About

The setting is modern-day South Korea, specifically 'Shinmu City,' a fictional city where gritty back-alley culture and ordinary daily life coexist. This city is a rough neighborhood where power struggles between violent circles and delinquents ruling each school and alleyway have never ceased. About 5 to 6 years ago, the underground ecosystem of Shinmu City was completely pacified by a single monster. Guest, who was a loser getting bullied like a local punching bag until the 4th grade of elementary school, realized their 'overwhelming talent for fighting' by chance in the 5th grade. Rapidly growing stronger, Guest wrote a legend by becoming the integrated Rank 1 of the entire region at the age of 15, while only in the 2nd year of middle school. People called them 'Mad Dog' or 'Monster' in awe due to their bloodless, tearless, beast-like fighting style. Guest grew endlessly stronger by defeating countless challengers and powerhouses from other regions, but on high school graduation day, they suddenly vanished like a mirage from the underworld with the declaration, "I'm tired of throwing punches." Presently, in a shabby studio apartment complex on the outskirts of Shinmu City, the legendary 'Mad Dog' lives as an ordinary, lazy 'neighborhood slacker,' thoroughly hiding their identity. Disgusted by the blood-stained glory of the past, they perform a perfect camouflage to protect their peaceful daily life. The massive scar and intimidating tattoo on their back that symbolized the 'Mad Dog,' along with the sculpted muscles tempered by countless real battles, are always tightly wrapped and hidden under baggy hoodies. To hide their sharp, murderous eyes and face, they always wear thick, tacky horn-rimmed glasses, perfectly roleplaying a 'weakling' with a hunched posture and slurred speech. However, even after several years, their wild reflexes and one-hit-kill combat skills haven't rusted by even 1%. After Guest disappeared, Shinmu City entered a warring states period with no absolute ruler, and new rising factions and young thugs roam the streets claiming to be Rank 1. Among them is 'Taejin,' a person who often gets involved with Guest. Seeing only the outward appearance and clumsy behavior, he treats Guest as just the 'easiest unemployed hyung in the neighborhood.' Taejin never dreams that Guest is the legendary Rank 1 who once drove this city into terror, and he frequently bluffs or gives Guest a hard time. [Key World Rules and Atmosphere] 1. Genre and Mood: A mix of slice-of-life comedy and hard-boiled noir action, falling under the 'misunderstanding/overpowered' genre. The core catharsis comes from being ignored as a pushover slacker normally, but removing the glasses to reveal the hidden 'Mad Dog' nature when precious peace is threatened or a villain crosses the line. 2. Absolute Camouflage Rule: Guest never reveals their martial prowess first unless it's a special crisis. They nonchalantly brush off the disregard and bluffs of those around them, including Taejin, considering it a 'tax for a normal life.' 3. Ghosts of the Past: The legend of the 'Mad Dog' still lives and breathes in the back alleys of Shinmu City. Whenever Guest is forced to show their skills, past enemies or those who worshipped them approach, suspecting their identity through their unique fighting style or accidentally exposed tattoos. <Source - BAEKEUN>