Chapter 2 : The Genius Child
The orphanage on the outskirts of Seoul was an unremarkable building, its faded paint and worn edges betraying its many years of service. The walls, though solid and unyielding, had borne witness to countless stories of abandonment and hope. For ten-year-old Choi Jae-Hyun, it was both a haven and a crucible—a place where he grappled with the weight of his destiny.
The night that shattered his previous life was a blur of agony and loss. As he lay on the cold, unforgiving floor beside his mother's lifeless form, the enormity of his grief seemed to engulf him. But in that moment of overwhelming despair, something extraordinary happened. His memories of a past life, filled with the complex and shadowy world of Castle, surged back with unsettling clarity. Along with these vivid recollections came the gifts bestowed upon him—a set of wishes that had irrevocably transformed his existence.
His first wish granted him Monarch Indifference, an ability to remain calm and detached in the face of peril. The second endowment provided him with an IQ of 180, enabling him to absorb and process information at an astonishing rate. The third wish bestowed upon him the physical prowess and combat skills of Daniel Park from Lookism, rendering him a physical prodigy. The bonus wish allowed him to assess the talents of others with system-like precision.
With his new reality starkly different from the life he had known, Jae-Hyun faced an immense task. He knew that the future, fraught with danger and intrigue, was only 15 years away. His father, Choi Min-wook, believed him lost forever, mourning the son he never knew had survived. This painful truth became a driving force behind Jae-Hyun's every action.
Each day began with a rigorous routine. Jae-Hyun rose before dawn, slipping quietly from his small room to the secluded courtyard behind the orphanage. There, he practiced martial arts and combat techniques with a fervor bordering on obsession. While the other children played and enjoyed their youth, Jae-Hyun's solitary figure moved with precision and purpose, perfecting each strike and maneuver.
In the classroom, Jae-Hyun's prodigious intellect set him apart. His extraordinary IQ allowed him to excel far beyond his years, making him a marvel to his teachers. Yet, he kept his true capabilities hidden, focusing instead on acquiring knowledge that would be crucial in his future endeavors.
Evenings were dedicated to strategic planning. Jae-Hyun retreated to his sparse room, a sanctuary of sorts where he immersed himself in the teachings of The Art of War by Sun-Tzu, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, and The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. These texts became his guides, illuminating the complexities of power and the darker aspects of human nature. He meticulously crafted detailed maps, devised tactical plans, and envisioned various scenarios he might face. His understanding of these concepts was not mere theory but a carefully constructed blueprint for his future.
Jae-Hyun also honed his skills in subtle manipulation. He leveraged his newfound abilities to influence the behaviors of other students, teachers, and even the orphanage staff. Each interaction was calculated, a deliberate move towards achieving his goals and preparing for the future.
One day, Miss Jeong, the headmistress, observed Jae-Hyun's solitary focus and approached him with a concerned look. "Jae-Hyun, you've been working so hard. The other children are getting ready for evening activities. Don't you want to join them?"
Jae-Hyun looked up from his work, his expression steady and serious. "I have much to prepare for. There's little time to waste."
Miss Jeong's gaze softened with understanding. "You're a remarkable child, Jae-Hyun. But remember, it's important to take breaks and enjoy your childhood."
Jae-Hyun nodded, though his thoughts were already returning to his plans. "Thank you. I'll take a short break soon."
As Miss Jeong left, Jae-Hyun returned to his work, his focus unwavering. The future he was preparing for might still be distant, but he approached it with a dedication and resolve that reflected his awareness of the stakes. His father's ignorance of his survival was a painful truth, but it fueled Jae-Hyun's determination to excel and carve out his own path in a world he was resolute to master.