Jiu Ji-tae isn't the same kid we met at the start of this manhwa. Not even close. If you've been following the descent into madness that is the Tunnel arc, Fight Class 3 chapter 104 is basically the point of no return. It’s gritty. It’s uncomfortable. Honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing chapters Lee Hak has ever put to paper, mostly because it forces us to confront just how far our "hero" has fallen into the abyss.
The chapter doesn't just show a fight; it shows a dismantling of a human soul.
Lee Hak’s art style has always been unique, but by the time we hit Fight Class 3 chapter 104, the linework feels like it’s vibrating with pure anxiety. It’s scratchy and chaotic. You can almost feel the dampness of the Tunnel. The narrative weight here is heavy because it bridges the gap between Ji-tae’s lingering humanity and the monster he’s becoming to survive Maria’s world.
The Psychological Toll of the Tunnel
The Tunnel isn't just a physical location. It’s a meat grinder. By chapter 104, the environment has effectively stripped away the rules of civilized society that governed the early chapters at the high school. We see Ji-tae navigating a space where violence isn't a sport—it’s the only language spoken.
He’s twitchy.
His eyes, once filled with a sort of naive desperation, are now sunken and terrifying. Fans on platforms like Reddit and various manhwa forums have spent months debating whether Ji-tae can even be "saved" at this point. The consensus? Probably not in the way we want. Chapter 104 doubles down on the idea that trauma doesn't just change you; it rewrites your DNA.
Visual Storytelling and the "Ugly" Aesthetic
A lot of readers complain that the art gets "messy" during this stretch. They're wrong. It’s intentional. Lee Hak is using the visual medium to mirror Ji-tae’s internal state. When the lines get jagged and the proportions look slightly off, it’s because the world feels off.
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In Fight Class 3 chapter 104, the paneling is frantic. It forces your eyes to move at a speed that mimics a panic attack. This isn't the clean, polished art of Solo Leveling. It’s something much more visceral and, frankly, much more honest about what high-stakes violence does to a teenager’s psyche.
Maria’s Influence: Mentor or Monster?
You can't talk about chapter 104 without talking about Maria. Her shadow looms over every panel, even when she isn't the focus. She’s the one who dragged Ji-tae into this, and the ethical implications of her "training" are laid bare here.
Is she a victim herself? Absolutely. Does that excuse what she’s done to Ji-tae? That’s the question the series wants you to struggle with. In this specific chapter, we see the fruits of her labor: a boy who can no longer distinguish between self-defense and predatory aggression.
It’s heartbreaking, really.
Breaking Down the Action
The physicality in Fight Class 3 chapter 104 is brutal. Unlike traditional shonen where characters shout their moves, the combat here is silent and efficient. It’s about leverage, breaking bones, and psychological dominance. Ji-tae isn't winning because he’s "stronger" in a traditional sense; he’s winning because he’s willing to go to a darker place than his opponents.
- The Weight of Impacts: Every punch feels like it has actual mass.
- The Use of Space: The cramped nature of the Tunnel makes the violence feel unavoidable.
- Facial Expressions: The way Lee Hak draws mouths and teeth in this chapter is haunting—everyone looks like a cornered animal.
The pacing is breathless. You start the chapter and suddenly you're at the end, staring at a cliffhanger that makes you want to reach through the screen and shake the characters. It’s a masterclass in tension.
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Why Chapter 104 Matters for the Long Run
If you skip the nuances of this chapter, you miss the turning point for the final act. This is where the themes of "nature vs. nurture" collide. Ji-tae was born to a monster, but he was raised to be "good." The Tunnel acts as a catalyst that burns away the "good" and leaves only the raw materials of his father's legacy.
Some readers find this transition too dark. They miss the days of the Fight Class 3 tournament and the banter. But that’s the point. The story isn't a power fantasy. It’s a tragedy. Chapter 104 is the moment the tragedy becomes irreversible.
Comparison to Other Martial Arts Manhwa
Most series in this genre follow a "get stronger, find friends" trope. Fight Class 3 does the opposite. Ji-tae gets stronger and loses everyone—including himself.
- Viral Hit/How to Fight: Focuses on technique and social media fame.
- Lookism: Focuses on shifts in identity and gang politics.
- Fight Class 3: Focuses on the total erosion of the self.
By the time we finish Fight Class 3 chapter 104, the contrast is stark. This isn't a game. There are no power-ups that don't come with a permanent scar.
The Reality of Jiu Ji-tae’s Trauma
Medical experts often talk about "hyper-vigilance" in trauma survivors. We see this manifested physically in Ji-tae’s stance and reactions throughout the chapter. He isn't just "fighting"; he is reacting to a world he perceives as entirely hostile.
It’s exhausting to watch.
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The grit isn't just for show. It serves to alienate the reader from the protagonist, making us question if we should even be rooting for him anymore. That’s a bold move for any writer. Most creators want their leads to stay likable. Lee Hak doesn't care if you like Ji-tae. He wants you to be afraid of him.
Actionable Steps for Readers
If you're caught up or just finished Fight Class 3 chapter 104, don't just rush into the next one. Take a second.
Analyze the Backgrounds
Look at the graffiti and the clutter in the Tunnel. Lee Hak often hides thematic clues in the environment. The decay of the setting mirrors the decay of the characters.
Reread Chapter 1 to Compare
Go back and look at Ji-tae in the very first chapter. The physical transformation is obvious, but look at the eyes. The "dead eye" look he has in chapter 104 is a stark contrast to the expressive, fearful eyes of the premiere. It makes the impact of his journey hit much harder.
Support the Official Release
Piracy is rampant, but for a series with art this complex, support the official platforms like Naver Webtoon. The high-resolution files make a massive difference in seeing the detail in the "messy" art style.
Join the Discourse
Check out the Fight Class 3 subreddit or Discord. The theories surrounding Ji-tae's mental state and Maria's true endgame are incredibly deep and will give you a better appreciation for the subtle writing you might have missed on a first read.
Watch for Translation Nuances
Because the dialogue in chapter 104 is sparse, every word matters. If you can, look at multiple translations. Small shifts in how Ji-tae speaks—or doesn't speak—reveal a lot about how much of his old personality is left.
The journey through the Tunnel is far from over, but chapter 104 stands as a monument to the series' willingness to go where other manhwa fear to tread. It's ugly, it's violent, and it's absolutely essential.