Prologue – A Life of Betrayal
Ren had always believed in people—until people taught him not to.
In his past life, he wasn't blessed with strength or talent. He wasn't rich, nor was he popular. He was just a quiet young man who dreamed small dreams: to build something of his own, to make his parents proud, and to give his little sister the better life she deserved.
For a time, it seemed possible. Ren poured every ounce of effort into a tiny start-up company he founded during college. He worked day and night, skipping meals, cutting sleep, but smiling whenever his sister peeked in to hand him instant noodles and whisper: "Big brother, you'll make it someday."
And then… betrayal.
His "friends"—the ones who had sworn to help him—stabbed him in the back. With forged contracts and legal loopholes, they took everything. The company, the rights, even the name. Ren was left with nothing but empty hands and a hollow chest.
He should have fought. He should have shouted. But when the bullies who had always haunted his school years reappeared, mocking his failure and leaving bruises on his already broken body, he lost the courage to resist.
After that, Ren withdrew from people. Friends were dangerous. Trust was a trap. Every time someone smiled at him, he wondered when the knife would slide between his ribs.
And yet—there was one light that never went out.
His family. His parents who, though poor, shared every meal and never judged him. And his little sister—the girl who always believed, always defended him, always clung to his arm and said with a laugh: "It's okay, Big Brother. Even if the world hates you, I won't."
For her, he endured. For her, he kept going.
But fate had one last cruelty left.
One rainy night, as Ren walked home with groceries in his arms, he saw a car skidding across the street. In its path—a young girl, frozen in fear.
It was stupid. Reckless. But Ren had never been able to watch something weak be crushed in front of him. He leapt forward, pushing the cat out of the way.
The impact came instantly. Pain, white-hot, flooding every nerve. Then darkness.
As the rain drowned out his final breath, his last thought was of his sister's smile. I'm sorry. I couldn't give you more.
And then… silence.