Chapter 9: Shadows of the Past

The days that followed were grueling. Jin Ho trained during the coldest hours before dawn, meditated through the morning, and feigned innocence around his parents through the day. At night, he returned to the rooftop.

His progress soared.

5%... 7%... 9%...

Then finally—

[Level Up: Mana Core – Level 1 Achieved]

The moment it happened, Jin Ho's entire body convulsed. A wave of heat exploded from within him, purifying his blood, strengthening his heartbeat, clearing the impurities in his lungs and liver.

He cried out silently, clutching his chest as his heart rate stabilized.

[New Trait Unlocked – Resilience of the Phoenix (Dormant)]

"What… is this?"

His system pinged again.

[Passive Trait: Resilience of the Phoenix – Grants gradual resistance to fatal wounds. Activates under extreme stress. Requires Level 3 to awaken fully.]

Jin Ho exhaled slowly.

Everything was going according to plan.

But his instincts warned him.

This peace wouldn't last long. The Dongjin family was a looming shadow. And while he had returned to the past, so too had the seeds of war.

For now, though—

"I'll train... until I become a storm."