The next morning, Jason and Jake woke up on the gym floor with stiff backs but lighter hearts.
After packing their things, they went back to their small apartment — the home they once shared.
They took long showers, washed off the dust and jail smell, changed into clean clothes, and stepped outside into the fresh city air.
As they walked through the busy street, Jason spoke in a strong tone, "I'm going to find a job today. I can't sit around like this."
"It's okay," Jake replied calmly. "Take your time. I have enough money to take care of both of us."
Jason frowned. "How are you even surviving in this big city? You're not… stealing or anything, right?"
Jake laughed. "What? No. I do an internship at a company, and sometimes part-time jobs at night."
"And your college fees?" Jason asked.
"I took a student loan," Jake said with a small smile. "Don't worry. Once I land a proper job, I'll clear my debt."
Jason looked at him quietly, and sadness crept into his eyes. His little brother — the kid who once cried if the lights went out — was now facing life alone. Bills. Work. Loans. Responsibilities. While he was locked behind bars.
"There I am," Jason thought bitterly. "The older brother… left behind."
He stopped walking. "From now on, you only focus on your studies," Jason said firmly. "I'll handle the expenses. No excuses. No questions."
Jake raised his hands. "Alright, alright. I get it."
Jason nodded. Then his curiosity kicked in. "And… one more thing. Who's that hero? The one everyone is talking about.
KNUCKLE. His name is everywhere."
Jake took a deep breath. "Three years ago in Dorantum City, a strange virus broke out.
People turned into zombie-like creatures. The whole city collapsed in days. The government sealed it off. Most say no one made it out alive."
Jason listened silently.
"That disaster destroyed our city's economy too," Jake continued. "Prices shot up, taxes were insane.
People protested, but the officials didn't care. Gangs grew huge. Even the cops lost control. Sanctuary City was dying."
Jake's eyes softened. "And then… he appeared. KNUCKLE. He defeated every major gang, one by one.
Some people thought he was just another criminal wiping out rivals.
But six months ago… he saved 152 hostages from a high-rise. The building exploded before he could escape. Everyone thought he was dead. But he came back."
Jake smiled slightly. "Since then, people see him as a hero… almost like a god."
Jason squinted. "Don't you know a bit too much about him?"
"Everyone in college talks about him," Jake shrugged. "I just hear things."
Jason snorted. "I think he's a moron."
"What? Why?" Jake asked.
Jason looked straight ahead. "Because the people he protects will be the ones who kill him."
Jake blinked. "How does that make sense?"
"It's simple," Jason said. "Sooner or later, he'll become a problem for the officials.
They can't fill their pockets if he keeps cleaning their mess. So they'll create fake crimes, fake incidents, fake blame — all on him. And the public? They'll believe it."
Jake frowned. "But they know what he's done for the city."
Jason sighed. "People are like ants — tiny, scared, and easy to control. They never grow stronger, and they never let anyone else grow either. If someone powerful tells them KNUCKLE is a fraud, they'll believe it. It's how the world works."
Jake sat silently, unable to argue.
Jason patted his shoulder. "Forget what I said. Aren't you late for college?"
Jake suddenly panicked. "Right—my project!"
He handed Jason the house keys and started running.
Jason smiled… but then the smile slowly faded.
When Jake ran, his shirt lifted slightly — revealing fresh scars across his back and bruises on his arms.
Those weren't from work.
Those weren't from school.
Someone had been hurting him.
Jason's jaw tightened.
Without saying a word, he followed Jake quietly toward the college.
Jake hurried inside, unaware.
Jason stepped through the college gate, scanning the surroundings…
…and what he saw made his blood turn cold.