Chapter 6: Shadows of the Unknown

Jackim's breath was still uneven as he stared at his trembling hands. The lingering warmth from the battle still pulsed through his veins. He had never felt such power before—never even imagined it.

Victor Harrington watched him with a calculating gaze. "Your reaction time was decent, considering you've never fought before."

Jackim's heart pounded. "What the hell was that thing?"

Victor smirked. "A mere fragment of the trials you will face."

Jackim clenched his fists. He wasn't a fighter. He had spent most of his life dodging bullies, avoiding fights. Now, he was being told he had to survive trials?

"Why me?" he muttered. "I don't even know who left me this inheritance. I don't even know my connection to all of this."

Victor's expression darkened slightly. "That… is something even I do not fully know. Your benefactor left very few details, but one thing was clear—you were meant for this."

Jackim exhaled sharply. Meant for what?

His stomach twisted. This wasn't just about money.

The heavy iron doors behind them groaned as they began to close. The torches flickered once before dimming. Jackim turned toward Victor. "What now?"

Victor walked toward the entrance of the hidden chamber, his voice cool and calm. "Now, we leave. You've unlocked the first stage, but there is much more to learn."

Jackim followed him, his mind still racing. His steps echoed against the stone walls as they returned to the lavish corridors of the estate. It was almost unsettling how quickly they had left behind that ancient, almost mystical, trial chamber to return to the world of luxury and wealth.

As they emerged into the grand hallway, a woman stood waiting for them.

Jackim paused.

She was stunning—tall, with long black hair, piercing emerald eyes, and a fitted black dress that screamed elegance and danger at the same time.

Victor's gaze flickered toward her. "I see you've arrived."

She smirked. "I came as soon as I heard. So, this is the boy?"

Jackim swallowed hard. Boy?

He straightened his back. "And who are you?"

She walked closer, her gaze sharp, assessing. "My name is Selena Vaughn. I was asked to ensure you don't get yourself killed too quickly."

Jackim's brow furrowed. "Killed? You talk like I'm in some kind of danger."

Selena's smirk widened. "You are."

Jackim's stomach twisted. "What do you mean?"

Victor spoke before Selena could. "This inheritance comes with more than just money, Jackim. There are people who do not want you to have it. People who believe you are a threat simply by existing."

Jackim's blood ran cold.

He was being hunted?

Selena crossed her arms. "Let me guess—you thought you'd just enjoy a new rich lifestyle and everything would be fine?"

Jackim clenched his jaw. That's exactly what I thought.

Selena chuckled. "You have a lot to learn."

Victor glanced at Jackim. "Starting with your training."

Jackim took a deep breath. This was too much. A mysterious fortune, a trial, enemies he didn't even know existed?

A week ago, his biggest worry was whether he could afford food.

Now…

Now, he was being told that people wanted him dead.

Jackim's fists tightened. No. He wouldn't let himself be crushed again. He had spent his whole life struggling. This time, he wouldn't back down.

He met Victor's gaze. "Fine. Where do we start?"

Victor smirked. "Good. You'll need that attitude."

Selena tilted her head. "Then let's see if you can survive what's coming next."

Jackim swallowed hard. What had he just gotten himself into?

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