Time slipped away unnoticed.The swirling mist grew stronger by the hour. The room, which had initially been just a little chilly, now felt crisp and refreshing. A subtle draft moved around the bed, making the curtains sway softly even though the breeze outside was barely noticeable.At three in the morning, Jaka slowly opened his eyes.In the dark room, his eyes shone far clearer than before. He raised his hand, clenched his fingers, and felt a new reservoir of power coursing through his body.A satisfied smile touched his lips."Finally, level two of the initial phase," he murmured softly.He took a deep breath, then released it slowly."My strength has skyrocketed. Right now, I feel about ten times stronger than before."Jaka stared down at his clenched fist.That satisfaction was short-lived, quickly giving way to caution. He remembered the three thugs at the market. Even with his previous strength, they had fallen in just a few moves. Now, after breaking through, his body was on

After Bejo headed home early to rest, Jaka didn't return right away. He chose to stay behind in the orchard to harvest the fruit he would sell with his mother the next day.The trees that had looked ordinary just a short while ago were now striking. Their branches were laden with large fruit boasting clean skin and vibrant colors. Several mangoes hung low, exuding a sweet aroma that could be smelled before they were even picked. Other fruits were vastly larger than a normal harvest, as if each tree had poured every ounce of its effort into producing them.Jaka grabbed a bamboo basket and began picking them one by one.His hands moved with care; he didn't want the fruit to bruise. Even if their durability was extraordinary, his habits as a farmer's son remained deeply ingrained. Good produce had to be treated right. Every single piece represented hard work, hope, and the money that could turn his family's financial situation around.As he worked, Jaka found himself thinking back to t

"Kid!"The shout shattered the morning air.A burly man stepped to the front of the pack.Broad-shouldered and massive, nearly his entire arms and a portion of his face were covered in crude black tattoos. A thin scar slashed across his jawline, making the crooked smirk on his lips all the more unsettling.He eyed Jaka like a piece of prey."You took real good care of our boys yesterday," he said, his voice a deep rumble. "Now, let us return the favor!"Behind him, dozens of thugs fanned out. They carried machetes, knives, wooden clubs, chains, and rusty iron pipes. They weren't here just to intimidate. From the way they gripped their weapons and the dead-eyed coldness in their stares, Jaka could tell these men were used to hurting people.Jaka stood firmly in front of his mother.He didn't budge an inch. His feet were planted solidly in his sandals, his shoulders squared, and his hands hung loosely at his sides. His face was ice-cold. His gaze was so deadpan it bordered on absolute i

Off to the side, Susi stood pale-faced.Her hands anxiously gripped the hem of her shirt. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Jaka. Every time a weapon flashed near her son, her breath caught in her throat. Every time Jaka disappeared into the sea of hulking bodies, her heart twisted in her chest."They're swarming him..." Susi whispered, her voice barely a breath.The most massive of the bodyguards glanced over. His jaw was set like stone, his physique resembling an immovable living wall. Behind his dark sunglasses, he observed the brawl with absolute calm."Don't worry," he said. "He'll be just fine."Susi stared at the man in bewilderment."But...""If Barak says so," a soft voice chimed in from beside her, "then your son will undoubtedly be fine."Susi turned.For the first time, she truly took in the beauty of the woman who had been standing nearby.The woman had long silver hair that cascaded smoothly over her shoulders, glimmering in the sunlight like spun silk. Her complexion

That realization made her cheeks flush an even deeper shade of red."Lady Andini?"Barak's voice made Andini give a slight start.The man looked at her hesitantly. His expression remained polite, but there was a guarded look in his eyes. He had followed Andini long enough to know that the young miss rarely lost her focus."Is there a problem?" Barak asked.Andini quickly composed herself. She cleared her throat softly and tipped her chin up. In a single breath, her professional businesswoman facade slid back into place, even if the blush hadn't completely faded from her cheeks."No," she replied. "Good job keeping an eye on the situation."Barak bowed politely. His four companions mirrored the movement almost in perfect sync."We are honored by your praise," Barak said.Andini gave a small nod, her gaze flicking back to Jaka.The young man had started walking toward them.He was in no rush, yet every step he took was heavy with quiet confidence. The few thugs still sprawled in his pat