《Greed》


 ?Chapter 1: Beginning

    In the kingdom of Eryndor, innate abilities weren''t just gifts; they were destiny''s script. "Legitimate" abilities, blessed by the gods and recognized by the Holy Knights, were a golden ticket to nobility, wealth, and respect ¨C the hallmarks of the chosen few, the kingdom''s protectors. But for every sunlit path, there was a shadowed counterpart: forbidden abilities. These powers, deemed unholy and dangerous, were shunned, their possessors ostracized, viewed as harbingers of chaos. Think of them as society''s pariahs, perpetually on the outside looking in.


    Nineteen-year-old Ji-Hoon was one such outcast. Born with the forbidden ability "Avarice," he''d grown up in the grim shadows of an orphanage, a life devoid of opportunity and acceptance. Despite his best efforts to blend in, he couldn''t escape the sneering glances and whispered accusations. The Holy Knights, those revered heroes, treated him with particular cruelty, as if his very existence was an affront to their sacred order.


    One morning, Ji-Hoon found himself in the Palace of Lights'' gardens, the king''s opulent residence and the Holy Knights'' headquarters. Sunlight kissed the gleaming white marble towers, a scene usually breathtaking, but Ji-Hoon had no time for sightseeing. Armed with rusty shears, he meticulously trimmed hedges, a menial task reserved for outcasts like him. His hands, a roadmap of cuts and calluses, were a testament to his silent endurance. He¡¯d learned to grit his teeth and bear it.


    As he tackled a thorny rosebush, a familiar voice broke the quiet. It was Min-Jae, an orphanage friend who also worked at the palace. Min-Jae, a skinny, shy boy with perpetually messy black hair and a mischievous grin, lacked an innate ability, rendering him invisible to the Knights'' scrutinizing gazes.


    "Ji-Hoon!" Min-Jae whispered, approaching cautiously. "Did you see the decorations in the Great Hall? Looks like they''re prepping for a Holy Knights ceremony."


    Ji-Hoon nodded, continuing his work. "Yeah, I heard. Another chance for them to preen and boast about their ''legitimate'' abilities."


    Min-Jae grimaced. "Remember back at the orphanage? Dreaming of becoming heroes like them?"


    Ji-Hoon paused, shears suspended mid-air. A wistful smile touched his lips. "Yeah, I do. We imagined having legendary powers, saving the kingdom..."


    "But reality''s a bit different, huh?" Min-Jae interrupted, his smile fading. "I don''t get why they treat you so badly. You work harder than anyone here."


    Ji-Hoon lowered his gaze, his grip tightening on the shears. "It''s because of ''Avarice.'' To them, I''m a threat, an abomination. No matter what I do, I''ll never be good enough."


    Min-Jae glanced around, then leaned closer. "Yesterday, I saw Knight-Commander Yulius shove you down the stairs. Why? You didn''t do anything to deserve it."


    Ji-Hoon clenched his jaw, a flicker of anger in his dark eyes. "Because he can. Because to them, I''m nothing more than a stray dog. They feel compelled to remind me of my place."


    Min-Jae sighed, his expression a blend of sadness and frustration. "It''s not fair. You deserve better, Ji-Hoon."


    Ji-Hoon remained silent, resuming his work with almost robotic precision. But in his mind, a single thought echoed: *One day, this will change. One day, they''ll see what ''Avarice'' can truly do.*


    The garden''s tranquility shattered with the heavy thud of boots and the clang of armor. A group of Holy Knights entered the courtyard, their shining armor reflecting the sun like a thousand tiny mirrors, their white capes billowing behind them. Several flustered servants scurried around them, gathering their equipment ¨C swords, shields, and sealed scrolls.


    Ji-Hoon quickly looked down, hoping to become invisible. He knew a Knight''s gaze brought nothing good. But then, footsteps approached. A chill snaked down his spine.


    "You, there!" a commanding voice boomed.


    Ji-Hoon froze. He recognized the voice instantly: Knight-Commander Yulius, a towering figure known for his cruelty towards outcasts. Yulius stopped before him, his polished boots crushing the leaves Ji-Hoon had just trimmed.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Kneel, wretch," Yulius commanded, his tone brooking no argument.


    Ji-Hoon hesitated, his hands gripping the shears. He felt Min-Jae''s worried gaze, but knew defying a Holy Knight was suicidal. Slowly, he set down the shears, knelt, and bowed his head in submission.


    "Good," Yulius sneered. "A dog knows its place."


    Before Ji-Hoon could react, a stinging slap sent his head reeling. The burning pain was followed by a sickening wetness ¨C Yulius had spat on him. Ji-Hoon''s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms, but he didn''t lift his head.


    "Look at him, this refuse," another Knight mocked, laughing. "He hasn''t even the courage to defend himself."


    "Of course not," a third chimed in. "Bearers of forbidden abilities are fit only to crawl in the mud."


    Their laughter echoed, drawing the attention of other servants. Ji-Hoon felt their pitying, fearful gazes. Min-Jae, hidden behind a bush, clenched his fists in helpless fury.


    "Stay there until we''re gone," Yulius ordered, turning away. "And don''t forget your place, wretch."


    The Knights departed, their mocking laughter fading. Ji-Hoon remained kneeling, his eyes fixed on the ground. Shame and rage simmered within him, yet his face remained impassive. He knew any reaction would only worsen things.


    Min-Jae cautiously approached once they were gone. "Ji-Hoon¡­" he whispered, his voice trembling. "I¡­ I''m sorry."


    Ji-Hoon slowly rose, wiping the spittle from his face with his sleeve. "It''s nothing," he said calmly, though his eyes betrayed a chilling resolve.


    Min-Jae started to protest, but fell silent, noticing the change in Ji-Hoon. Something dark and dangerous had ignited within him.


    "One day," Ji-Hoon muttered, his fists still clenched. "One day, they''ll understand what it means to suffer."


    As the day ended, painting the Eryndor sky in fiery hues, Ji-Hoon stood before the palace steward, a portly man with an indifferent gaze. The steward handed him a small pouch containing his daily wage: a few copper coins, barely enough to survive. Ji-Hoon took it silently, slipping it into his worn pocket.


    He left the Palace of Lights through a back door, avoiding the gazes of guards and nobles. The city streets were still bustling, but Ji-Hoon ignored the closing shops and children playing in the alleys. His mind was elsewhere, tormented by the day''s events.


    He eventually reached the Saint-C¨¦leste Orphanage, a modest, dilapidated building on the edge of the slums. Despite its run-down appearance, it was a haven, filled with laughter and memories. Ji-Hoon pushed open the creaking wooden door, met by a cheerful cacophony.


    "Ji-Hoon''s here!" a small boy shouted, running towards him.


    "Did you bring food?" a bright-eyed girl asked.


    Ji-Hoon offered a smile, his first of the day, producing a bag of provisions he''d purchased. There was fresh bread, fruit, and some dried meat ¨C rare treats for the orphanage children.


    "Share it fairly," he said, handing the bag to the eldest child.


    While the children swarmed the communal table, Ji-Hoon was approached by Sister Marianne, a kind woman of mature years. She had been a mother figure to him since his arrival, and he held her in deep respect.


    "Ji-Hoon, my boy, how are you?" she asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.


    "I''m fine, Sister Marianne," he replied with a shrug. "Just another day."


    She looked at him intently, as if seeing past his words. "And the Holy Knights? Did they trouble you again?"


    Ji-Hoon looked away, feigning interest in the children squabbling over bread. "Nothing serious," he said neutrally. "Just the usual taunts and humiliations."


    Sister Marianne sighed, her gaze filled with sorrow. "Ji-Hoon my boy, you are strong. Stronger than you know. But Ji-Hoon you don''t have to face this alone. If you ever need to talk, I''m here for you."


    Ji-Hoon nodded, grateful but distant. He couldn''t explain what he truly felt. How could he tell her that his anger was growing daily, that he dreamt of revenge while fearing what "Avarice" might make him do?


    "Thank you, Sister Marianne," he said simply. "I''m fine, really."


    She smiled gently, then turned to the children. "Come along, little ones, it''s time for dinner. Ji-Hoon my boy, will you join us?"


    "Of course," he replied, sitting at the table.


    Surrounded by the children, Ji-Hoon allowed himself to be enveloped by the orphanage''s warmth. For a moment, he forgot the Knights, the humiliations, and the simmering anger. But deep down, a thought lingered: *How much longer can I endure this?*

 ?Chapter 2 : The Fire and the Awakening

    After dinner, Ji-Hoon climbed the stairs of the orphanage to the small room he shared with two other boys. The children were already asleep, exhausted from a day filled with laughter and games. Ji-Hoon lay down on his makeshift bed, staring at the cracked ceiling. Despite his fatigue, sleep eluded him. The day''s events kept replaying in his mind¡ª the taunts from the Holy Knights, Min-Jae¡¯s sorrowful expression, Sister Marianne¡¯s comforting words.


    Eventually, he drifted into a restless sleep. But in the middle of the night, something jolted him awake. A sharp, acrid smell burned his nostrils. Smoke.


    Ji-Hoon sat up abruptly, his heart pounding. The room was thick with gray haze, and ominous cracking sounds echoed from outside. He rushed to the window¡ªhis blood ran cold.


    The orphanage was on fire.


    Outside, dark silhouettes stood against the fiery glow. Ji-Hoon immediately recognized one of them¡ª Knight Yulius, watching the chaos with a cruel smile. Around him, armored men hurled torches onto the roof, while others blocked the townspeople from intervening.


    ¡°Burn it all!¡± Yulius commanded. ¡°This nest of heretics must be wiped out!¡±


    Panic surged through Ji-Hoon. He ran out of the room, shouting:


    ¡°Wake up! The orphanage is on fire!¡±


    But it was already too late. The flames had devoured the staircase, and the heat was unbearable. Ji-Hoon sprinted through the hallways, desperately searching for the children and Sister Marianne. All he found were charred remains and clothes reduced to ash.


    ¡°No¡­ No, no, NO!¡± he screamed, tears streaming down his face.


    He collapsed to his knees, clutching the burned remnants of those he loved. The agony was unbearable¡ªa mix of sorrow and pure, unfiltered rage. The flames closed in, wrapping around him like a fiery embrace.


    Then, something inside him stirred. A dark, insatiable force rose from deep within, as if Avarice had been waiting for this very moment to emerge.


    A black surge of energy exploded from his body, pushing back the flames and smoke. Ji-Hoon¡¯s mind wavered¡ªthen everything went dark.


    When he opened his eyes again, he was lying in a damp, shadowy cave. Faint daylight seeped through a narrow opening, casting dim light on the rocky walls. He was sprawled on a bed of dry leaves, his body covered in soot but miraculously unharmed.


    ¡°Where¡­ where am I?¡± he whispered, his voice hoarse and shaky.


    Memories of the fire, the screams, the pain¡­ and that dark force that had saved him flooded his mind. Ji-Hoon looked down at his hands, half-expecting to see traces of Avarice. But there was nothing¡ªjust the scorched marks left by the flames.


    ¡°What happened to me?¡± he murmured. But the cave remained silent.


    Ji-Hoon slowly got to his feet, his legs still unsteady. One thing was certain¡ªhis life would never be the same. The Holy Knights had taken everything from him, but in doing so, they had awakened something powerful. Something dangerous.


    And Ji-Hoon was determined to use it.


    Still reeling from the shock, Ji-Hoon tried to piece together how he had ended up in this cave. As he struggled to gather his thoughts, a soft blue glow suddenly appeared before his eyes. A holographic interface materialized, hovering in the air like a magical projection. Lines of text and numbers scrolled across the screen, accompanied by a cold, mechanical voice that echoed in his mind.


    [¡°Avarice System activated.¡±]


    Ji-Hoon blinked, disbelief washing over him as the interface expanded before him. It was divided into several sections:


    Name: Kim Ji-Hoon


    Age: 19


    Level: 1


    Statistics:


    Strength: 0


    Agility: 0


    Endurance: 0


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.Intelligence: 0


    Luck: 0


    Ji-Hoon stared at the numbers in confusion. Everything was at zero. He was at level 1¡ªnothing more than a complete beginner. Before he could process it further, a new section popped up: Encyclopedia.


    The system¡¯s voice echoed again, monotone yet carrying an undeniable authority.


    [¡°Encyclopedia: Welcome, user. You survived the orphanage fire due to the activation of the Avarice System. According to official records, you and all residents of the orphanage are declared deceased. This interface has been designed to assist you in achieving your revenge.¡±]


    A shiver ran down Ji-Hoon¡¯s spine. The words struck a chord within him, awakening a fury he had long suppressed.


    ¡°My revenge¡­¡± he whispered, clenching his fists.


    The system continued, oblivious to his emotions.


    [¡°To avoid detection, you have the option to alter your physical appearance. This feature, called ¡®Glow UP,¡¯ will allow you to conceal your identity and blend into society unnoticed. Additionally, your data can be masked, preventing any system or individual from detecting your true abilities.¡±]


    Ji-Hoon looked at his soot-covered hands. The idea of changing his appearance felt strange¡ªalmost unreal¡ªbut he understood the necessity. If he wanted to take down the Holy Knights, he had to stay hidden.


    ¡°Show me,¡± he commanded firmly.


    The interface displayed a new window, featuring a 3D model of Ji-Hoon with options to tweak every detail¡ªfacial structure, hair color, height, muscle definition, even his voice. Ji-Hoon spent several minutes adjusting the parameters, crafting a new version of himself.


    When he finished, the preview reflected his new face¡ªolder, sharper, with short black hair and piercing eyes. He no longer resembled the timid, abused orphan he once was.


    [¡°Appearance updated. Would you like to activate data masking?¡±]


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ji-Hoon responded without hesitation.


    [¡°Data masking activated. Your stats and level will be visible only to you. No one will be able to gauge your true strength.¡±]


    Ji-Hoon nodded, feeling an unfamiliar sense of power rising within him. He was no longer the same person. The orphanage, the children, Sister Marianne¡­ that life was over. Now, he had only one goal¡ªto make those responsible pay.


    ¡°Syst¨¨me,¡± he said, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°How do I begin?¡±


    [¡°Main objective: Vengeance. To progress, you must complete quests, defeat enemies, and absorb their abilities. Each victory will bring you closer to your goal. Would you like to receive your first quest?¡±]


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ji-Hoon answered, his eyes gleaming with a dark determination.


    [¡°Initial Quest: Survival and Adaptation. Explore the cave to find resources and weapons. Then, leave this place and head towards the Forest of Shadows, where your training will begin. Reward: 100 experience points and a basic skill.¡±]


    Ji-Hoon rose to his feet, a newfound energy coursing through him. He glanced around, ready to tackle this first step. The cave, once a place of despair, had now become the starting point of his journey.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he murmured, clenching his fists. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    He moved cautiously through the dim cave. The darkness was nearly absolute, and the rocky walls seemed to swallow the faint light from the entrance. Stretching his hands forward, he navigated carefully.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see a thing,¡± he muttered in frustration. ¡°How am I supposed to find anything in this pitch black?¡±


    Looking up, he noticed dark shapes fluttering along the ceiling¡ª bats. They moved silently, using echolocation to navigate the cave¡¯s depths. Ji-Hoon observed them, fascinated by their ability to adapt to such a hostile environment.


    But soon, they became a nuisance. They swooped around him, their high-pitched cries echoing through the cave. One flew too close, its wings brushing his face. Annoyed, Ji-Hoon grabbed a sharp rock from the ground.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± he growled, hurling the stone.


    The projectile struck a bat mid-flight, sending it tumbling to the ground with a faint squeal. Ji-Hoon stepped closer, surprised by his own accuracy. The creature lay motionless, its wings folded.


    At that moment, the Avarice System activated.


    [¡°Notification: You have killed a local bat. Reward: 2 experience points.¡±]


    Ji-Hoon blinked.


    ¡°Two points? That¡¯s it?¡±


    Then, a new message appeared.


    [¡°Skill Acquired: Echolocation. Allows the user to perceive surroundings through emitted sound waves, similar to bats. Skill Level: Beginner.¡±]


    Ji-Hoon felt a strange sensation. Closing his eyes, he focused¡ªand suddenly, he sensed the cave.


    ¡°Incredible¡­¡± he whispered, a small smile forming.


    With this new ability, he could now navigate the darkness.


    His journey had begun.