Power surged through Jun's veins as the ancient ring flared to life. His eyes snapped open, now blazing with an otherworldly blue light. The crushing weakness from his blood loss vanished, replaced by raw power flowing through every muscle.
What's happening to me? Combat techniques and arcane knowledge flooded his mind – secrets that seemed to span centuries of American military history and beyond. The ring pulsed with each revelation, its golden surface etched with symbols that predated the nation itself.
The guard dogs at Marcus's private kennel sensed the change, their trained aggression turning to primal fear. The alpha, a massive German Shepherd, lunged forward with bared teeth.
Jun moved with impossible speed, his kick sending the dog flying into the chain-link fence. The crack of impact echoed through the compound.
"Impossible," Jun whispered, staring at his hands. My strength... it's increased beyond human limits.
The remaining dogs retreated, whimpering. Their instincts recognized what their training couldn't – they were no longer the apex predators here.
Suddenly, the distinctive thrum of Black Hawk helicopters cut through the night. Spotlights pierced the darkness as three unmarked choppers descended, each bearing a subtle insignia: an eagle wrapped in ancient Native American script.
A woman stepped out of the lead helicopter, her bearing that of a seasoned commander. Her tactical gear was unmarked, but carried an air of authority that spoke of power beyond any normal military unit.
"Young master," she called out, her voice carrying over the rotors. "The Ring of the Founders has chosen. We've finally found you."
Jun ripped the cage door off its hinges with one hand. "Who are you?"
"I'm Katherine Hayes, Director of Guardian Operations." She dropped to one knee, her team following suit. "We serve the true power behind America – your father."
My father? The word hit Jun like a thunderbolt. "That's impossible."
"The ring's activation led us to you," Katherine continued. "Only one of the Founding bloodline could awaken its power. You're the lost heir, hidden to protect you from those who would destroy our legacy."
Jun stared at the ring, now pulsing with steady blue light. "You expect me to believe I'm some kind of... hidden heir?"
"Your father leads from a secure facility beneath Mount Rushmore," Katherine rose smoothly. "He's searched for you since you were taken. The ring was left as a beacon, to activate when you came of age."
"Convenient timing," Jun's eyes narrowed. "Where was he when I was bouncing between foster homes? When I was being used by—" He stopped, Sarah's betrayal still raw.
"There are forces that would tear this country apart if they could," Katherine's expression softened. "Hiding you was the only way until you were ready. Until the ring chose you."
The helicopter spotlights caught the ancient markings on Jun's ring, making them shimmer like liquid gold. More knowledge poured in – military tactics, political secrets, things that seemed impossible yet felt innately true.
"And now?" he asked.
"Now you claim your birthright." Katherine gestured to the lead helicopter. "Your father is waiting. He'll explain everything."
Jun looked back at the broken kennel, at the cowering dogs. Somewhere in that mansion, Sarah and Marcus were probably still laughing about their cruel joke.
What do I have to lose?
"Lead the way," he said finally. "But I need answers."
Katherine nodded. "Of course, sir. This is just the beginning."
As the helicopters lifted off into the night sky, Jun felt the ring pulse once more. His old life lay in ruins below, but ahead... ahead lay answers he'd spent a lifetime searching for.
The secret chamber beneath Mount Rushmore took Jun's breath away. Historic flags and military medals from every American era lined the walls between polished granite columns that stretched toward the carved ceiling. At the far end, a man stood before a wall of security monitors, his presence commanding even in silence.
"Father?" Jun's voice echoed in the vast space.
The man turned, and Jun saw his own features reflected in an older face. "My son," his voice cracked with emotion. "After twenty-five years..."
This is real, Jun thought as they embraced. I actually have a father.
"Why?" Jun asked, pulling back. "Why leave me in the foster system?"
Pain flashed across his father's face. "Your brother... your mother... they were murdered. The same shadow organization that killed them wanted you dead too. Foster care was meant to be temporary, just until we eliminated the threat." He gripped Jun's shoulders. "When I went to get you back, you'd been moved. I've had our best people searching ever since."
"I was adopted," Jun explained. "Then ran away when..." He trailed off, dark memories surfacing.
"I know. I'm so sorry." His father walked to a modern steel desk and pressed his palm to a biometric scanner. "But now you're here. Ready to take your rightful place."
Rightful place? Jun's mind spun. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Son, there's a reason they call me the American Shadow. Our family has guided this nation's destiny since its founding. Eagle Industries is just the public face of our true power."
He slid a matte black card across the desk. "Unlimited credit line, backed by our private banks. Consider it compensation for twenty-five years of missed Christmases."
Jun stared at the card. "That's... a lot of catching up."
"Katherine will help you take control of Eagle Industries as its new CEO." His father smiled. "She's the best - NSA, CIA, private sector. Been preparing for this day since West Point."
Katherine nodded professionally. "Looking forward to working together, sir. The board won't know what hit them."
"This is..." Jun shook his head. "A lot to process."
"Take time to adjust," his father said. "But remember - this ring, passed down through generations of our family, chose you. You're ready."
Jun looked at the ring glowing softly on his finger, then at the black card that represented more wealth than he'd ever imagined. Just this morning he'd been a betrayed ex-boyfriend. Now...
"When do we start?" he asked.
His father's smile widened. "That's my boy."
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The private jet landed smoothly on the tarmac of Eagle Industries’ secluded airstrip. As Jun stepped off, the city skyline stretched before him, shimmering under the evening lights. Tomorrow, everything would change."Sir, the takeover is scheduled for tomorrow morning," Katherine Hayes informed him as she walked beside him. "Coincidentally, it aligns with the company's annual anniversary gala. Every major player in the city will be in attendance—including Tozer Group."Jun’s eyes narrowed. Tozer Group. He had read about them in the briefings Katherine provided earlier. A family-run conglomerate, known for their ruthless business tactics and political ties. If they were going to be there, it meant more than just a business event. It was a show of power."So the entire city elite will be there?" he mused.Katherine nodded. "Exactly. It’ll be the perfect moment for your official introduction as the new head of Eagle Industries."Jun smirked. Let them see who they’re dealing with.Kather
I Am Not A Loser, But A Quadrillionaire! Chapter 4
The jade box sat firmly in Jun’s hand, but the sudden hesitation from the clerk didn’t go unnoticed. The man’s eyes flicked between Jun’s simple, casual attire and the designer-clad Madeline Radcliffe and her spoiled daughter.A slow, uncertain frown formed on the clerk’s face.“I… I’m sorry, sir,” the clerk stammered. “But I need to confirm this purchase.”Jun’s eyes narrowed. “You already processed my payment.”Madeline let out a mock gasp, placing a hand on her chest like she’d just witnessed a great tragedy. “Oh dear, do you see this, Samantha?”Her daughter smirked. “It’s so embarrassing.”Madeline sighed dramatically. “It really is. I mean, imagine walking into a high-end store, pretending you can afford something, and actually expecting people to believe it.”The clerk straightened his back and cleared his throat. “Sir, this herb is very expensive. Are you certain you—”Jun’s expression turned ice cold. “Are you questioning my ability to pay after the transaction was approved?”
I Am Not A Loser, But A Quadrillionaire! Chapter 5
Jun leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching as the atmosphere in the store shifted like a storm about to break.Manager Li, who had been full of arrogance just seconds ago, suddenly looked like a rabbit cornered by a starving wolf. His confidence crumbled as he realized who exactly had walked into the store.“G-General Manager Katherine,” he stammered, his throat bobbing as he swallowed nervously.Jun smirked, enjoying the sight of the once-cocky manager sweating bullets. He barely had to lift a finger, yet the entire power dynamic had flipped.Katherine barely spared Manager Li a glance before turning to Jun. “What happened?”Jun sighed dramatically, rubbing his chin. Should I play the victim? No, let’s twist the knife instead.“Well,” he drawled, shooting a look at Madeline and Samantha, “according to them, I’m a stray dog who somehow stole a rich man’s black card. Apparently, I’m also playing pretend and don’t deserve Dragonroot.”Katherine’s expression didn’t change, bu
I Am Not A Loser, But A Quadrillionaire! Chapter 6
Sarah leaned back against the plush Italian leather, her fingers lazily tracing the rim of her wine glass. Tomorrow, everything would fall into place."Mother, everything is proceeding exactly as planned," she said smoothly, her voice carrying the arrogance of someone who had never known failure. "After tomorrow's Group A anniversary celebration, Jun won't be a problem anymore."Madeline’s voice crackled through the phone, her tone laced with doubt. "Are you certain? After what happened at Emerald Apothecary—"Sarah clicked her tongue, irritation flickering in her gaze. That? That was nothing."One embarrassing incident doesn't change anything," she cut in, inspecting her freshly manicured nails, painted the same shade of blood-red as her ambitions. "Marcus's father has everything under control."The soft sound of approaching footsteps made her lips curl. Right on time.Marcus entered the penthouse, his stride confident, cocky, as if he already owned the city. His expensive suit was s
I Am Not A Loser, But A Quadrillionaire! Chapter 7
“Jun,” Sarah purred, placing a delicate hand on her hip, “I almost didn’t recognize you. Did you sneak in through the back door?”Marcus smirked. “Back door? I doubt even the janitors would let him in.”A few nearby guests turned to look, drawn by the commotion. Sarah, ever the performer, leaned in closer to Marcus and whispered theatrically—but just loud enough to be heard.“This is so embarrassing,” she sighed. “Someone like him doesn’t belong here.”Jun remained utterly expressionless, his gaze cool as he studied them.They still thought they were in control. They still believed they were untouchable.He let them bask in their illusion—for now.“I should be asking you that,” Jun said at last, his voice smooth, unreadable.Marcus’s smirk twitched slightly. “Asking us what?”“If you’re so certain you belong here,” Jun mused, tilting his head, “then tell me—how sure are you that your little ‘partnership’ with Group A will actually happen?”Marcus let out a loud, theatrical laugh, shak
I Am Not A Loser, But A Quadrillionaire! Chapter 8
The smack was effortless, almost as if Jun was just shooing away a fly, but surprisingly, the power it carried was otherworldly. The burly guard, who seemed to weigh more than two ordinary men combined, was lifted off the ground like he weighed nothing and sent flying several meters away. It was like watching a kite slip from its owner's grasp and soar into the distance. He didn’t stop until he crashed into the wall over twenty meters away.BOOM!THUD!The deafening sound of the guard colliding with the wall, followed by the heavy thump of him hitting the floor, echoed throughout the place.Silence.Stunned silence. Everyone’s stunned gazes darted between the security guard sprawled on the floor and Jun, who stood there casually, as if he hadn’t just sent a man flying across the room. Sarah's mouth hung open in shock. Beside her, Marcus’s eyes were wide, almost comically so, like a pair of saucers. It was as though time itself had paused, trapping everyone in a moment of sheer di
I Am Not A Loser, But A Quadrillionaire! Chapter 9
This was the regional manager — a man who held immense authority and wielded considerable influence within Group A.How could he claim the card was the highest-level black card issued by group A, and even go as far as bowing and apologizing to Jun? That nobody?Marcus and Sarah were completely shocked. They couldn't believe it.“No… impossible!” Sarah muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. Despite witnessing it firsthand, she refused to accept it. “Manager Kai,” she said, addressing the regional manager directly, “are you sure you’re not making a mistake?”"Yes, Manager Kai." Marcus stepped forward, his voice firm with conviction. “Jun is just a nobody—always has been. How could he possibly own a genuine card like that? This doesn’t add up. I don’t believe it!"The rest of the guests didn't say anything, but their expressions mirrored Marcus and Sarah's doubts. To them, it was either Manager Kai had mistaken Jun for someone else or misjudged the card’s authenticity.Manager Kai’s ex
I Am Not A Loser, But A Quadrillionaire! Chapter 10
Hearing the crowd's words, Marcus’s ego swelled. A pleased smile stretched across his face as he puffed out his chest even more. If there was ever a human equivalent of a peacock, Marcus was the perfect embodiment. Beside him, Sarah’s lips curled into a proud smile. She felt pleased with the man she had chosen. Marcus wasn’t just any man—he was someone so remarkable that others couldn’t help but sing his praises. How could that nobody, Jun, ever measure up?At the thought of Jun, her smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a scowl. She shot him a withering look and sneered, "Do you see that, Jun? This is what a real man looks like! A piece of trash like you could never be compared to Marcus. Don't think just because you somehow got your hands on that card and sneaked in here you're anywhere near his level."Marcus smirked, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Hmph! Could he ever? He belongs at the bottom while I continue to soar. Once I get the new chairman's signature, the deal wil
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Chapter 10
Hearing the crowd's words, Marcus’s ego swelled. A pleased smile stretched across his face as he puffed out his chest even more. If there was ever a human equivalent of a peacock, Marcus was the perfect embodiment. Beside him, Sarah’s lips curled into a proud smile. She felt pleased with the man she had chosen. Marcus wasn’t just any man—he was someone so remarkable that others couldn’t help but sing his praises. How could that nobody, Jun, ever measure up?At the thought of Jun, her smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a scowl. She shot him a withering look and sneered, "Do you see that, Jun? This is what a real man looks like! A piece of trash like you could never be compared to Marcus. Don't think just because you somehow got your hands on that card and sneaked in here you're anywhere near his level."Marcus smirked, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Hmph! Could he ever? He belongs at the bottom while I continue to soar. Once I get the new chairman's signature, the deal wil
Chapter 9
This was the regional manager — a man who held immense authority and wielded considerable influence within Group A.How could he claim the card was the highest-level black card issued by group A, and even go as far as bowing and apologizing to Jun? That nobody?Marcus and Sarah were completely shocked. They couldn't believe it.“No… impossible!” Sarah muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. Despite witnessing it firsthand, she refused to accept it. “Manager Kai,” she said, addressing the regional manager directly, “are you sure you’re not making a mistake?”"Yes, Manager Kai." Marcus stepped forward, his voice firm with conviction. “Jun is just a nobody—always has been. How could he possibly own a genuine card like that? This doesn’t add up. I don’t believe it!"The rest of the guests didn't say anything, but their expressions mirrored Marcus and Sarah's doubts. To them, it was either Manager Kai had mistaken Jun for someone else or misjudged the card’s authenticity.Manager Kai’s ex
Chapter 8
The smack was effortless, almost as if Jun was just shooing away a fly, but surprisingly, the power it carried was otherworldly. The burly guard, who seemed to weigh more than two ordinary men combined, was lifted off the ground like he weighed nothing and sent flying several meters away. It was like watching a kite slip from its owner's grasp and soar into the distance. He didn’t stop until he crashed into the wall over twenty meters away.BOOM!THUD!The deafening sound of the guard colliding with the wall, followed by the heavy thump of him hitting the floor, echoed throughout the place.Silence.Stunned silence. Everyone’s stunned gazes darted between the security guard sprawled on the floor and Jun, who stood there casually, as if he hadn’t just sent a man flying across the room. Sarah's mouth hung open in shock. Beside her, Marcus’s eyes were wide, almost comically so, like a pair of saucers. It was as though time itself had paused, trapping everyone in a moment of sheer di
Chapter 7
“Jun,” Sarah purred, placing a delicate hand on her hip, “I almost didn’t recognize you. Did you sneak in through the back door?”Marcus smirked. “Back door? I doubt even the janitors would let him in.”A few nearby guests turned to look, drawn by the commotion. Sarah, ever the performer, leaned in closer to Marcus and whispered theatrically—but just loud enough to be heard.“This is so embarrassing,” she sighed. “Someone like him doesn’t belong here.”Jun remained utterly expressionless, his gaze cool as he studied them.They still thought they were in control. They still believed they were untouchable.He let them bask in their illusion—for now.“I should be asking you that,” Jun said at last, his voice smooth, unreadable.Marcus’s smirk twitched slightly. “Asking us what?”“If you’re so certain you belong here,” Jun mused, tilting his head, “then tell me—how sure are you that your little ‘partnership’ with Group A will actually happen?”Marcus let out a loud, theatrical laugh, shak
Chapter 6
Sarah leaned back against the plush Italian leather, her fingers lazily tracing the rim of her wine glass. Tomorrow, everything would fall into place."Mother, everything is proceeding exactly as planned," she said smoothly, her voice carrying the arrogance of someone who had never known failure. "After tomorrow's Group A anniversary celebration, Jun won't be a problem anymore."Madeline’s voice crackled through the phone, her tone laced with doubt. "Are you certain? After what happened at Emerald Apothecary—"Sarah clicked her tongue, irritation flickering in her gaze. That? That was nothing."One embarrassing incident doesn't change anything," she cut in, inspecting her freshly manicured nails, painted the same shade of blood-red as her ambitions. "Marcus's father has everything under control."The soft sound of approaching footsteps made her lips curl. Right on time.Marcus entered the penthouse, his stride confident, cocky, as if he already owned the city. His expensive suit was s
Chapter 5
Jun leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching as the atmosphere in the store shifted like a storm about to break.Manager Li, who had been full of arrogance just seconds ago, suddenly looked like a rabbit cornered by a starving wolf. His confidence crumbled as he realized who exactly had walked into the store.“G-General Manager Katherine,” he stammered, his throat bobbing as he swallowed nervously.Jun smirked, enjoying the sight of the once-cocky manager sweating bullets. He barely had to lift a finger, yet the entire power dynamic had flipped.Katherine barely spared Manager Li a glance before turning to Jun. “What happened?”Jun sighed dramatically, rubbing his chin. Should I play the victim? No, let’s twist the knife instead.“Well,” he drawled, shooting a look at Madeline and Samantha, “according to them, I’m a stray dog who somehow stole a rich man’s black card. Apparently, I’m also playing pretend and don’t deserve Dragonroot.”Katherine’s expression didn’t change, bu
Chapter 4
The jade box sat firmly in Jun’s hand, but the sudden hesitation from the clerk didn’t go unnoticed. The man’s eyes flicked between Jun’s simple, casual attire and the designer-clad Madeline Radcliffe and her spoiled daughter.A slow, uncertain frown formed on the clerk’s face.“I… I’m sorry, sir,” the clerk stammered. “But I need to confirm this purchase.”Jun’s eyes narrowed. “You already processed my payment.”Madeline let out a mock gasp, placing a hand on her chest like she’d just witnessed a great tragedy. “Oh dear, do you see this, Samantha?”Her daughter smirked. “It’s so embarrassing.”Madeline sighed dramatically. “It really is. I mean, imagine walking into a high-end store, pretending you can afford something, and actually expecting people to believe it.”The clerk straightened his back and cleared his throat. “Sir, this herb is very expensive. Are you certain you—”Jun’s expression turned ice cold. “Are you questioning my ability to pay after the transaction was approved?”
Chapter 3
The private jet landed smoothly on the tarmac of Eagle Industries’ secluded airstrip. As Jun stepped off, the city skyline stretched before him, shimmering under the evening lights. Tomorrow, everything would change."Sir, the takeover is scheduled for tomorrow morning," Katherine Hayes informed him as she walked beside him. "Coincidentally, it aligns with the company's annual anniversary gala. Every major player in the city will be in attendance—including Tozer Group."Jun’s eyes narrowed. Tozer Group. He had read about them in the briefings Katherine provided earlier. A family-run conglomerate, known for their ruthless business tactics and political ties. If they were going to be there, it meant more than just a business event. It was a show of power."So the entire city elite will be there?" he mused.Katherine nodded. "Exactly. It’ll be the perfect moment for your official introduction as the new head of Eagle Industries."Jun smirked. Let them see who they’re dealing with.Kather
Chapter 2
Power surged through Jun's veins as the ancient ring flared to life. His eyes snapped open, now blazing with an otherworldly blue light. The crushing weakness from his blood loss vanished, replaced by raw power flowing through every muscle.What's happening to me? Combat techniques and arcane knowledge flooded his mind – secrets that seemed to span centuries of American military history and beyond. The ring pulsed with each revelation, its golden surface etched with symbols that predated the nation itself.The guard dogs at Marcus's private kennel sensed the change, their trained aggression turning to primal fear. The alpha, a massive German Shepherd, lunged forward with bared teeth.Jun moved with impossible speed, his kick sending the dog flying into the chain-link fence. The crack of impact echoed through the compound."Impossible," Jun whispered, staring at his hands. My strength... it's increased beyond human limits.The remaining dogs retreated, whimpering. Their instincts recog