Chapter 33: Whispers of the Storm

The streets of Emerald City were alive with the hum of night traffic. Neon lights flickered, casting eerie reflections against the wet pavement. Jackim walked alone, hands buried deep in his pockets, his mind heavy with thoughts.

The black card in his pocket felt like it weighed a ton.

A debt? What kind of debt? Why him?

His instincts screamed that Madam X was playing a game far beyond his understanding. But something about her words lingered in his mind.

"Wild cards are either recruited… or eliminated."

Jackim clenched his jaw. He had spent years being looked down upon. He had suffered betrayal, mockery, and rejection. Now, people who once ignored him would kill to have his attention?

He scoffed under his breath.

Let them watch. Let them try.

For now, he had bigger problems.

---

Jackim's apartment was as he had left it—small, old, and barely furnished. A single bed. A creaky wooden desk. A flickering bulb.

The tiny space was suffocating, a reminder of where he had started. Even with his newfound wealth, he hadn't changed his living conditions.

Not yet.

He collapsed onto the mattress, staring at the ceiling.

The city outside was alive, but his world felt frozen.

His phone vibrated.

A message from Mark.

> "Bro, where are you? The university committee just announced the names for the scholarship program. We need to talk."

Jackim frowned. Scholarship program?

He had applied for financial aid, but with his new wealth, he hadn't thought about it much.

Still, Mark's tone sounded off.

Jackim sighed, sat up, and replied:

> "I'll be there in 10 minutes."

Throwing on a jacket, he grabbed his phone and keys before heading out.

The night was only beginning.

---

By the time Jackim arrived at the university, Mark was waiting for him near the student center. His friend's face was a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"What's going on?" Jackim asked.

Mark shook his head. "They rejected your application."

Jackim's brows furrowed. "What?"

Mark handed him a printed list.

Jackim's name was nowhere to be found.

Instead, the names of wealthy students filled the spots.

Jackim clenched his fists. "But I met all the requirements…"

"Yeah," Mark muttered. "But you're not from the right family."

Jackim exhaled slowly.

This wasn't about merit. It was about power.

People like him—poor nobodies—weren't meant to rise.

Jackim's fingers tightened around the paper.

Fine.

If the world wouldn't give him a chance, he would take it.

---

Mark placed a hand on Jackim's shoulder. "Look, man… I know this sucks, but we both knew this was coming."

Jackim's eyes darkened. "Doesn't mean I have to accept it."

Mark sighed. "You think they'll care? The Dean's son, the Mayor's nephew, the CEO's daughter—they're all on that list."

Jackim didn't respond.

Mark lowered his voice. "You got money now, right? Why even bother with a scholarship?"

Jackim's jaw tightened. Because it wasn't about money.

It was about principle.

He wanted to earn his place. To prove he was more than just a kid from the slums.

But tonight… tonight was a reminder that the world played by different rules.

Rules designed to keep people like him at the bottom.

---

Jackim didn't go home.

Instead, he marched straight to the Dean's office.

The building was quiet, most students gone for the night. But the administrative wing was still lit, and the secretary was dozing off at her desk.

Jackim pushed open the door without knocking.

Dean Harrison looked up from his desk, his glasses reflecting the dim light.

"Mr. Jackson," he said, leaning back in his chair. "To what do I owe this… unexpected visit?"

Jackim threw the paper onto his desk. "Explain this."

The Dean didn't even glance at it. He simply sighed and removed his glasses.

"There's nothing to explain, Mr. Jackson."

Jackim's voice was cold. "I met every requirement."

"Yes," the Dean admitted. "But merit alone isn't always enough."

Jackim's blood boiled. "So, what? Only rich students deserve opportunities?"

The Dean smiled faintly. "It's not about deserving. It's about value. These students bring influence. Connections. Power."

Jackim clenched his fists.

"That's corruption."

The Dean leaned forward. "That's reality."

For a long moment, neither spoke.

Then the Dean sighed. "Look, Jackim. I'll be honest with you. You don't belong in their world."

Jackim's lips curled into a smirk.

"You're right. I don't belong in their world."

He turned to leave, but before stepping out, he glanced over his shoulder.

"But soon… they'll belong in mine."

---

Jackim didn't go back to his apartment.

Instead, he found himself walking through the empty streets, his mind racing.

The world wasn't fair. It never had been.

And playing fair wouldn't change anything.

A sudden gust of wind sent a shiver down his spine.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the black card.

The phoenix symbol gleamed under the streetlights.

Madam X's words echoed in his mind.

"Hesitation is a luxury only the weak can afford."

Jackim exhaled.

Maybe it was time to stop hesitating.

Maybe it was time to rise.