Chapter 14 – The First Strike

The neon lights of Emerald City flickered in the distance as Joon sat on a rooftop, staring down at the bustling streets below. The air was thick with the scent of rain, and the weight of the past few days pressed heavily on his shoulders. He had spent years hiding, enduring mockery, and suppressing the rage that burned within him. But now… things were changing.

The locket in his pocket felt heavier than ever, its secret still eluding him. But one thing was clear—he was done being looked down upon.

---

At Westbridge University, the tension was palpable. Ever since Joon had enrolled, he had been the target of endless ridicule from the elite students who saw him as nothing more than a lowly scholarship kid. But they had no idea who they were dealing with.

As he walked through the courtyard, whispers followed him.

"He's still wearing those cheap clothes?"

"How pathetic. Does he even have money for lunch?"

"Just drop out already."

Joon ignored them, his face blank. Deep inside, he was memorizing every single face, every single insult. These people thought they ruled the city, but soon, they would know what true power looked like.

At that moment, someone stepped in front of him—Lucas Kang, heir to Kang Corporations.

Lucas smirked, twirling his expensive watch. "Still pretending to belong here, Joon? I heard you work part-time at a convenience store. How much do you make? Enough to buy a cup of coffee?"

The students around them laughed. Joon's fists clenched, but he forced himself to remain calm.

"At least I work for my money," Joon said, his voice quiet but sharp. "Unlike some people who only survive off their father's name."

Lucas's face darkened. "What did you just say?"

Joon smiled—a cold, calculated smile. "You'll find out soon enough."

---

That night, Joon stood before a hidden underground facility. The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit dojo filled with warriors in training. His heart pounded as an older man with piercing eyes stepped forward.

"So, you've finally come," the man said.

Joon nodded. "Train me."

The old man chuckled. "Once you enter this path, there's no turning back."

Joon met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I don't intend to turn back. I will destroy everyone who looked down on me. And I will take back everything that was stolen from me."

The training began.

---

Meanwhile, in the high-rise buildings of Emerald City's business district, whispers of a new player entering the financial world began to spread. Unknown transactions were shaking the stock market, and major corporations were losing shares overnight.

A storm was coming.

And at the center of it all… was Joon.