Jackim_Ochieng

Joon, an ordinary high school student, unexpectedly inherits a fortune, transforming his life overnight. Initially celebrated, he soon faces mockery and betrayal from friends who envy his newfound wealth. As he strives to maintain his humility, a close friend's betrayal leads to personal and financial turmoil. Seeking solace and strength, Joon receives martial arts training, which empowers him to confront his past. As he travels through various cities, he navigates temptations of wealth and rebuilds his relationships, ultimately seeking revenge on those who wronged him. Through trials and growth, Joon learns that true success lies not in riches, but in integrity and personal connections.

RISE OF THE PHOENIX by Jackim ochieng

Deep within the underground dojo, the sound of fists striking against sandbags echoed in the dimly lit room. Joon's body was drenched in sweat, his muscles screaming in pain, but he refused to stop. Every strike, every movement, every breath—he was sharpening himself into a weapon.

The old master circled him like a hawk. "Your hatred burns like fire, but fire without control destroys everything in its path."

Joon gritted his teeth, stepping forward with perfect precision. His opponent, a seasoned fighter, lunged at him. This time, Joon didn't retreat. His eyes locked onto the incoming fist. In a fluid motion, he dodged, twisted his opponent's arm behind his back, and drove him to the ground.

A murmur rippled through the dojo.

The master smirked. "Good. But strength alone is not enough. You're not just fighting a man—you're fighting an empire."

Joon exhaled sharply. Fighting an empire? No. He wasn't just going to fight it. He was going to crush it, brick by brick.

In the highest tower of the financial district, billionaires and CEOs gathered in a private boardroom. The air was thick with unease.

"Someone is devouring our shares."

"This isn't a corporate takeover. It's an attack."

"Who the hell has the power to do this?"

A woman in a blood-red suit strode in. Victoria Lang, the queen of finance. She threw a file onto the table.

"This isn't the work of a company. This is one man. A ghost. And if we don't stop him, we're all finished."

She turned to the head of Kang Corporations—Lucas's father. "Your son's little feud at university has just turned into a financial war. And I think we both know who's behind it."

The morning air was crisp, but the campus buzzed with tension. Something was different. People weren't fawning over Lucas Kang anymore. They were whispering.

His phone vibrated violently in his pocket. A flood of notifications. He pulled it out, his eyes widening.

Kang Corporations' stocks have crashed overnight. Investors pulling out. Billions lost.

Lucas's face turned pale. His breath hitched. "What… what the hell is happening?"

Joon. Sitting calmly under a tree, flipping through a book, his expression unreadable.

Rage boiled inside Lucas as he stormed over, his entourage following closely behind. "You! What did you do?"

Joon didn't even glance up. "Me?" He turned a page. "I'm just a poor scholarship student, remember?"

Lucas grabbed his collar, his hands trembling. "You think you're funny? My family—"

Joon's gaze was cold, piercing. "Your family?" He let out a quiet chuckle. "They're just the first."

For the first time in his life, Lucas felt fear crawl up his spine. Joon wasn't the weak, pitiful boy he mocked. He wasn't someone to step on anymore.

Joon leaned in, his voice a whisper. "You laughed at me. Mocked me. And now, it's my turn."

Lucas stumbled back, his mind spinning. The war had begun.

Somewhere in the depths of the city, a woman picked up her phone. "The boy… he's not ordinary."

A voice on the other end chuckled. "Then it's time we see how deep his power runs."

Chapter 15 – Awakening the Beast