Chapter 5: The Awakening of a Hidden Power

The weight of the black suit in Jackim's hands felt heavier than it should have. It wasn't just fabric—it was a symbol of a life he had never imagined for himself.

Victor Harrington watched him carefully, his sharp eyes filled with something unreadable. Approval? Amusement? Caution? Jackim couldn't tell.

"You should change," Victor said, motioning toward a nearby wooden screen.

Jackim hesitated for a moment before stepping behind it. He removed his old, worn-out hoodie and cheap jeans, replacing them with the black suit that fit him perfectly—almost too perfectly, as if it had been measured just for him.

As he adjusted the collar, he caught a glimpse of himself in a nearby ornate mirror.

For a second, he didn't recognize the person staring back.

The boy who had been mocked, abandoned, and ridiculed was gone.

In his place stood someone new.

Someone dangerous.

Jackim stepped out from behind the screen. Victor studied him from head to toe before nodding approvingly.

"Not bad," Victor said. "Now, let's see if you're worthy of the rest of your inheritance."

Jackim frowned. "What do you mean?"

Victor turned and began walking toward the hidden vault once again. "Money isn't the only thing you've inherited. There's something else—something far more valuable."

Jackim followed, his heart pounding.

Victor led him through a hidden corridor, deep within the estate. The walls were lined with old tapestries depicting battles and symbols Jackim didn't recognize. The air grew colder, and an unseen pressure pressed down on him with each step.

Finally, they arrived at a massive iron door, covered in strange engravings.

Victor pressed his palm against the center.

A soft click echoed, and the door slowly creaked open.

Inside was a large stone chamber, lit only by flickering torches. The floor was made of rough granite, and at the center stood a stone pedestal.

On the pedestal rested an ancient scroll, bound in dark leather.

Jackim took a hesitant step forward. "What is this?"

Victor's expression turned serious. "Your true inheritance."

Jackim glanced at him. "I thought the money was my inheritance."

Victor chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Money is nothing. Power… is everything."

Jackim swallowed hard. Power?

Victor gestured toward the scroll. "Take it."

Jackim stepped forward and reached out. The moment his fingers touched the leather, a shockwave of energy pulsed through his body.

His vision blurred. His chest tightened.

For a brief moment, he saw flashes of images—unfamiliar faces, battles, blood, fire.

His body trembled as an invisible force pressed down on his soul.

His breath came in short gasps. What the hell is this?!

Victor's voice echoed in the chamber. "The scroll recognizes your bloodline. If you are truly the heir, you will survive the trial."

Jackim's eyes widened. Trial?!

Before he could react, the ground beneath him rumbled.

The torches flickered wildly. The air grew thick with energy.

Jackim barely had time to move before a shadowy figure materialized from the darkness.

It was humanoid in shape, but its body was made of pure black mist. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Jackim like a predator eyeing its prey.

Jackim's pulse skyrocketed. "What the hell is that?!"

Victor remained still. "Your test."

The shadow creature lunged.

Jackim barely dodged, stumbling backward. The creature's claws sliced through the air, missing his throat by inches.

Jackim's mind raced. I don't know how to fight!

But there was no time to think.

The creature attacked again, moving unnaturally fast. Jackim ducked, rolling to the side. His heart pounded in his chest.

Victor's voice echoed in the chamber. "You need to awaken your instincts, Jackim. If you don't fight back… you will die."

Jackim gritted his teeth. Die? In my first hour of being rich?!

His mind screamed for a weapon, but he had none. His body felt sluggish, untrained. He had no martial arts skills—he was just a broke student who had been beaten up more times than he could count.

But then… something shifted.

The ring on his finger glowed faintly.

Jackim felt an odd warmth spreading through his body. His muscles tensed. His senses sharpened.

The creature lunged again.

This time, Jackim moved. Faster. Stronger.

His body reacted on instinct—dodging, countering, striking back.

He didn't know how. He didn't know why. But it was happening.

The creature slashed at him. Jackim dodged.

The creature lunged. Jackim stepped forward and, without thinking, drove his fist into its chest.

A burst of shockwave energy erupted from the impact.

The creature howled in agony, its form flickering.

Jackim staggered back, panting. His hand tingled.

The shadowy figure dissipated into nothing.

Silence filled the chamber.

Jackim stood there, breathing hard. His mind reeled. What… was that?

Victor finally spoke. "Impressive. You awakened faster than I expected."

Jackim's fists clenched. "What the hell just happened?"

Victor walked toward him, his expression unreadable. "The scroll… unlocked something inside you. Your bloodline isn't just wealthy, Jackim. It's powerful."

Jackim exhaled sharply. He looked down at his hands.

This wasn't normal.

He had never trained a day in his life. He had never fought properly before. And yet, in that moment…

He had moved like a warrior.

His gaze snapped to Victor. "What am I?"

Victor's lips curled into a small smile. "The beginning of something far greater than you can imagine."

Jackim swallowed hard. This is insane.

One day ago, he was struggling for rent.

Now, he had inherited a fortune, a mystery, and a power he couldn't understand.

He knew one thing for sure—

His life would never be the same again.

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