**Arc 2: Chapter 27 – The Counterstrike**
The streets buzzed with life as Jae-min walked toward a small, inconspicuous café tucked into a narrow alley. His phone was flooded with notifications—messages of encouragement, offers from other whistleblowers, and a few veiled threats from anonymous sources. The exposé had ignited a storm, and Jae-min was standing at its epicenter.
He pushed open the café door to find So-ra already seated in the corner. She waved him over, her expression tense.
"Min-ji's on her way," she said as Jae-min sat down. "She said she has some updates."
Jae-min nodded, glancing around. The café was quiet, save for the occasional clinking of cups. It was a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding outside.
"What kind of updates?" he asked.
"She didn't say, but it sounded urgent," So-ra replied, fidgeting with her cup.
Moments later, Min-ji arrived, her face set in a grim mask. She slid into the seat across from Jae-min and pulled out a folder.
"They're not just playing defense anymore," she said, cutting straight to the point. "Lionheart's launched an aggressive campaign to discredit us. They've paid off smaller news outlets to run counter-narratives, and they've hired private investigators to dig into our personal lives."
So-ra paled. "What?"
"They're looking for anything they can use against us," Min-ji continued. "Skeletons in the closet, past mistakes, even fabricated scandals. They'll stop at nothing to smear us."
Jae-min leaned back, his mind racing. This wasn't unexpected, but it was happening faster than he'd anticipated.
"What about the public reaction?" he asked.
Min-ji hesitated before replying, "It's... mixed. Most people believe the evidence, but Lionheart's counter-narratives are sowing doubt. If we don't respond quickly, we could lose momentum."
---
Later that evening, Jae-min sat in his apartment, staring at his laptop. Elyra lounged on the couch, tossing a glowing orb between her hands.
"They're cornered," she said, her tone casual. "And cornered animals are the most dangerous."
Jae-min sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I need a way to hit back harder. Something they can't spin."
Elyra smirked, the orb vanishing in a puff of light. "Lucky for you, I've already got a plan."
Jae-min looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Elyra leaned forward, her eyes glowing faintly. "Lionheart's dirty laundry isn't limited to finances and bribery. They've been running some... let's call them 'unethical experiments.' Think illegal drug trials, human testing, and worse."
Jae-min's stomach turned. "How do you know that?"
"Because I've been digging deeper," Elyra replied. "I found records buried so deep, even their own people probably forgot about them. This is the kind of stuff that doesn't just ruin reputations—it destroys lives."
Jae-min hesitated. "If we go public with this, we're putting a target on our backs. They won't just try to discredit us—they'll come after us for real."
Elyra's smirk didn't falter. "Good thing you've got me to watch your back."
---
The next day, Jae-min met with Min-ji and So-ra to discuss the new information. Min-ji's expression hardened as she read through the files Elyra had unearthed.
"This is... horrifying," she said, her voice shaking slightly.
"It's also exactly what we need," Jae-min said. "This isn't just about corruption anymore—it's about lives being ruined. People will listen."
So-ra nodded, though her hands trembled slightly as she held the documents. "But we need to be careful. If we release this without solid backup, Lionheart will tear us apart."
"We'll take it slow," Jae-min assured her. "Release it piece by piece, just like before. And we'll make sure every claim is backed by irrefutable evidence."
---
That evening, Min-ji published the first part of the new exposé. The headline read:
**"Lionheart's Secret Labs: A Dark Truth Behind the Corporate Facade."**
The article detailed illegal drug trials that had led to severe injuries and even deaths, supported by leaked documents and testimony from a former lab technician.
The response was immediate and explosive. Social media erupted with outrage, and news outlets scrambled to cover the story. Protesters gathered outside Lionheart's headquarters, demanding accountability.
But the fallout wasn't limited to public outcry. Jae-min's phone buzzed constantly with messages—some offering support, others filled with threats. He ignored the threats, focusing instead on the growing wave of support.
---
Late that night, Jae-min sat on his balcony, the city lights twinkling below. Elyra appeared beside him, holding two cups of coffee.
"You're pushing them to the brink," she said, handing him a cup.
"And putting myself in their crosshairs," Jae-min replied, taking a sip.
Elyra shrugged. "Comes with the territory. But you're doing the right thing, even if it's dangerous."
Jae-min glanced at her, a faint smile on his lips. "Thanks, Elyra. I couldn't do this without you."
Elyra smirked. "Don't get all sentimental on me now. We've got a long way to go."
Jae-min chuckled, the tension in his chest easing slightly. For the first time in days, he felt a glimmer of hope. The fight against Lionheart was far from over, but he was ready for whatever came next.