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Unexpected Attention
Jin Shang was moving through the bustling streets, his thoughts occupied by the recent events. With his new identity still in the works and his return to the mortal world under wraps, he had to remain low-key. Yet, something nagged at the back of his mind. The way the woman at the Ranker Association had reacted, and the conversation he overheard—there was more going on behind the scenes than he could fathom.
As Jin continued walking, he caught glimpses of news screens displaying headlines. His name flashed across them for a split second, but before he could read the full details, the image was replaced by a different story. The sensation of being watched prickled his skin, and his instincts flared. It was becoming clear that his return had not gone unnoticed.
He stopped at a small cafe to gather his thoughts, ordering a simple drink. As he waited, he noticed the people around him were unusually quiet, stealing glances in his direction. Even the barista seemed nervous as she handed him his coffee.
"Here you go, Mr. Jin," she said softly, avoiding eye contact.
Jin gave her a small smile and nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. His appearance had drastically changed, and while it may have been an advantage in some ways, it had also made him a target. It was only a matter of time before someone realized who he truly was.
---
A New Threat
Later that night, as Jin walked through the darkened alleyways near his former home, his thoughts turned toward the changes in his life. He couldn't go back to being a normal person. The Abyssal power coursing through him, his new divine abilities, and the chaos he had unleashed were more than just a new chapter in his life—they were a new beginning that came with its own set of enemies.
Jin's musings were interrupted by the sudden crackle of his communicator. It was a message from an unknown number.
"We know who you are, Jin Sang. You are no longer the man you once were. Stay out of our way, or face the consequences."
Jin's lips curled into a smirk as he read the message. "We know who you are." It was clear that someone, or perhaps a group, had already tracked him. The problem was, they had no idea just how dangerous he had become.
He activated Time Paradox, his newly acquired ability, to momentarily glimpse into the future. What he saw shocked him. A powerful faction within the Ranker Association was already planning to move against him, believing him to be a threat that could destabilize the power dynamics of the world.
"They're not wasting any time," Jin muttered to himself.
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The Silent Pursuit
The following days were filled with tension. Jin kept to the shadows, making sure to stay off the radar. He visited various places around the city under different disguises, but his true goal was to track down the source of the message. He couldn't afford to ignore this threat—it was only a matter of time before they came for him.
One night, as he walked past a dark alley, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. His Time Paradox ability activated once again, allowing him to foresee a future where a group of highly trained individuals ambushed him. Jin knew the attack was imminent, but he was not about to be caught off guard.
With a swift motion, he activated Voidwalker Step, vanishing into the shadows as the ambushers closed in on him. They were well-trained, but they were not prepared for someone of Jin's caliber.
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The Encounter
The ambushers, hidden in the alleyway, waited in the dark, their eyes scanning the surroundings. They had no idea that the very person they were hunting was already steps ahead of them. Jin reappeared behind one of the operatives, his blade already drawn. The man barely had time to react before Jin's scythe-like strike severed his arm.
"Who sent you?" Jin's voice was cold, almost detached.
The remaining operatives immediately took defensive stances, their weapons drawn. They were well-equipped, but they were no match for Jin's enhanced abilities. He was faster, stronger, and far more ruthless than they could anticipate.
One of the attackers, a woman with silver hair, spoke through gritted teeth. "We are from the Ranker Association. You're a threat to everything we've worked for, Jin Sang. If you think you can hide forever, you're wrong."
Jin's eyes narrowed. "So it's true. The Ranker Association is already onto me." His voice turned sharp. "But it's too late. You're already dead."
In a blur of motion, Jin dispatched the remaining attackers with precise strikes, his blade cutting through their defenses effortlessly. He didn't need to kill them all, but he needed to send a message. He spared the woman, leaving her bleeding but alive, her gaze filled with both fear and confusion.
"Go back and tell your superiors," Jin said, his voice as cold as ice. "If they want me, they'll have to come themselves."
---
A Growing Storm
As Jin disappeared into the night, his thoughts were clearer than ever. He had no intention of hiding in the shadows forever. He was no longer just a man—he was a god, and it was time for the world to understand that.
The Ranker Association, the faction that had been manipulating the ranks and powers of the world for so long, had already marked him as a threat. But Jin knew this was just the beginning. The real battle, the one that would define his new existence, was just around the corner.
Back at the Ranker Association headquarters, the news of the failed ambush spread quickly. The woman with silver hair, now recovering in the medical wing, told her superiors about the encounter. Her words were rushed and filled with urgency.
"You have no idea how powerful he is," she said, her voice quivering. "Jin Sang is not just a ranker… he's something more. He's beyond anything we've faced before."
Her superior, the same trembling boss from before, turned pale at the realization. "This isn't just about rankers anymore. We need to escalate the response. If he truly is as powerful as you say, then the entire world might be in danger."
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The chapter ends with Jin walking into the unknown, aware that a storm was brewing, one that would force the hidden powers of the world to reveal themselves. His past and future were merging, and the real battle for dominance had only just begun