Late at night, the air was heavy and quiet. Jalen stood shirtless in his home gym, his toned body glistening with sweat under the dim ceiling lights. The rhythmic sound of fists hitting the heavy bag echoed like a slow, steady beat of a war drum. Each strike was focused, clean, powerful.
He wasn't just training his body. His mind was busy too.
Viral Hit... Questism...
He'd read both stories before being reincarnated. Yu Hobin's rise was only just beginning Samdak's channel just hit two views. And Questism's universe... that was a powder keg of chaos waiting to explode.
He paused mid-combo, breathing steadily.
"If I interfere too much, things could spiral out of control. But if I don't…"
His mind weighed the cost of staying on the sidelines versus guiding the dominoes. What if his presence helped sharpen the right people? What if it stopped unnecessary suffering?
The shrill sound of his phone vibrating on the bench pulled him from his thoughts. He wiped his hands and picked it up.
Caller ID: Gun Park.
He answered without hesitation.
"Jalen," came Gun's calm but stern voice. "The time's coming."
Jalen's eyes narrowed. "Time for what?"
Gun paused for a beat, then spoke clearly.
"You've heard of the God Dogs. Johan Seong's gang."
Jalen's jaw tightened.
"I'll be needing you to crush them soon."
There was no small talk. Just a command from a mentor who didn't ask for things lightly.
"Understood," Jalen said, voice low and steady.
Gun's voice dipped into something colder. "Don't hold back. Johan's smart... but reckless. I need someone who doesn't hesitate."
The line went dead.
Jalen stared at his reflection in the mirror calm eyes, trained fists, a body built for battle.
He picked up the pace again, every punch heavier than the last.
So, Johan Seong... It's finally your turn.
And in that dimly lit room, the phantom sharpened his edge, knowing the next storm was already brewing.