikes and counters, trying to find a gap. His body, honed through months under Gun and Hansu, responded like a weapon but Tom's frame soaked everything.

He landed a knee to Tom's side. Nothing.

A spinning kick to his back. Tom barely flinched.

Minutes passed. Sweat drenched Jalen's shirt. Tom smiled lazily, barely out of breath.

"Come on, future legend. Show me you're not just noise."

Then Jalen saw it. A flicker in Tom's step. His left shoulder was slower than the rest of him.

Jalen ducked under a wide swing, twisted, and launched his body upward wrapping around Tom's arm with a flying armbar.

There was a brief resistance.

Then

Pop.

Tom didn't scream. Just blinked.

Jalen dropped to the floor, panting.

Tom stood there, left arm dangling slightly. And then, with a low chuckle, he popped it back into place without a flinch.

"Well damn," Tom said, looking down at him. "You actually did it."

He stretched his arm, testing it. Then smiled.

"Fine. You're ready. Let's get to work."

Manager Kim nodded once. Hansu didn't look surprised.

And Jalen, still catching his breath, allowed himself a small smirk.

He had just dislocated Tom Lee's arm. And now, the real training would begin.