Chapter 52: The Hidden Game Begins

Jackim met Liam's gaze with an unwavering calmness.

The atmosphere in the hallway grew tense. Students paused, sensing something brewing between the two.

Liam was known for his dominance over campus affairs—from academics to underground dealings. He had money. Influence. And most importantly… power.

But for some reason, he was fixated on Vanessa.

Jackim smirked slightly. "Bothering her?" He chuckled. "That's funny."

Vanessa's face paled. "Liam, don't—"

Liam cut her off, stepping closer to Jackim.

"I've been hearing a lot about you lately," he said, his voice smooth but laced with threat. "You're making quite a name for yourself."

Jackim didn't blink.

"And?"

Liam's lips curled into a smirk. "And I like to know who I'm dealing with."

Jackim could feel the weight of Liam's reputation pressing down on him.

But he wasn't intimidated.

If anything, he found it amusing.

"Then do your research," Jackim said coolly. "I don't introduce myself twice."

A flicker of surprise passed through Liam's eyes.

Most students feared him.

But Jackim… didn't even flinch.

Vanessa looked between them anxiously.

She knew Liam's ways—when he wanted something, he took it.

And right now, it felt like Jackim was in his way.

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Jackim entered the university library, his phone vibrating softly.

Mysterious Phone: Task Confirmed.

Location: Basement Level 2.

Jackim's eyes narrowed.

How could there be a second basement in the library?

Unless… it was hidden.

He walked past the rows of shelves, scanning for anything unusual.

Then, he saw it.

A bookshelf with an old, forgotten inscription at the bottom.

He pressed against it.

Click.

The shelf shifted slightly.

Jackim pushed harder—and the entrance opened.

A dark, cold stairway spiraled downwards.

His heartbeat quickened.

Whatever this was… it wasn't just some ordinary school secret.

He stepped inside.

And the door closed behind him.

The air was thick with dust, and dim lights flickered along the walls, casting eerie shadows. Jackim descended cautiously, the weight of silence pressing down on him. The deeper he went, the colder it became. His phone buzzed again.

New Task: Find the Encrypted File.

Jackim frowned. Was this related to the mysterious inheritance he had received? Or was this something entirely different?

Reaching the bottom of the staircase, he found himself in a vast underground chamber lined with old books, ancient scrolls, and computers that looked far too advanced for a mere university archive.

There was a single, metallic desk at the center. On it sat a locked briefcase.

Jackim stepped closer, feeling an odd sense of familiarity. His fingers traced the lock—biometric.

He hesitated. Then, acting on instinct, he placed his thumb on the scanner.

Click. The case unlocked.

Inside was a single folder labeled: "Project Monarch."

Before he could process what he was looking at, the lights flickered violently. The door behind him slammed shut with a metallic clang.

Then came the sound of footsteps.

Jackim turned sharply.

Someone else was here. Watching him.

And in that moment, he realized—this was just the beginning.

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