**Arc 2: Chapter 22 – The Countermove**
The rhythmic clicking of Jae-min's keyboard filled his small apartment. He was preparing an email that would go out to every major media outlet in the city, detailing Lionheart's plans if Eric Hwan didn't take his warning seriously. Each word carried a mix of confidence and simmering anger.
Elyra materialized on the armrest of his chair, idly twirling her silver hair. "You know, you're kind of scary when you're focused like this."
Jae-min didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the screen. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but resolute. "I'm not letting them ruin everything we've built."
"And if they call your bluff?" she asked, her tone teasing but laced with genuine curiosity.
He paused, his hands hovering over the keyboard. "Then I'll hit them harder. This isn't just about me or the project anymore. This is about showing them they can't stomp on people like this."
Elyra's smile widened. "That's my host. Always ready to gamble big."
---
Later that evening, Jae-min received an unexpected call. It was So-ra.
"Jae-min, we've got a problem," she said, her voice tight with urgency.
"What is it?"
"I just got off a call with Yumi. She says there are rumors going around the esports community that someone's trying to sabotage smaller projects. People are scared, and they're starting to pull out of partnerships."
Jae-min's grip on his phone tightened. "So they're already making moves to cover their tracks."
"That's not all," So-ra continued. "Yumi overheard someone at her office saying Lionheart might be planning to accelerate their takeover plans. They're not just going to back off—they're doubling down."
Jae-min closed his eyes, his mind racing. This was exactly what he'd feared. He'd pushed them, and now they were pushing back.
"Tell Yumi to stay low for now," he said. "I'll handle this."
---
The next morning, Jae-min found himself pacing in his apartment, Elyra watching from the kitchen counter as he vented his frustration.
"They're not just protecting their reputation," he said. "They're trying to intimidate everyone into submission. If I don't act fast, they'll win."
Elyra hopped off the counter and approached him, her expression uncharacteristically serious. "Then maybe it's time to play dirty."
Jae-min stopped pacing, looking at her warily. "What do you mean?"
"You've got resources, thanks to me," she said, gesturing dramatically to herself. "Use them. Find out what Lionheart's next move is before they can make it. Turn their own tactics against them."
He frowned, considering her words. "How do I do that without exposing myself?"
Elyra grinned. "Leave that to me. All I need is your go-ahead to access their private communications."
Jae-min hesitated. "That sounds... illegal."
"Oh, it is," she said, her grin widening. "But do you think Lionheart is playing by the rules? Sometimes, you have to fight fire with fire."
After a long moment, Jae-min nodded. "Do it."
---
That night, Elyra worked her magic. Jae-min watched in awe as she manipulated the system's interface, bypassing firewalls and accessing encrypted files with ease.
"You're scarily good at this," he said.
She winked at him. "What can I say? I'm a system with style."
Within minutes, she pulled up a series of emails and documents. As Jae-min scanned through them, his stomach turned.
"They're planning to host a surprise press conference tomorrow," he said, his voice grim. "They're going to announce a new initiative to 'support' the esports community. It's a cover for their takeover plans."
Elyra leaned over his shoulder, reading the details. "Looks like they're framing it as a benevolent move. Smart. The public will eat it up."
"Not if I stop them first," Jae-min said, determination hardening his features.
---
The following day, Jae-min was back in the sleek corporate office building, this time unannounced. He walked past the receptionist with confidence, heading straight for Eric Hwan's office.
The secretary tried to stop him, but he ignored her, pushing open the door. Eric looked up from his desk, startled.
"Mr. Kang," he said, regaining his composure quickly. "I wasn't expecting you."
"We need to talk," Jae-min said, closing the door behind him.
Eric gestured for him to sit. "I assume this is about the files you showed me?"
Jae-min sat down but didn't relax. "I know about your press conference. You're planning to spin this as a positive initiative, but we both know that's a lie."
Eric's expression didn't falter. "And what do you expect me to do about it?"
"Cancel it," Jae-min said. "If you go through with this, I'll release everything I have to the public."
Eric leaned back in his chair, studying Jae-min carefully. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But you're playing a dangerous game, Mr. Kang."
"So are you," Jae-min shot back. "The difference is, I'm not afraid to lose. Can you say the same?"
The two men stared at each other in silence, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. Finally, Eric sighed.
"Fine," he said. "I'll postpone the press conference. But this isn't over."
Jae-min stood up, his heart pounding. "No, it's not. But you'd better think carefully about your next move, because I'll be ready."
As he left the office, he couldn't help but feel a small sense of victory. It wasn't a permanent solution, but it was a step in the right direction.
---
Back at his apartment, Jae-min sat down with Elyra, who was lounging on the couch with a triumphant smile.
"Well?" she asked.
"They're backing off for now," he said.
Elyra grinned. "Looks like you're finally learning how to play the game."
Jae-min leaned back in his chair, exhaustion washing over him. "This isn't a game to me. This is my life."
"And that," Elyra said, her tone softening, "is why you're going to win."