Chapter 3: I Am Karma
X Vin's car screeched to a halt amidst a sudden traffic jam, enraging him. He leapt out, seized a horn speaker, and mounted his car. "Who dares block my path?" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the once-bustling street, now frozen in terror.
Panic set in as people fled their vehicles, some reversing and speeding away, while others abandoned their cars and ran. Within minutes, the street was deserted, eerily silent, with only the abandoned cars bearing witness to X Vin's wrath.
With a wicked laugh, he threatened, "Next time, I won't be so merciful." He then proceeded to vandalize the remaining cars with his own vehicle, and then sped off into the night, leaving a trail of destruction and fear behind him.
As he vanished into the darkness, the frightened onlookers cautiously emerged from their hiding spots. This was life in the city of Divel - a constant, suffocating fear of X Vin's tyranny. Even driving had become a perilous endeavor, with people hoping against hope that they wouldn't cross paths with the ruthless X Vin.
The screech of tires and the clatter of a hefty bag on the ground announced X Vin's triumphant return to his palatial estate, an ostentatious display of wealth and power.
The manor's grandeur was eclipsed only by the effervescent joy radiating from the three tiny rays of sunshine that awaited him. Kingsley, his eldest son, dashed towards his father, eager to share the secrets of his seven-year-old world. His brother, Majesty, followed suit, bounding into his father's arms, his five-year-old exuberance a delight to behold.
The adoring procession was completed by Emilia, the youngest child, a three-year-old bundle of energy who giggled and squealed with delight as she joined her siblings in the family's jubilant reunion.
As he spent time with his children, he couldn't help but reflect on his past doubts about finding love and building a family, given his notorious reputation. Yet, here he was, surrounded by people who loved him unconditionally. After chatting with the kids, he set them down, and they skipped off to their room, leaving him with a fleeting smile - a rare sight, reserved only for moments with his family.
Liliana walked up to X Vin, and they shared a tender hug and kiss. "You're all over the news again," she said, her voice tinged with concern.
X Vin smiled, "That's how I like it," before settling into the couch.
Liliana pointed to the large bag. "What's all this?"
X Vin shrugged, "Just a few gifts from generous people." As he flipped through channels, his name dominated every screen.
Liliana sighed, "I thought you said you'd try to change."
X Vin replied, "I said that to make you happy, but this is who I am. I can't just change, no matter how hard I try."
Liliana sat beside him, her expression a mix of frustration and worry. "This life isn't always easy. Karma can strike anytime."
X Vin scoffed, "I don't believe in that. Even if it exists, I am the one who makes my own destiny. I am the Karma." Liliana sighed, knowing the conversation had become a familiar, frustrating routine over their eight years together.
Liliana's eyes locked onto X Vin's, filled with a mix of hope and desperation. "I still believe in you, I know you can change," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
X Vin shrugged, "I appreciate your faith, but for now, I'm comfortable with who I am."
Liliana sighed, frustration visible on her face. "Today, I went to buy something, and the shopkeeper refused to take my money because they're afraid of you. I'm tired of being treated like this, tired of them fearing you more than valuing their business."
X Vin dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand, "That's their loss, more savings for us."
Liliana's voice took on a pleading tone, "Please, Xavian, try to change. Think about our family, our children, me, your parents – we all still have hope for you. We want to see you become a better person."
But X Vin evaded her gaze, his expression turning indifferent. "Thanks for the concern, but I'm starving. What's for dinner?"
Liliana recognized the familiar avoidance tactic and chose not to push further, knowing it would be futile. Instead, she forced a smile and said, "Your favorite dish is waiting in the dining room." Hand in hand, they walked towards the meal, the weight of their unresolved conversation remaining in the air.
As the night drew to a close, X Vin and Liliana retired to their room, but while she drifted off to sleep with her hand resting on his, X Vin's mind remained wide awake. His thoughts wandered back to his childhood, to the days of poverty and struggle.
He remembered the cruel taunts and bullying he endured at the hands of his wealthier peers, who treated him like dirt. The pain and isolation of those years still lingered, and X Vin's eyes narrowed as he recalled the promise he made to himself: to rise above it all, to become powerful, wealthy, and feared by all.
That promise had driven him to build the life he now lived, a life of luxury and intimidation. And as he lay there, X Vin knew he couldn't let his guard down, couldn't risk losing the control and respect he'd fought so hard to achieve. His past had shaped him into the man he was today, and he saw no reason to change now.
X Vin's quest for vengeance had been relentless, driven by the painful memories of his childhood bullying. He had systematically tracked down and eliminated each of his tormentors, but one elusive figure remained: Reynoil Miller.
Despite years of searching, X Vin had been unable to locate his final target, who seemed to have expertly covered his tracks. However, X Vin was undeterred, confident that his vast network of global operatives would eventually uncover Reynoil's whereabouts.
With eyes and ears stationed worldwide, X Vin's team provided him with unparalleled access to information, ensuring that he would ultimately find the last piece of his past that had evaded him for so long. The hunt was far from over, and X Vin's determination only grew stronger with each passing day.
"Reynoil Miller, you're the last one standing," X Vin whispered to himself, his voice filled with a deadly promise. "But not for long. I'll track you down, no matter what it takes, and when I do, you'll meet your end."
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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