Chapter 35 – The Final Bell and Lingering Shadows
Chapter 35 – The Final Bell and Lingering Shadows
Morning – Daehan International School Auditorium
Graduation day. Sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows of the auditorium, adorned in white and blue—the signature colors of Daehan. Students stood proudly in their best formal uniforms, faces glowing with hope… and tinged with a few tears.
At the podium stood Gevran, wearing the student council president sash for the last time. His hand trembled slightly as he gripped the mic.
> "Three years ago, we were just kids. Today, we graduate as people who have fallen, stood back up, and chose to go against the current."
A roar of applause filled the hall. But Gevran wasn't finished.
> "And if I was ever seen as a symbol of change… then today, I pass that symbol on—to all of you."
He gently removed his sash and hung it on the podium stand.
> "Thank you, Daehan. Thank you… for helping me become human."
---
After the Ceremony – Back Garden of the School
Han Jimin and Gevran sat quietly on a wooden bench. Peaceful. Still.
Jimin: "So… you're really stepping down?"
Gevran: "Only from the position. Not from the promise."
Jimin smiled, eyes on the sky.
> "I'm proud to be part of your story."
Gevran turned to him, his gaze soft.
> "You're not just part of it, Jimin. You're the home it belongs to."
They looked at each other. No more words were needed. Just silence—warm, understanding, and filled with the quiet promise of a future still unwritten.
---
Night – Jido Yi's Private Office
A large screen flickered on in a dim, secret room. On it, a photo of Gevran standing proudly at the graduation podium.
A hand touched the screen—then slowly clenched into a fist.
> "So the son of Ji Yi Donghyun… finally shows his full face to the world."
From the shadows stepped a young man in a deep maroon suit, marked with the emblem of a golden eagle. His features were flawless, handsome—but his eyes were cold, calculating.
Name: Cain Seo-Jun.
*Only son of Seo Myung-Ho—rival tycoon and chief political enemy of Gevran's father.
Cain twirled a golden pen between his fingers.
> "Gevran Yi Jido… let's see how high you climb before I drag you down."
Behind him, the wall was covered in maps of political connections, media networks, and covert photos of Gevran's activities.
> "This isn't the end. This is just the prologue of a generational war."
---
Midnight – Rooftop of a Skyscraper in Gangnam
The wind whispered over the Seoul skyline. Gevran stood alone at the edge of the rooftop, the city lights flickering like embers below him. In his hand, a folded letter—creased, weathered, familiar.
It was from White Owl.
> "The server breach wasn't just a test. It was a declaration. They know who you are now. And they've started to move."
Gevran stared at the letter for a long moment, then tore it in two. The pieces scattered into the wind like ash.
> "Let them come."
---
Elsewhere – Cain's Private Study
Cain sat in a dim room glowing with digital light, walls lined with maps and webs of power. At the center: Gevran's face.
An alert blinked: "White Owl Activity – Node Active."
Cain's lips curled.
> "So you took the bait."
At his side stood a poised young woman, sharp-eyed, dressed in sleek black with a jade snake insignia on her collar.
Name: Rowoon
Role: Intelligence Strategist
Status: Unknown allegiance
Cain: "Keep your eyes on him."
Rowoon: "Always. He won't even know it's me."
With that, she vanished into the shadows—like a secret yet to be told.
---
Morning – Yi Residence Kitchen
Kaeyan and Kasang were busy preparing breakfast—banter mixing with the sound of sizzling eggs—when Gevran walked in, his blazer still carrying the scent of the rooftop wind.
Kasang raised an eyebrow. "Did the stars keep you company last night?"
Gevran chuckled faintly. "Just saying goodbye to who I used to be."
Kaeyan slid a cup of tea across the table. "Don't forget who you are now. The city's changing—and it's looking at you."
Gevran accepted the cup, nodding once. "Let it look. I'm done hiding."
The three of them sat for a moment in quiet understanding. Not just brothers now—shields at each other's backs.
---
Final Scene – Seoul University Gates
A sleek car pulled up to the grand entrance:
SEOUL UNIVERSITY – LEAD THE FUTURE
Gevran stepped out, adjusting his collar. His duffel slung over one shoulder, the city's hum felt different here—full of stories waiting to be written.
Suddenly, a girl bumped into him, nearly dropping her books and a stack of ramen coupons.
Her name tag read: Im Seri – Department of Political Science.
Seri: "Sorry! First day rush. You too?"
Gevran steadied her books with a grin. "Yeah. Let's survive it together."
Behind them, in a quiet room miles away, Cain's screen lit up again:
> "Gevran Yi Jido: Logged in – Seoul University"
Cain stood by the window, swirling wine in his glass.
> "Welcome to the real game."
---
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