The golden envelope weighed heavy in Ochieng's pocket, a silent reminder of the crossroads before him. Eight Triads Alliance. A name whispered in the dark, a force that could either be the greatest shield or the sharpest dagger.
Ochieng leaned against the balcony of his penthouse, the city's neon skyline sprawling before him. Below, luxury cars roared through the streets, students celebrated the end of exams in the high-end clubs, and lovers whispered secrets under the glow of streetlights.
Yet in this world of dazzling lights, shadows lurked.
Behind him, Tielen poured a glass of whiskey, his usual smirk absent.
"Boss, do you trust her?"
Ochieng exhaled slowly, watching a black Rolls-Royce glide down the street.
"Trust?" he murmured. "In this world, there's no such thing."
—
The next morning, the atmosphere at Emerald University was buzzing.
Mock exams results were out. The campus was split between celebration and despair. Students huddled in corners, comparing scores, while some walked with the weight of failure on their shoulders.
At the heart of it, a group gathered near the notice board, whispering in disbelief.
"No way… This isn't real."
"How did he score that high?"
Ochieng walked past them without stopping. He already knew.
At the top of the ranking— his name.
1st Place: Ochieng L. (Full Marks)
A silent declaration.
Yet, instead of admiration, resentment brewed in some corners.
Mockery. Jealousy. Unwanted Attention.
Some students sneered.
"He probably paid for those marks."
"A poor student from nowhere? Hah. As if."
Ochieng didn't react. He had seen this before— small minds unable to grasp the weight of true power.
A hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"Ochieng! You promised to come to the class party tonight!"
He turned to see Sophie, her soft features lit with excitement.
"Don't tell me you're backing out now?"
Ochieng smirked. "Did I say I was?"
—
The club was a storm of flashing lights, pulsing music, and bodies moving in wild rhythm.
Ochieng leaned back on the VIP couch, a glass of wine in his hand, watching as the students lost themselves to the music.
Yet, even here, trouble found him.
A drunk senior student staggered toward him, his eyes filled with something ugly.
"Oi, poor boy," he slurred. "Who let you in here?"
Laughter rippled from his group.
Ochieng didn't move, didn't speak.
But before he could react—
CRASH!
A bottle shattered against the floor.
The crowd parted as a tall figure in a white suit stepped forward, his presence commanding.
Lucas Zhao.
Leader of Emerald's Underworld.
And standing beside him—
Xiao Lian.
Ochieng set his glass down.
Tonight, the real game had just begun.