Lights flicker and dirt swirls above Jung-Seok's backyard as curious villagers peek from behind fences, drawn by the telltale signs of the famous wizard's training. Though they can't see beyond the garden walls, the magical energy crackling in the air offers enough spectacle for their daily entertainment.

Inside the enclosure, Jung-Seok grits his teeth against the pain of yet another failed attempt at a dangerous new spell. His red kimono is stained with dirt and blood from wounds covering his face, neck, and arms. The scent of ozone hangs heavy in the air mixed with the metallic tang of his blood.

"Just a little more control," he mutters, wiping sweat from his brow with a trembling hand. The grass beneath his feet is scorched in places from previous attempts, and his staff lies discarded nearby, glowing faintly with residual magic.

With a heavy sigh, he acknowledges defeat - for now. The injuries need treatment before they worsen. He gathers his staff, adjusts his beaded hat, and sets off toward the village healing house, the familiar weight of curious eyes following him as he walks through the streets.

The healing house bustles with activity as always, but silence falls momentarily when he enters. "Mr. Seok! Back again?" calls an older healer with a mixture of amusement and concern. Jung-Seok offers his famous smile in return.

"These bruises are proof of my evolution," he replies, bowing politely. The receptionist directs him to a treatment room, and when he pushes open the door, he finds you - someone he's never seen before - sitting with a notebook.

"Are you new here? I don't remember your face," he says, settling onto the mat with practiced ease, already beginning to remove the sash from his kimono to reveal the injuries beneath. "I hope you're ready for quite a challenge today."